Corsica 
      & Liguria

Overlooking the tranquil, clear waters of the Gulf of Valinco and far from the tourist crowds of Bonifacio and Ajaccio, Propriano captures the true essence of southern Corsica. It’s a place of stunning coves, rugged landscapes dotted with rocky peaks, and a fragrant maquis filled with the scents of immortelle, myrtle, arbutus, and green oak. And then, there are the beaches. Carcci, at the town’s entrance, marks the start of an exceptional coastline that includes Portigliolo, Capu Laurosu (with the Genoese Tower of Campomoro in the distance), Lido Puraja, and Mancinu.

But Propriano offers more than beaches. It’s renowned for its diving spots and the nearby Filitosa site, where ancient granite statue-menhir figures stand in enduring mystery.

On Corsica’s northwestern coast, lies the picturesque town of Calvi. The majestic Genoese Citadel, set against the backdrop of the Monte Grossu mountains, houses all the town’s historic treasures: the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, the Saint Anthony of Padua Oratory, the Salt Tower, the Sampiero Barracks, and even the house where Christopher Columbus is rumored to have been born—a claim no one in Calvi disputes!

Calvi offers endless outdoor adventures, from swimming in natural freshwater pools to hiking in the nearby Bonifatu Forest. Wherever you roam, the Virgin Mary watches over the town from her hilltop perch at the Notre-Dame de la Serra Chapel. According to legend, bringing your true love here promises beauty and longevity for your relationship.

Nestled between Cap Corse and the Agriates Desert lies the hidden gem of Saint-Florent. At the village’s entrance, beneath the shady trees of Place des Portes, locals play pétanque, watched by leisurely passersby. Overlooking it all is the 16th-century Citadel, a guardian of Saint-Florent’s history, near the medieval Cathedral of Nebbiu.

By the port, mornings bring fishermen with their fresh catch, while sunsets offer breathtaking views over the bay. Evenings invite you to dine on a terrace or explore the quaint night market. The beaches of Saint-Florent are simply divine. Napoleon himself regretted not making this village a capital—you may find your only regret is having to leave.

Just a few kilometers from the Cinque Terre and La Spezia, lies a charming destination, far less known than its famous neighbors: Lerici. Its name might not be familiar, yet this small village is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Legend has it that it was created by Hercules in honor of Venus.

 The former Genoese fortress has preserved its medieval past in stunning architectural form. An imposing 13th-century castle stands as the proud guardian of the town and its harbor; cobblestone streets wind through the village; colorful houses adorned with wooden shutters and flower-filled balconies line the way. And, as it has always been, the breathtaking views over the Ligurian Sea complete this picturesque picture. If you’ve fallen for the Cinque Terre, you might just fall in love with Lerici.

 In reality, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a small seaside resort located between Nice and Monaco, has hardly changed. Luckily, time seems to have stood still here in the Belle Époque. Between the sea and the cliffs, Beaulieu has kept its indescribable charm, giving it a unique cachet. Simply look up to marvel at the architecture of the villas, above the Baie des Fourmis or the Petite Afrique beach, admire the Casino, the former Bristol Hotel with its Rotunda, the Palais des Anglais and, of course, be entranced by the famous Villa Kérylos, a faithful reconstruction of a sumptuous residence from ancient Greece. Royals (King Leopold II of Belgium, Empress Eugénie…), Eiffel, and Tolstoy knew its allure and made it their place of retreat. Everywhere in Beaulieu, the "spirit of the Côte d'Azur" lingers.

Often called "The Rock," Monaco is anything but ordinary. It’s a place where a prince (Rainier) married a movie star (Grace Kelly) and a sovereign city-state perched high on cliffs that descend into the Mediterranean. Monaco is a global village where the elite gather for exclusive events like the Monaco Yacht Show, the Rose Ball, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

But Monaco has much more to offer. Its rich history is reflected in landmarks like the 1646 Chapel of Mercy, the Cathedral, the Belle Époque Casino by Charles Garnier, and the 16th-century Major Ramp with its ancient gates. Meanwhile, modern marvels like 100-meter towers and the Materra district rising from the sea, designed by Renzo Piano, point to its future.
In Monaco, time seems to stand still.