French and Italian Riviera

Cassis is a tranquil paradise resting beneath the golden cliffs of Cap Canaille. As charming as its surroundings, Cassis invites you to embrace the art of idleness. Along its picturesque harbor, colorful houses stand beside inviting terraces, where you’ll feel drawn to savor sea bass or scorpionfish paired with wine from one of the twelve local vineyards, no matter the hour. Wander through the narrow streets and calades*, pausing in quaint squares adorned with bubbling fountains.

At Bestouan Beach, crystal-clear waters invite you to swim or simply bask in their beauty. Meanwhile, at the Calanque of Port Miou, you’ll marvel at rocky peaks and umbrella pines framed by the turquoise sea. As Frédéric Mistral said, "He who has seen Paris but not Cassis has seen nothing." *Steep, cobbled streets

Creativity, sea, and serenity converge on the private island of Bendor, which languidly awaits off the coast of Bandol in Provence. This utopian haven – nicknamed the “Garden of Mediterranean Arts” – unfolds landscapes bathed in an ethereal light, alongside translucent coves and maritime pines. Conceived as an outpost for artistic vitality and genuine camaraderie by French industrialist Paul Ricard, the island drew a constellation of 20th-century icons, including Salvador Dalí and Josephine Baker. Today, Ricard’s dream endures as a cherished family legacy, even as the island undergoes an extensive renovation to protect and elevate its soul. Set to reopen in 2026, the island of Bendor will once again stand as the epitome of Provençal luxury.

1955: a film, an actress, a small fishing village, and a phenomenal success. The film was And God Created Woman, the actress Brigitte Bardot, and the village, Saint-Tropez. BB became a myth, and Saint-Tropez, a legend. Royals, actors, writers, painters, sculptors… all flocked to its shores. "Saint-Trop", as insiders call it, became the epicenter of laid-back chic.

People adore it for its beaches—of which there are many (Pampelonne, La Ponche, Les Canoubiers…)—and their restaurants; its old port, where yachts and fishing boats intermingle; its narrow streets and ochre-colored facades; the Place des Lices, alive with endless pétanque games; the Voiles regatta, showcasing the most magnificent sailboats; and its “institutions”: morning coffee at Sénéquier and sandals crafted here and nowhere else.

Time, seasons, and trends may come and go, but Saint-Tropez remains: a way of life.

Tucked away in a serene bay along Italy’s Ligurian coast, Portofino is a jewel of timeless beauty. This picturesque village, with its colorful facades and tranquil harbor, has long been a retreat. In the 1950s and '60s, it became a beloved hideaway for Hollywood icons and European aristocracy. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, and Clark Gable all found solace here, adding to the allure of this enchanting spot.

Strolling through Portofino, you’ll find yourself drawn to Castello Brown, where the hanging gardens offer sweeping views of the Gulf of Tigullio. Visit the charming San Giorgio Church or relax in the Piazzetta, the village square, where time seems to slow to a gentle pace. In Portofino, glamour meets tranquility, allowing you to savor the beauty of each moment.

Often described as bold and full of life, Marseille embraces its vibrant spirit and unapologetic energy. As France’s oldest; it doesn’t just belong to the South—it is the South: a vibrant mix of aioli, pastis, and navettes, carried by the mistral, and watched over by the iconic Bonne Mère*. In its neighborhoods—people discuss a bit of politics, a lot of rap, and are an undeniable passionate about football.

Yet to truly feel its pulse, you must soak in the salty air of La Canebière and the Old Port, stroll down Le Prado, marvel at the MuCEM by the sea. Look out to Château d’If, imagining The Count of Monte Cristo. Explore the Calanques, be inspired by Le Corbusier’s Radiant City. Marseille is an ancient ever-changing mosaic of cultures, revealing itself only to those who follow its rhythm. 

*Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica