Italian & French Riviera Gems:
Portofino & Cannes

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 for those seeking an escape from the ordinary. 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.

Its story reads like a fairytale: a small fishing village transformed into the world’s cinema capital, thanks to a festival that became the second most-publicized event on the planet, after the Olympics.
Like any fairytale, it has a palace. The Palais des Festivals may have only 24 steps, but what steps they are! For ten days, they’re draped in a red carpet, lit by flashing cameras as the world’s biggest stars ascend them.
For over 75 years, the Cannes Film Festival has discovered talent, created legends, and immortalized those who’ve graced the famous Croisette. With beaches and luxury hotels (Le Martinez, Le Majestic, Le Carlton…) on one side, and designer boutiques on the other, the Croisette is Cannes’ glamorous heartbeat. And even when the festival lights fade, with the Lérins Islands in view and the old town of Le Suquet nearby, Cannes stays forever in the spotlight.

Often described as bold and full of life, Marseille embraces its vibrant spirit and unapologetic energy. As France’s oldest and second-largest city, 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— from Le Panier to Mazargues, from La Pointe Rouge to La Castellane—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, or discover Vauban’s grand fortifications. Marseille is an ancient ever-changing mosaic of cultures, revealing itself only to those who follow its rhythm.

*Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica