Mediterranean Blooms through
Portofino and Corsica

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.

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.

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.