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.

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.

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.

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.

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