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Choosing Your Perfect Mountain Adventure

March 25, 2026 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Whether you seek the adrenaline of the world’s highest peaks, the refined comfort of luxury resorts, or the rustic charm of hidden valleys, the European Alps offer three distinct experiences. When our clients start talking about a mountain adventure, we ask questions to understand which will be the best fit for them. As a starting point, here are the most important things to know about the Swiss Alps, the French Alps, and the Italian Dolomites.

The Swiss Alps: Luxury and Precision

Covering 60% of Switzerland, the Swiss Alps are a mountaineer’s paradise, boasting the highest concentration of 4,000-meter peaks in Europe. Home to the iconic Matterhorn, the region prides itself on the pristine infrastructure, multilingual hospitality, and Swiss efficiency. It is a landscape that oozes luxury, offering high-end resorts and picture-perfect views at every turn.

Our Top Towns: Interlaken, Grindelwald, Zermatt, and Andermatt.

[Photo Credit: Sepp Rutz via Unsplash]

The French Alps: The Ultimate Variety

Stretching from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, the French Alps are all about diversity. You will find everything from the snow-capped heights of Mont Blanc to rolling meadows and alpine lakes.

Here, the Savoyard culture is the heartbeat, evident in the hearty menus featuring fondue, raclette, and tartiflette. And, the towns buzz with history and energy, offering a perfect pivot between a winter wonderland in the north and sunny Mediterranean getaways in the south.

Our Top Towns: Chamonix, Aix-les-Bains, Grenoble, and Chablis.

[Photo Credit: Clary Garcia via Unsplash]

The Italian Dolomites: Dramatic Beauty and Warmth

three imposing mountain spires behind a inn on a hill in the Dolomites

Located in the north-eastern corner of Italy, where Switzerland and Austria meet, the Dolomites offer effortless charm. This region uniquely blends German and Italian cultures, resulting in top-quality food and warm, welcoming hospitality. The landscape features dramatic, steep cliffs and winding roads leading to hidden gems.

Our Top Towns: Ortisei, Dobbiaco, Castelrotto, Bolzano, and Santa Maddalena.

[Photo Credit: Valdemaras D via Unsplash]

What’s the Vibe?

woman at the end of a dock in Switzerland

The Swiss Alps have a timeless sense of luxury and refinement. Here, you feel the respect they have for the incredible nature while managing it with precision. The Swiss Alps exude a calm but sophisticated atmosphere.

The French Alps offer a balance between the luxurious Swiss and laid-back Dolomites. With a lively atmosphere where culture, gastronomy, and sport collide, it feels like a celebration of life in the mountains.

Rustic and slow-paced, the Dolomites feel more like a home than a resort. The blend of cultures creates a unique, laid-back atmosphere where you are welcome to simply enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery.

[Photo Credit: Usha & Mark via Shared Adventures – read about their Switzerland Adventure here! ]

Budget Expectations

The Swiss Alps are the premium option. Expect to pay a significant premium for accommodation, dining, and lift passes. However, the quality of service and infrastructure is world-class, justifying the cost for those seeking the ultimate luxury experience.

While luxury exists, the French Alps are known for excellent value, particularly in the “lesser” known villages and self-catered chalets. You can find high-end experiences, but the region also offers some of the most affordable lift passes and accommodation in Europe.

The Dolomites generally offer better value than the other two Alps. You can enjoy high-end dining and accommodation without the Swiss price tag, thanks to the region’s focus on authentic experiences over pure luxury.

In Winter

a red train traveling through snowy mountains towards the matterhorn in Switzerland

The Swiss Alps in winter offer luxury, functionality, and classic Swiss efficiency. The experience is luxurious: private chalets, Michelin-starred dining, and exclusive spa facilities. Well-run trains wind through the mountains connecting the elegant towns. This is certainly the most comfortable winter holiday available.

[Photo Credit: Kevin Schmid via Unsplash]

For skiers, the pistes are impeccably groomed, and the lifts are reliable. While the Swiss resorts do feature beginner areas separated from the main slopes, the Swiss Alps suit intermediate and expert skiers best. Mid-level adventurers can find long, smooth red trails, and the high-altitude challenging off-piste areas are an adrenaline seeker’s dream. The culture here is more polished than the wild off-piste slopes of the French Alps, giving you stupifying speed that still requires heart-pumping precision and control.

The French Alps are the home of serious skiing. The interconnected “Grand Massif” or “3 Vallées” (the world’s largest ski area) offers thousands of kilometers of perfectly groomed blue and red runs. You can ski for a week without repeating a trail, from powder hounds in Chamonix to families enjoying gentle slopes.

The French system is exceptionally friendly to novices. Towns like La Plagne and Méribel offer vast, gentle green runs that feel endless, allowing learners to build confidence without the intimidation of steep terrain. The “Family” ski areas are designed specifically for first-timers. Those looking for expert adrenaline runs can find it in the Chamonix glaciers, but these slopes tend to be a little more wild.

[Photo Credit: Chris Biron via Unsplash]

The Dolomites offer a more relaxed winter experience compared to their French and Swiss counterparts. The famous Sella Ronda circuit is perfect for all levels, with runs that weave through dramatic limestone peaks. The views alone make the skiing a joy. The infrastructure is there, but definitely less efficient and punctual than in the Swiss and French Alps. Certainly, there is no rush. For beginners, the slopes are gentle and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming. The advanced runs are wild and rocky – rather than speed the focus here is on scenery and technique.

an italian espresso in the foreground and a ski resort in the background Dolomites Italy

Of course, being in Italy, the Dolomites are also perfect for foodies. Gourmet ski huts host the sciare con gusto – taste for skiing. Each year, ten Michelin-starred chefs from across Italy pair with mountain huts to create a signature dish inspired by the local cuisine. This involves a self-guided or tour route of tasting and skiing between each stop.

[Photo Credit: Vlado Sestan via Unsplash]

In Summer

The Swiss Alps are equally captivating in the summer. Keeping with the theme of effortless infrastructure, the Swiss Travel Pass makes exploration easy. Furthermore, you can use it to hop on scenic trains, cable cars, and boats. These Alps are the perfect destination for those who want to experience the mountains with zero logistical stress.

[Photo Credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel via Unsplash]

Summer in the French Alps brings warm, sunshiny days and an explosion of verdant green. Additionally, hiking trails are extensive. Like their ski slopes, the trails range from easy alpine lakes to challenging high-altitude treks. The weather is generally warmer than in the Swiss or Italian sectors, making it ideal for those who want to combine mountain air with a taste of the Riviera.

[Photo Credit: David Amar via Unsplash]

Compared to the Alps, the Dolomites have little of the efficient infrastructure, but they are a hiker’s and cyclist’s dream. The winding roads are a paradise for road cyclists, while the trails offer breathtaking views of the jagged peaks. Compared to the others, the culture here is slower, inviting you to linger over long lunches and explore hidden villages. The locals welcome you with open arms, and the scenery astounds.

[Photo Credit: Giorgi Shakarashvili via Unsplash]

an imposing mountain ridge with a sheer drop on one side and soft grassy hills on the other and imposing mountains in the background Dolomites Italy

No matter which range you choose, the mountains are calling. Let us know which one resonates with your travel style, we can’t wait to begin crafting your perfect itinerary.

Paris Anniversary Adventure

June 27, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Nicole and Paul wanted to celebrate their 10th anniversary somewhere romantic, iconic and international. With amazing architecture, food, and one of Paul’s favorite soccer teams playing- Paris was the perfect destination! We sent them on a week long adventure in the city of light. Here’s how it went:

We absolutely LOVED our trip – the weather was gorgeous with the exception of one afternoon we got rained on. Everything was GORGEOUS – in awe of the history and architecture.

Here are some quick notes:

Flight

So awesome to travel internationally again. They give you food, don’t charge for alcohol, and have plenty of in-flight entertainment to keep you busy. The first-class area looked really nice too (if anyone wanted to pay for that).

Transportation

The car service that picked us up was decent. The driver said he almost left bc it took us almost an hour to get our bags and go through customs. He said he tried to call me but I didn’t have international calling or decent wifi to accept calls. Luckily he waited but they should know that it can take over an hour to get through everything.

Paris Food & Drink Tour

It was the perfect tour to “ease” us into Paris. Due to the timing of our flights, we did not feel much jet lag which was nice.

Joshua, our tour guide was AWESOME! He gave us the right info at each place and was personable with everyone. The small group was nice. It was nice to visit local shops and to learn about how the different cheeses and wines are made. Paul is now a Chablis fan! The tour ended at an Absinthe bar which made Paul very happy. 🙂

At the end of the tour, Joshua gave some recommendations on where to eat for dinner. We took his recommendation and went to Chez Nicos for crepes!

Hotel

We really loved the boutique hotel. [Hotel Pont Royal] The staff was very nice and spoke English! We were thrilled breakfast was included as it was one less meal we had to worry about. We absolutely LOVED our balcony – it was perfect.

The room itself was nice (a bit small) and there was nowhere to put our luggage but we made do. The bathroom didn’t have much shelving for our stuff so we just had it on the floor…maybe that’s a Euro thing.

Friday – Walking Everywhere in Paris

We walked an INSANE amount of steps: 26K and walked all over the place. We saw Moulin Rouge, Paul found the cafe from the movie Amelie that we really liked, we went to the I Love You wall, took some cool photos of the metro signs, and ended with the catacombs

Saturday – Photo Shoot, Notre Dame & the Louvre

I was able to find a last-minute photographer through a referral from another photographer and made Paul get up at 5 AM so we could meet the photographer at 7:15 and take photos with the least amount of people in the background. Now THAT is love. The photos came out really well and the photographer was great!

[Photo Credit: Jordan with The Parisian Photographers]

Afterward, we enjoyed a croissant and cappuccino at Patisserie where we met the photographer (it was delish) and headed back to the hotel to change. From there we walked to Notre Dame which was breathtaking even though we could not go inside. They had these cool exhibits showcasing different photographers and how they documented the fire and showed the plans to put everything back together.

a couple celebrating their anniversary with the Mona Lisa in Paris

That afternoon we toured the Louvre which was really cool and HUGE. Seeing the Mona Lisa was neat after seeing it in so many art history books. Our tour guide was really passionate about art history so we lucked out.

Soccer Sunday

Sunday was our Paris Saint-Germain soccer game. THAT WAS EPIC – Paul was in soccer heaven. Such a cool experience, so glad we splurged on the seats – we were about 7 rows from the field and the players were RIGHT THERE. PSG didn’t play well and lost but we were thrilled with our experience.

a couple celebrating their anniversary at a PSG football/soccer match in Paris

Monday- Eiffel Tower and Shopping

Monday was our Eiffel Tower and shopping day. Eiffel Tower was VERY BUSY. Cool views but very crowded. We witnessed a proposal! Afterward we walked to the Arc de Triomphe. You could not go up because it was their Labor Day in Paris and was closed. All the shops on Avenue des Champs-Elysees were also closed for Labor Day. We did find an Italian place to eat lunch and that’s when it poured on and off.

We continued to stroll to Alexander III Bridge and luckily no one was on it due to the heavy rains so we captured some nice shots.

Tuesday – Giverny Day Trip

Giverny was sooo pretty and it was nice to see the France Countryside. Our tour guide was very nice. Lunch was really good and Chateau de Versailles was beautiful. Could see where Newport got its inspiration from. Versaille was VERY CROWDED and we did not have much time to explore the grounds. Inside was fairly quick but VERY crowded. Like navigating through a crowded concert.

While we were sad to leave, if we stayed I am not sure where else we would have walked bc we confidently walked everywhere in Paris! LOL

Top Tips for Your First Trip to Europe

June 14, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

First time traveling to Europe? There’s a lot to consider for your first big trip abroad! If you’ve reached out to us to help you plan, you know most of the details are already taken care of. All that’s left is to pack, get on the plane, and enjoy your adventure! But even with a trusted travel agent by your side, it can feel a bit daunting heading to a completely unfamiliar place. Aside from preparing for the extra-long flight, what else do you need to know before you go? As seasoned European travelers, here are our top tips:

Packing

What to Pack: No matter where you’re going in Europe, you will be guaranteed to need three things: comfortable walking shoes, layers, and adapters. Your favorite dress shoes might look amazing, but if you’ve never walked farther than from the restaurant to your car in them, they need to stay home. Generally, the weather is constantly changing throughout the day. Fresh mornings give way to sweltering midday before cooling down again into beautiful evenings. To cover these changes you’ll need to bring some lovely light layers. Finally, you’ll need to select an all-purpose adapter to allow your US plugs to fit into a European outlet. Plus a converter if you’re bringing a US appliance (like a hairdryer) that can’t handle their stronger voltage.

Pack Light: Even with careful planning, at some point on your adventure you’ll need to lift your suitcase. It won’t be over your head, perhaps just a small step into your hotel, up and over the bridges of Venice, or simply over the gap between the train and the platform. But you want to be sure you pack a suitcase that you can manage and maneuver. Check out our packing it all in a carry-on guide – even if you don’t plan on fitting it all in a carry-on, you’ll find some good tips to help you minimize.

[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures]

Important Items: Make sure you pack all medicines, important phone numbers, a change of clothes, and expensive items/ electronics in your carry-on bag. Anything you need in the first 48hrs goes in the carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost.

Your Phone

Check with your provider: Communicating while abroad is important – whether with other people in your group or with your friends and family back home. Or, if you need to access maps, use handy travel apps, post on social media, or check other internet info. Check with your mobile phone provider in advance to see what their international plan is, how to set it up, and whether it’s worth using.

Offline: If you decide you don’t want to use your provider’s international plan, you must put your phone into Airplane mode to avoid roaming charges. Even if you’re not actively using your phone, unless it’s in airplane mode, it’s using data. It’s also worth looking up how to download offline maps. This will help you so much when you’re jumping from wifi to wifi.

[Photo Credit: Angela Compagnone via Unsplash]

Connecting: Most crucially, when you’re abroad, you’ll need to dial the country code to contact anyone. Here’s how to do that (works for both iPhone and Android). Secondly, we cannot recommend WhatsApp enough. Everyone in Europe has and communicates through WhatsApp. That includes your tour guides, your drivers, and even some restaurants. Imagine trying to make a dinner reservation when you don’t speak the language. Instead of struggling to communicate, you type out the request in a translator app. Then, simply send the translation to the restaurant via WhatsApp text! Easy, simple, and with no misunderstandings! WhatsApp also works off of the wifi/ mobile data. So even if you decide not to set up an international plan, you can communicate!

Money Matters

Check With Your Bank: You’ll want to check your bank’s foreign transaction fees and currency conversion rates. Be sure to let them know you’re traveling so they don’t flag any card purchases by mistake. If you have a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (like a Capital One or Chase Sapphire) now is the time to use it! Also, be sure to bring a Visa/Mastercard since many places won’t accept Amex or Discover

In Belgium Beth showing off her chocolate- shopping bags in the Brussels Shopping Mall

Cash vs Card: It’s not necessary to get a huge amount of foreign currency before you leave, but you’ll need some pocket money. The general rule is: anything under 10€ should be paid in cash. Some places won’t accept cards if it’s under 10€ and sometimes it’s more polite to pay for tips, taxis, cups of coffee, etc in cash. Plus, public toilets will only take 1€ coins. Remember: 1€ and 2€ are coins so don’t just get rid of “spare change”! For larger purchases in shops and restaurants, you can use your card to get the best exchange rate and some added protections.

[Photo Credit: Beth & Bob via Shared Adventures Travel – check out their Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris Adventure here! ]

Tipping: While in Europe, resist the urge to tip the way you do in the US. In restaurants check to see if a service charge is already on the bill. If not, and if you’re inclined to tip, don’t leave any more than 10%. Tip tour guides and drivers 2€ -10€ per person. For taxis, you can round up to the nearest Euro. European service workers, in general, make a living wage and do not need/expect a generous American-style tip.

Cultural

Language: Of course, they speak a different language! In major cities, a lot of the service industry at least speak English related to their jobs. But it’s always nice for you to try to meet them halfway. Always try to learn “hello & goodbye”, “ please & thank you”, “ do you speak English?” and “Where is the toilet?” These all go a long way. Don’t forget all the signs will be in the foreign language as well! Luckily, in transport areas like train stations and airports, you’ll often see English in small letters underneath.

Dining Times: Throughout most of Europe the dining times are more specific. Many places, especially in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, close down for an afternoon siesta between 2:30 pm – 7 pm.

To avoid only finding sad sandwiches for lunch, make sure you’re getting lunch before 2 pm. Similarly, many restaurants don’t serve dinner until 7 pm. Certainly, there are a few open earlier, and in big cities, some are open all day. However, you’ll limit your choices if you’re trying to eat dinner before 7 pm.

[Photo Credit: Hilary and Zackary via Shared Adventures Travel — read about their Rome & Amalfi Coast Honeymoon here!]

Finally, in Europe, water doesn’t come automatically to the table. If you want water, you’ll have to order it and it usually is only available by bottle without ice.

Rooms: Unless you’re booking a suite, most of the hotel rooms and beds tend to be smaller than typical American standards. And that includes the bathrooms.

Safety

Be Informed: To keep yourself informed, you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service that allows you to pre-register your travel plans with the US State Department. This way, they can keep you informed of safety conditions at your destination(s). Plus, the US Embassy will know how to reach you in the event of an emergency (including a family emergency at home). To enroll in STEP, visit https://step.state.gov/step/. To keep others informed – make sure you leave a full itinerary with a reservation number with a friend or family member.

Overlooking Paris at sunset from the Arc du Triomphe

Keep Tabs on your Belongings: As with any crowded city or location, you want to make sure to keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t leave your phone in your back pocket, and have a bag that goes across your body and has zippers/ multiple pockets.

[Photo Credit: Kim & Paul via Shared Adventures — read about their Paris Adventure here!]

Standard Precautions: Even though you are on vacation, please follow the same health/safety precautions you would if you were closer to home. Don’t drink to excess (especially in the hot sun), and never leave a drink unattended. Don’t wander around alone at night; practice the buddy system. Lock your hotel room windows and doors (and use the deadbolt provided, or bring an inexpensive door wedge or travel lock of your own). Leave expensive jewelry and electronics at home, and keep valuables in a safe and secure place (such as the in-room safe). If you run into legal trouble or are the victim of a crime, reach out to the nearest US Embassy for assistance. Your rights/responsibilities are different in foreign countries.

While there will always be new things to discover on each adventure you take, we hope this blog has helped you feel more prepared to tackle your first big trip abroad! Now you’re ready to step off the plane and enjoy your European Adventure stress-free. Bookmark this page for later and if you would like some help planning your next adventure let us know!

A Beginners Guide to the French Riviera

February 14, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

The French Riviera is one of those destinations that everyone has heard of. Visions of sitting on a terrace overlooking pristine beaches and unbelievably blue waters with a glass of champagne or rosé in hand capture the imagination. Spend your days soaking up the sun-drenched pastel-colored houses while flitting from one luxury boutique shop to the next. What’s not to love? But how do you begin to bring this vision to life?

Below you’ll find our introductory guide to the fabulous French Riviera!

[Photo Credit: Arno Smit via Unsplash]

What is the French Riviera?

Also known as the Cote d’Azur, the French Riviera is a strip of beautiful towns and cities along the Mediterranean coast. With warm breezes and stunning blue seas, this region has long been the playground of the rich and famous. And for good reason!

There are three general categories of destinations that comprise this idyllic strip in southern France. Bigger cities are well-connected by train and offer a variety of beaches, museums, shopping, old towns, and new squares. These are places like Toulon, Cannes, Nice, and Monaco.

Then there are the smaller coastal towns. These villages and towns blend secluded luxury with quaint Mediterranean culture. Places like Antibes, St. Tropez, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton, Cassis and Hyeres.

Finally, there are the hilltop villages. For those who love the incredible panoramic views but don’t feel the need to actually be in the water. These medieval villages (like Eze) were built high on the hilltops overlooking the Mediterranean. They exude history with winding stone alleyways.

When to Go

aerial view of a beach with the light blue water on top and the grey pebbles covered with people on towels and pastel colored umbrellas in Page Beau Rivage inNice France

With 330 days of sunshine, there’s no bad time to visit. Spring and summer have higher crowds because they offer perfect beach weather. August sees the highest crowds but also the most concerts and luxe parties. Fall provides a good balance of fewer crowds and still lovely weather. And while winters are not for the beachgoers, they are mild and still pleasant to wander the towns with very few crowds.

[Photo Credit: Alex D Alessio via Unsplash]

Getting Around

You’ll fly into Nice or Marseille. While Marseille isn’t technically part of the Riviera, it’s a good starting point to access the western side. Both airports have easy train or bus transportation from the airport to the cities.

Most of the major stops along the coast are well-connected by the TER ( Train Express Regional) train system. From Nice to Monaco is only a 30-minute journey. So, navigating by public transport is easy. But to cast a wider net you’ll need a vehicle — be it a rental car, guided tour, or one of the many well-connected busses.

The Perfect Itinerary

No matter which locales you choose to visit, you’ll find Michelin-star restaurants, colorful open-air markets, shopping, incredible cuisine, and stunning views. Then the entire coast boasts idyllic beaches, and for the adventurous traveler, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and canyoning are available.

overlooking Cannes — *[Photo Credit: Jim Thirion* *via Unsplash]*

Our philosophy as custom travel planners is that there is no “one size fits all” itinerary. A perfect week along the French Riviera will depend wholly on who you are as a traveler. However, we often recommend structuring your trip by picking a larger city as your home base. Then make several day trips radiating out. The cities themselves have plenty to explore on their own and when you add in a few day trips to the smaller towns and villages you’ll have a perfectly luxurious week!

Below, we’ve given a brief overview of each destination to help you determine which locale best fits your style!

Choosing a Home Base

Monaco– This small principality is known for being a playground of the rich with an almost unbelievably wealthy population. Densely packed with skyscrapers and luxury cars, Monaco is synonymous with exclusivity, luxury, and extravagance. Around every corner, you will find some of the most lavish shopping centers, sophisticated hotels, and stylish rooftop clubs.

In addition to luxury and fancy cars, Monaco boasts incredible landscapes that can be fully appreciated from St. Nicholas Cathedral or the Exotic Garden. Walk down by the harbor to admire the mega-yachts, or lay out on the soft sandy beaches to soak up the sun. Head to the old town to visit the Prince’s Palace and tour the extravagant rooms or try your luck at one of the high-end casinos. This bustling, busy city imbues you with a sense of glamour, wealth, and vibrancy.

[Photo Credit: Julien Lanoy via Unsplash]

Cannes – Cannes is famous, of course, for the Cannes Film Festival! Each May it welcomes celebrities from all over the world for film screenings. Throughout the rest of the year, it keeps this air of glamour and luxury. With easy access to the quieter Lerins Islands and several lovely parks, you can also get a taste of nature here. But the main reason to stay in Cannes is the shopping! Cannes has several upscale brands and chains and stylish boutiques. You’ll find more luxury shops along the promenade La Croissette and additional shopping along the Rue L’Antibes.

Nice– The second largest city on the Riviera, Nice is a popular home base. It’s an eclectic mix of a big city, on a beach, with small winding streets.

Visit Vieux Nice ( Old Town) to find those colorful houses, picturesque narrow streets, and small sunny squares. Meanwhile, New Town offers grand tree-lined avenues, and trendy shops and restaurants. Nice is a vibrant and bustling city with a more slice-of-life feel than its more glamorous neighbors.

[Photo Credit: Kayla via Shared Adventures Travel — read about her French Honeymoon here!]

Bustling and modern with a hint of the grand old charm, in this city, you can find just about anything. Enjoy the pebble beaches, and private luxury clubs on the waterfront, or museums and galleries in town. Head up to Castle Hill in the late afternoon to enjoy a stunning sunset before going to one of the trendy Michelin-star restaurants for an unforgettable dinner.

Smaller Towns – Choosing your Day Trips

After you’ve chosen your home base, it’s time to consider your day trips! You could easily spend all day in any of these towns. But if you’re looking to see as much of the Riviera as possible, you can also see enough in a half-day.

rows of white beach loungers set against the blue sky of Saint Tropez

St. Tropez – Arguably one of the most famous destinations along the French Riviera, St. Tropez is unique because it’s not on the train line. Its exclusivity, however, offers a lot for those willing to make the trip. With famous waterfronts and wide sandy beaches, St. Tropez is always associated with sunbathing and tanning. The town is a unique combination of high-end French Riviera luxury and quaint French fishing town. When you’re not lying out on the beach you can visit the Citadel or just people-watch in the main square. Even though it’s not on the main train line, in high season St. Tropez will still be extremely full because it is a destination to “see and be seen.”

[Photo Credit: Valentin B Kremer via Unsplash]

Villefranche-Sur-Mer Situated between Nice and Monaco this romantic and serene small town is full of vibrant colors and picture-perfect scenery. Only 15 minutes from Nice’s pebble beaches are Villefranche-Sur-Mer’s soft sandy beaches. Wander the idyllic old town with a quainter, more Italian feeling, exquisite dining, and historic sites.

Menton– Often called the pearl of France because it’s so lovely. Menton is on the Italian border, with influences from both countries. The lemon-scented town has a soft enduring appeal and a slower pace that allows you to take a quiet moment on your whirlwind French Riviera journey. Wander through the beautiful pastel-colored village, visit the ancient forts, or enjoy some natural beauty in the botanical gardens.

Antibes- A laid-back centuries-old town just 6 miles east of Cannes, the ancient walled city has Greek and Phoenician origins. With narrow cobblestone streets and stunning views over the water, this is the perfect place to visit traditional markets or just chill on the beach. Featuring the Picasso Museum in Grimaldi Castle, upbeat nightclubs, beaches, and casinos – Antibes is a very well-rounded little oasis.

[Photo Credit: Reuben Mcfeeters via Unsplash]

looking down the old town french street in Antibes

Hilltop Villages – Day Trips

Medieval stone buildings in Eze French Riviera — *[Photo Credit: Thomas Konings* via Unsplash]

Hyeres- Often overlooked and therefore quieter, this is one of the most beautiful and varied towns. A medieval town nestled in the hills above the sea, Hyeres offers wide sandy beaches with calm waters, unspoiled natural beauty, and a Provencal influence. Just offshore, Porquerolles is one of the Golden Isles, a group of islands with beaches, trails, and underwater shipwrecks.

Eze– This is the most popular hilltop village between Monaco and Nice. Home to perfume, art, galleries, and boutique shopping, it is almost like a fairytale village come to life. Step back in time as you walk through stone tunnel walkways that open up to spectacular views of the sea below. For the most breathtaking views head to the Jardin Exotique d’Eze- a cactus garden built atop the village.

Vence- This is another charming town high above its more popular cousin St Paul de Vence. A quintessential little French town that sees fewer tourists and offers a little oasis away from the glitz, glam, and bustle. Home to breathtaking vistas and leisurely charm that give you a chance to slow down and enjoy.

Start Planning

Now that you have a better understanding of the different cities and villages along the luxurious French Riviera, you’re ready to dig into an itinerary that’s perfectly suited for you! Let us know if you’d like to work with us and we can help book hotels, and tours, and give recommendations on the best places to dine while you’re enjoying your French Riviera Adventure.

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