As you drive along Corsica’s coast toward Solenzara, the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean sparkle in the summer sun. Turning inland, you’ll notice that the forests begin to get thicker and the magnificent jagged peaks of the Aiguilles de Bavella take shape on the horizon. At Col de Bavella, or Bavella Pass, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air as you behold stunning views of the island from an altitude of over 3,600 feet.
Framed by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides, the charming medieval town of Bonifacio appears to have been carved from the limestone cliffs on which it was built. As you wander the cobbled streets that are seemingly oblivious to the passage of time, admire the rare Corsican Gothic architecture in the 13th-century Église Saint-Dominique de Bonifacio. The historic stone buildings lining the narrow lanes include the house where Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have stayed.
This overnight excursion takes you through the famously scenic countryside of Provence to the esteemed wine regions of the Southern Rhône. Begin your oenophile experience at the vineyards of the Alain Jaume family, who have been producing wines since 1826 in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. Explore the vineyards and cellars and enjoy an extensive tasting of their wines accompanied by a delicious lunch. Then continue to Domaine de la Longue Toque, a Gabriel Meffre estate in the heart of the Gigondas appellation.
Illuminated by the brilliant sunlight that has inspired artists for centuries, vivid colors come to life as you explore the towns of the Luberon region of Provence, renowned for its lavender fields that flourish in the height of summer. A Renaissance castle and trendy boutiques greet you in Lourmarin, a town that has intrigued authors from Albert Camus to Peter Mayle. The red village of Roussillon pays homage to the vast ochre quarry on which it sits.
Travel from the coast through shifting landscapes up into Les Alpilles, a small range of low limestone mountains, to two medieval villages located inside what is today a regional park. At the first stop, Les Baux de Provence, your guided visit begins at the top: the town’s 11th-century chateau-fortress, perched on a high rocky outcrop. Its ruins and high walls offer exceptional views over the mountains, the valley below and over the Camargue.
Spend the day in and around Avignon, the seat of the Holy See between 1309 and 1377 and a city that remained under papal control until the French Revolution. This excursion begins with a scenic drive to the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, just north of Avignon, an area that is one of France’s most venerable grape-growing regions. The name comes from the popes’ summer residence and some vines in the surrounding vineyards date to the papal era.
Equipped with a battery-powered motor, an e-bike is just like riding a standard bicycle, versus a scooter or moped, with the benefit of access to power when you need a boost, or your legs need a break. Your guide will explain how its operations near the pier where you’ll get a helmet and be matched with the right-sized bike. Then it’s time to hit the road for a 13-mile ride. Follow your guide along the Corniche President Kennedy, the scenic coastal roadway that looks out over several small creeks and traditional fishing village.
The work of Le Corbusier had such a profound impact on modern architecture that 17 of his designs across seven countries have been collectively deemed UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover one of the masterpieces of his creative genius in Marseilles at the famous La Cité Radieuse, a vertical concrete village built in 1952 that revolutionized residential design. Elevated on large pillars, the multistory complex includes uniquely conceived apartments as well as a hotel, restaurant, grocery and bookshop connected by interior streets.
Picture Grace Kelly giving a white-knuckled Cary Grant the ride of his life on the roads above Nice in the 1955 classic To Catch a Thief. On this unforgettable excursion, you will have much the same experience – but without the white knuckles. Your personal chauffeur will pick you up in a splendidly restored vintage vehicle for your half-day sojourn in the French Riviera. You may select a recommended itinerary heading east or west from Cannes, or you may agree on a customized route with your driver.
A yoga class with the guidance of a talented instructor is revitalizing on its own. When that class takes place on the shores of Saint-Honorat Island with spectacular views of the bay, the experience is truly exhilarating. Begin this rejuvenating excursion by hopping aboard a Zodiac boat for a scenic cruise off the coast of Cannes to the natural oasis of Île Saint-Honorat. This sunny paradise is a private island belonging to the monks of Lérins Abbey, who cultivate vineyards here.
