Sailing the French Riviera:
Monaco to Marseille

Imagine a colorized photograph: azure-blue sea, umbrella pines, and absinthe-green palm trees; a few splendid villas, with the foothills of the Alps in the background… In reality, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a small seaside resort located between Nice and Monaco, has hardly changed. Luckily, time seems to have stood still here in the Belle Époque. Between the sea and the cliffs, Beaulieu has kept its indescribable charm, giving it a unique cachet. Simply look up to marvel at the architecture of the villas, above the Baie des Fourmis or the Petite Afrique beach, admire the Casino, the former Bristol Hotel with its Rotunda, the Palais des Anglais… and, of course, be entranced by the famous Villa Kérylos, a faithful reconstruction of a sumptuous residence from ancient Greece. Royals (King Leopold II of Belgium, Empress Eugénie…), Eiffel, and Tolstoy knew its allure and made it their place of retreat. Everywhere in Beaulieu, the "spirit of the Côte d'Azur" lingers…

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; 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