7 days Cannes to Monaco

Cannes is the glamorous beating heart of the Cote d’Azur. Natural harbour-side beauty sits sympathetically beside brazen opulence in this highly desirable place to see and be seen. In the sunshine, couture shops and art deco hotels of La Croisette impress with the chic glamour of days gone by. Ferraris and Porsches cruise the strip and celebrity-spotting is easy along striped-lounger private beaches. The palmshaded promenade affords an easy walk whilst revealing open views of the Baie de Cannes and nearby Estérel mountains. Legendary, multi-starred hotels such as the Martinez and the Carlton, renowned for historical visits from an abundance of stars over the years, set a benchmark in exclusive privacy

The Lerins are a group of four tiny islands a short hop from Cannes, well worth visiting to while away the hours. The two main islands are Sainte- Marguerite and Saint-Honorat; the micro islands are Tradelière and St-Féréol. Drop anchor in Plateau du Mileu, the shallow, protected passage between the two main islands and visit the nearest and largest: luscious Ile Sainte Marguerite is smothered in a carpet of fragrant Allepo pine and eucalyptus with wide pathways artistically criss-crossing the island. Bring nets and snorkelling gear - bursting with tiny rocky bays it’s a great place for rockpooling and crabbing with younger travellers, with just one long sandy beach in this haven of calm with no traffic.

The thriving superyacht port of Antibes, encircled by ancient stone walls, exudes a relaxed beachy feel backed by a gorgeous old town with narrow cobbled streets, markets and thriving café culture. If you want to combine great beaches, culture, history and good food, Antibes will match your needs. Traditional and bustling, Port Vauban is the largest marina in Europe, where a selection of the biggest and most glamorous yachts afloat anchor during the summer months. The old town is a warren of quaint cafes, bars and boutiques with a busy Provençal market where wafts of fragrant lavender mixed with ripe local cheeses drift in the air.

A globally renowned tourist destination, Nice epitomises the French Mediterranean with seashores, mountains and architecture all with equal appeal. Bustling with life, stroll the streets to enjoy infectious cafe culture whilst taking time to admire the Belle Epoque architecture and Baroque houses.

Providing a great anchorage, St Jean Cap Ferrat, near Villefranche, is a ragged headland where substantial private homes are just visible from the water. Enjoying a position in the centre of the French Riviera, between Monaco and Nice, Cap Ferrat is notable for its clutch of exclusive hotels, restaurants and beach clubs, and ideally placed for quick access to many destinations all along the Cote d’Azur. Long, languid days can be spent swimming off the back deck, diving in the incredible waters and snoozing on the beaches – themselves a catwalk of beauty and glamour.

The perched village of Eze, with it's clusters of houses atop rocky cliffs, commands incredible views. One of the most celebrated French Riviera resorts, situated at an altitude of 426m above sea level, the old village is a maze of narrow, winding streets and shady squares. At the very top the ruined castle of Eza boasts stunning botanical gardens set on the steep slopes - simply perfect to wander and soak up the views.

The principality of Monaco is the world’s second smallest country, making up for its size with immense personality. Sitting atop a narrow coastal area with three sides bounded by France and facing the dazzling Mediterranean, it is an inexcusably thrilling destination. One of the most beautiful harbours set against dramatic cliffs and brimming with mega-yachts exudes an aura of exclusive elegance. High-end shopping, luxurious hotels and five casinos are all skilfully condensed into an area just 1.25 square miles to top off the intoxicating allure of Monaco.