Driving round the coast of Southern France, we’ve picked out some of our best locations to give you the shortlist and save you time when planning your trip!

 

CAP ANTIBES

Cap Antibes is a 4-mile-long peninsula that has been carved up into luxurious estates perched high above the water. On the west coast side you find the extravagantly idyllic harbour called Port de la Salis.

  

Go further south and you’ll reach Garoupe bay, with its small private beaches. Be sure to pack the right  footwear as this spectacular 5km loop along the coastal path from Sentier de Tirepoil is not to be missed.

Home to some of the most spectacular hotels on the coast including Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc.

 

BEAULIEU SUR MARE

Between Nice and Monaco, you can uncover Beaulieu-sur-Mer, commonly referred to simply as Beaulieu, one of the most beautiful, small resort towns on the French riviera. The focus on your visit will be the insanely picturesque sea front with views along the east coast of Cap Ferrat.

 

The walking trial from north to south along the coast is about two kilometres long and includes two beaches, two ports and a pretty promenade. Plage des Fourmis, to the south, is the smaller of the two beaches and a very attractive harbour, only large enough for small boats and a good selection of restaurants.

There are great links to Beaulieu-sur-Mer by train, particularly useful if you are travelling without a car or don't want to drive in the riviera towns as roads can be a bit hectic and stressful.

 

PROVENCE

Provence is a blanket term for the south Eastern part of France that sprawls along the Mediterranean coastline. The best way to take in the region is by car. It is worth cruising through Provence’s signature lavender fields, and make your way to Les Gorges de Pennafort, an hour away, home to Philippe Da Silva’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Not only is the restaurant a beautiful location, it’s also close to the Gorges du Verdon, a valley carved with scenic hiking trails that’s been called the Grand Canyon of Europe.

  

 

PORQUEROLLES ISLAND

 

Only an hour away from Saint-Tropez, is a town called Hyères where you can catch a 15 minute ferry ride to Porquerolles Island. An archipelago of three islands with coastlines as white as the Caribbean and iconic vineyards. Porquerolles is the largest of the islands, four-mile-long-by-two-mile-wide (and car-free) and lined with over 37 miles of marked trails that are best explored by a rented bike. With all the local market stalls, you can pack a picnic before setting off for a day.

Alternatively, if you prefer a relaxed visit, lounge all day at Pelagos, a local restaurant located along the port. Here you must order the catch of the day, grilled à la plancha and rosé from Domaine Perzinsky, one of island’s three wineries.

If you’re seeking beautiful beaches then head 15 minutes north to uncover the island most beautiful beach, Plage Notre Dame. After a day exploring and beach hopping, enjoy soaking up views of the sea on the terrace at L’Orangerie.