France

Rising from the edge of Corsica’s northeast coast, the skyline of Bastia is marked by the graceful twin towers of the Church of St. John the Baptist overlooking the yacht-filled harbor of the Vieux Port. Equally imposing is the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie in the heart of Terra Nova, the walled citadel that once protected the city’s Genoese governors. Both of these areas are filled with Baroque churches and elegant plazas that are delightful places for a stroll, as is the seaside garden that lies between the Vieux Port and Terra Nova.

Set between the beautiful Baie des Anges and the Alps, the sunny capital of la Côte d’Azur has long been admired for its beauty and sophistication. One of France’s oldest cities, Nice blends its urban verve with plenty of seaside charm, a fantastic local food scene and a heritage that’s steeped in pretty Italianate influences. In the narrow streets of Vieille Ville you’ll find charming piazzettas, cozy cafés, traditional stores and a famous flower and grocery market.

Over the centuries Romans, medieval Catalan kings and the French Royal Navy have all sailed into the deep, natural harbor of Port-Vendres in Roussillon – the French part of Catalonia. Just up the coast from this working fishing port, you’ll find the colorful seaside village of Collioure, which has inspired artists like Henri Matisse and Picasso and is one of the most picturesque resorts on the Côte Vermeille.

With its beautiful pastel-hued historic core and stylish waterfront promenade, it’s no surprise that Corsica’s pretty capital is always buzzing with activity. Visit the house where Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769; head west along the coast to chill out at Ariane beach or Marinella beach; indulge in some fascinating people-watching at an Old Town café; or take a stroll along the waterfront, which is full of sun-worshipers by day and party people by night.

Founded in 600 BC, Marseille is the oldest city in France and its third largest metropolitan area. A must-see is the 19th-century basilica, Notre Dame de la Garde, which sits at the highest point in the city. Also worth a visit is the water fountain at Palais Longchamp, built under the reign of Napoleon III. Marseille is considered the birthplace of bouillabaisse, so make time to stop for a bowl of this famous seafood stew in the Old Port.

The large island of Corsica rests enticingly between the French Riviera, Sardinia and Tuscany. This French playground has it all – hilltop villages, unspoiled beaches, rugged mountain scenery, dense forests, a dramatic coastline and thousands of years of history. Situated on the island’s western coast, Porto-Vecchio is Corsica’s St. Tropez, a city of luxury yachts, fashion shoots, nightclubs and some of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches. For an entirely different experience, travel inland to the mountainous region with its gorges, rivers and waterfalls.

Only small ships and yachts can access the harbor of Sète, which is one reason this enchanting French port has retained its many charms. The birthplace of numerous artists, including poet Paul Valéry and singer-songwriter Georges Brassens, Sète has a rich artistic heritage and its museums pay tribute. Colorfully painted façades line the town’s canals, which include the northeastern entrance to the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site linking the Mediterranean and Atlantic through southern France. Several other UNESCO sites nearby compete for attention.

A jetsetter haven, Saint-Tropez  is best known for its designer shopping, drink-and-dance-‘til-dawn nightlife, and ritzy beach clubs like Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach. After all, this is where French screen goddess Brigitte Bardot popularized the bikini in the 1950s, and to this day Bardot makes her home here. But another side of this once humble fishing village can be found in the hills far above the beachfront. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets and visit the 17th-century citadel for stunning views of the port.

With growing popularity as a beach resort, this small town on the northwest coast of Corsica is a delight to visit. Walk along the lively beachside promenade where you’ll find restaurants, bars and shops. A 15th-century citadel built by the Genoese takes its place of prominence on the hilltop above the town, affording spectacular views of the harbor below. Visit Église Sainte-Marie, a charming pink church, and Notre Dame de la Serra, a 19th-century chapel. You’ll see a plaque that commemorates the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, but the claim is controversial.

Famous worldwide for its annual Cannes Film Festival, this French Riviera resort town attracts the rich and famous to its beaches and sophisticated scene. The Promenade de la Croisette is the place to see and be seen. This broad pedestrian walkway along the beach is lined with designer boutiques, grand hotels and fancy restaurants. So famous is La Croisette, that many miss the other side of Cannes. Tucked up in the hills is Le Suquet, the historic quarter. Wander along its cobblestone streets and enjoy views of the city below.