Secrets of the French Riviera

Marseille to Saint Raphael

It's no coincidence that this holiday begins in Marseille. Thousands of people have emigrated to this city, open to the world, in search of a gentler life in the sun. From the city Pagnol, Raimu and Fernandel called home, you'll then head to Cassis. Take a quiet walk through the Calanques National Park, with its rocks plunging into the sea. A pebble beach, secret coves and the gentle feel of a small harbour town will set the pace for your next two days. Then head east to the coastal beauty of the Var. Ramatuelle remains one of the iconic French Riviera towns of the 50s and 60s, along with Saint-Tropez. Yet we prefer the cultured feel of this small festival town. Finally, you'll continue your path along the sea to find Saint-Raphael, a seaside resort at the foot of the Esterel massif. On a map, this path forms a curve that, unsurprisingly, looks like a smile.

Included in the itinerary - A complete, guided discovery of Marseille, punctuated by a walk along its streets, a cooking lesson, a cruise through the Phoceen bay at dusk and admission to the Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations). And that's not all: your itinerary includes a dinner at the Baie des Singes, reserved by us; a boat trip along the calanques - steep rocky coasts - of Cassis, and a dinner at a legendary restaurant in Ramatuelle.

Your accommodation – It's no secret that the Cote d'Azur attracts crowds at peak times. We've selected the best spots throughout your journey to help you escape these crowds. From the heart of Marseille to a chic room overlooking the port of Cassis, from the best port of call in Pampelonne to the Esterel pine forest, you'll be stopping at intimate hotels. Each has its own private beach, reserved exclusively for guests.

Marseille, a dazzling city

Founded by the Greeks of Phocaea around 600 BC, Marseille is the oldest city in France. Although the present city has unfortunately built over its ancient sites, the original Phocean soul comes from its geographical location. With a natural harbour bordered by rocky hills whose offshore islands served as outposts, Marseille is nestled in a sublime natural setting, bathed in singular light. Marseille is one of those kaleidoscopic cities, where there are as many charms as there are reasons to return... from the top of the Bonne Mere to the alleys of Le Panier, from the Old Port to La Canebiere and Palais Longchamp, from the Mucem to Forts Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Jean guarding the entrance to the port, all the way to the beaches and 'calanques'. In recent years, visitors have been rushing to discover a well-kept secret called Marseille. Recent cultural developments have transformed the eldest French city into a new town. Marseille knows how to live with the times: the newly opened spots, creative restaurants, and trendy shops substantiate it with style.

Read more