France Intensive: Barcelona to Monte-Carlo

Unhurried. Unrushed. Unequaled in relaxation. That’s La belle vie in the south of France. Need we say more?

Our first stop is Sete, home to the great medieval walled city of Carcassonne. Go wine-tasting, or take a walking tour of Sete’s markets to sample local cheeses, fruits and delicacies like octopus pie.

The action picks up with an overnight stay in Marseilles. Visit Vieux Port, the lively fishing harbor; Le Panier, one of the oldest and most stroll-worthy neighborhoods; or the North African souks and shops in the Capucin district.

The petite size of Sanary-Sur-Mer means you won’t see any big ships. Stroll the little shops and patisseries, then settle in at a harborside restaurant for a seafood feast paired with local wines.

In Calvi you can stroll from the ship to a long promenade of inviting shops and restaurants, or head up the hill to the massive Citadel and even more impressive views.

St. Tropez, Cannes and Monte-Carlo need little introduction, but we’re happy to introduce you to some of our favorite things, like cafes along Pampelonne Beach, wine-tasting in nearby coastal vineyards, and hilltop villages with astounding views. Relax. Enjoy. La belle vie indeed.