Côte D’Azur and More

DISCOVER HISTORY, CULTURE AND OODLES OF JOIE DE VIVRE ON A LUXURY CRUISE IN FRANCe, writes Sally Macmillan.

Signature Luxury Travel & Style, Summer 2018

Monégasque glamour with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Lounging in Seven Seas Explorer’s horizon pool when the ship is docked in ultra-glam Monte-Carlo gives you an up-close view of dozens of dazzling superyachts bobbing in the harbour. Is that James Packer’s Arctic P over there? Monte-Carlo has long been a haven for gazillionaires and was the perfect setting for Seven Seas Explorer’s christening  by Charlene, Princess of Monaco; the 750-guest ship is the most luxurious (and expensive) ever built. Its seven-night Return to Glamour cruise from Monte-Carlo to Barcelona departs on 8 May and calls at Antibes, Marseille and Port-Vendres. While in Monte, a visit to the famous gold-and-marble Casino is de rigueur; art enthusiasts should bookmark the Picasso Museum in Antibes’ medieval Château Grimaldi and the Museum of Modern Art in Céret, about 40 kilometres from  pretty Port-Vendres. rssc.com

SeaDreaming in Saint-Tropez

The only time I’ve ridden a jet ski  was in the waters off Saint-Tropez, a heady experience that fitted right in to the jet-setting character of this glitzy destination. I was cruising on SeaDream II, one of just two boutique, 112-guest ships privately owned by SeaDream Yacht Club; the jet skis are among the fleet of fabulous water toys stocked in the ship’s onboard marina. These ships are far from flashy, but their “informally elegant” atmosphere, fabulous food and superlative service make you feel as though you’re sailing on your own immaculately crewed yacht. Al fresco dining and sleeping under the stars on Balinese beds are signature SeaDream experiences. SeaDream I’s seven-day round-trip from Nice visits Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Corsica and Monte-Carlo in July; the Ferrari drive is a thrilling highlight. seadream.com

Ponant for gourmands

France’s only cruise line is, naturellement, made up of sleek, chic ships. The 264-guest L’Austral has three almost identical sisters and the line is launching four new equally elegant 184-guest vessels in the next couple of years (plus the world’s first luxury icebreaker set to arrive in 2021). Even the crew members are exceptionally attractive – and bilingual. L’Austral’s Gastronomy, Vineyards and Grand Crus cruise in April 2019 promises a divine immersion in all things French, fine wining and dining being top of the list. Among the onboard highlights are gala dinners prepared by the chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, accompanied by the best grand crus from the renowned Médoc region. The itinerary includes Bordeaux, wine capital of the world, from where you’ll visit illustrious châteaux in breathtakingly beautiful countryside. ponant.com

Marseille by Viking Ocean Cruises

Since I sailed on Viking Star’s christening cruise to Norway in April 2015, the new ocean cruise line has expanded to five identical 930-guest ships that cruise to the world’s most desirable destinations. There’s so much demand for this sophisticated but understated style of cruising that by 2022 there will be eight ships in the fleet. This year, Viking Star, Sky and Orion will sail eight-day Iconic Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona to Rome, calling at Marseille, Saint-Tropez and Monte-Carlo. Spring, autumn and winter are the best seasons to visit southern France; I was in Marseille in October and the weather was warm, but not stiflingly hot. The crowds had dispersed and Vieux Port was still buzzing. vikingcruises.com.au

Silversea, Nice and Matisse

In July, the refurbished, 382-passenger Silver Whisper sets off from Nice on a seven-day Mediterranean cruise. It’s worth spending a day or two pre-cruise in the beautiful city; there’s much more to it than the instantly recognisable Promenade des Anglais. However, when you’re strolling the famous seafront, make sure you pop into Hotel Negresco for a cocktail. The Old Town dates back to the 1700s and its narrow streets are packed with restaurants, bars and boutiques; the flower and food market is one of the best in France. Musée Matisse is a must-do; it took me two visits to Nice to find it, but it’s about 15 minutes by taxi from the Old Town. Silver Whisper visits Saint-Tropez, Marseille and Corsica en route to Barcelona. silversea.com