France & Monaco Luxury Holidays

Strung out between beach and mountain along the slender curve of the corniche.

S trung out between beach and mountain along the slender curve of the corniche, the towns and villages of the Côte d'Azur and the exclusive Principality of Monaco have never lost their iridescence and allure. With a reputation as the ultimate in sophistication and elegance clearly visible from the luxury yachts, swish boutiques and clean beaches, it is easy to see why the French Riviera and Monte Carlo have long been a wintering destination of the well-heeled. Between great isolated and untouched stretches of country you catch fleeting glimpses of the pink and white Belle Epoque villas, hidden behind umbrella pines and palm trees, residences turned palatial hotels beckoning at the end of sweeping driveways and medieval walled villages including St. Paul de Vence and Mougins, once frequented by Picasso and Cocteau. At every turn the Côte d'Azur is a region that feels surreally exclusive and sublimely glamorous. Today it remains a magnet for those who come to see and be seen on the sun-drenched beaches of St. Tropez, Nice and Cannes and the palm fringed streets of Monte Carlo. The rich and famous are also attracted by its long rounds of social events - Nice hosts the Mardi Gras each February with a blaze of colourful floats and masked parades. Cannes is of course home to the Film Festival which takes place every May, whilst Monte Carlo attracts the crowds for the annual Grand Prix where the city's streets become a racing circuit. It is therefore not surprising that France tends to bring out the sensualist in all of us with that seductive image of summer liberation.

Monaco – The world’s second smallest country. Within this bijou space is a beautifully manicured city exuding glamorous excess from its designer boutiques, yacht-filled harbour and the world famous Casino. The Royal Palace offers the most striking views at Place du Palais, overlooking the port and Monte Carlo, with panoramic vistas stretching as far as Italy. Eze – A fortified village perched on a rocky peak high above the Mediterranean. Its inimitable position affords spectacular views over the sea and the Côte d’Azur as far as St Tropez. Its narrow cobbled streets and boutiques are popular with visitors during the summer. The village is crowned by the ruins of a twelfth century castle with an interesting cactus garden within its grounds. Grand Louvre, Paris – The most visited museum in the world, this architectural wonder houses over 35,000 exhibits dating from pre-history through to the nineteenth century including sculptures, antiquities and paintings, the most famous of which must be Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Aside from the plethora of art galleries, the City of Light has a thousand facets waiting to be discovered. Absorb the quintessential sights of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, l’Arc de Triomphe and the Sacré-Coeur. Grasse – At the heart of the perfume industry, this hilltop town is aromatically surrounded by fields of lavender, jasmine, roses, mimosa, violets and orange blossom. Visitors may create their own unique scent at one of the parfumiers. Carcassonne – In South-West France, this is a perfect example of a medieval walled town. Visit the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, Basilique Saint-Nazaire which dates back to the eleventh century. Provence’s natural beauty – A rich palette of colours from an idyllic landscape of orange blossom, sunflowers, poppies and lavender that has inspired great artists such as Cézanne, Gauguin, Monet, Van Gogh and many others over the years.

Feb-Mar | Nice Carnival – A series of colourful festivities including carnivals, music concerts and firework displays May | Monaco Formula One Grand Prix – Monte Carlo is host to the most glamorous grand prix in the motor sport calendar Jul | Bastille Day (14th July) – France’s national day is fiercely celebrated throughout the country. In Paris, the Champs-Elysées is the setting for a military parade led by the President, where celebrations and fireworks continue into the early hours Jul | Firework Festival, Cannes – Six nights of colourful pyrotechnic displays over the Bay of Cannes Jul | International Jazz Festival, Juan-les-Pins – Since 1960 Juan-les-Pins has welcomed virtuosos from around the world for a lively ten day celebration of jazz music Aug | Lavender Festival, Sault in Provence Sep | Festival of Gardens, Paris – The city’s green spaces are opened up for hundreds of free events around the capital including concerts and guided walks Oct | Paris Fashion Week

Fashion – Haute couture originated in Paris and the city is still one of the fashion capitals of the world. Many top designers have their headquarters in Paris including Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin. Shopping here is an exceptional experience. Food – France’s cuisine is renowned throughout the world and is undeniably one of the country’s greatest treasures. Flavours and influences vary from region to region, but throughout the nation great cheeses are produced. Try a pissaladier, the local onion, olive and anchovy pizza or ice cream from Fenocchio in Nice which sells at least one hundred different flavours. Wine – Exceptional wines are produced in many regions including Burgundy, Chablis and, of course, Champagne. Provence specialities – Provençal quilts, lavender and olive oil soaps

CLIMATE Relatively mild climate year round, though winters can be chilly and summers hot. May, June and September are good months to enjoy the sun yet avoid the crowds. CAPITAL France - Paris Principality of Monaco - Monaco TIME DIFFERENCE GMT +1 hour in winter GMT +2 hours in summer CURRENCY Euro

France & Monaco Luxury Holiday Accommodation

• Four Seasons Provence at Terre Blanche
• Saint Amour La Tartane
• Byblos St Tropez
• Pan Deï Palais
• Le Beauvallon
• Royal-Riviera
• Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat
• Le Mas Candille
• Château de La Chèvre d'Or
• Martinez
• Monte Carlo Beach Hotel
• Hermitage
• Monte Carlo Bay Hotel
• Hotel Metropole
• Port Palace
• Palais de la Mediterranée
• Hotel de la Cité
• Four Seasons Hotel George V
• Park Hyatt Vendôme

France & Monaco Luxury Holiday Special Offers