The French Summer We Keep Coming Back To

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If you’re headed to Paris for the French Open next month, consider this your gentle nudge to extend that trip. While many of our clients love exploring new regions, France is one they return to time and time again, whether it’s the French Riviera, Provence, Corsica, or the French Alps.

Summer in France offers a little bit of everything, from bright days along the Mediterranean to vibrant markets, charming towns and villages, and scenery that’s hard to beat. Below is our guide to some of our favorite French summer recommendations.

French Riviera

Nice

With nonstop flights to Nice from both JFK and IAD, it’s easy to see why our East Coast clients can’t get enough of a classic French Riviera itinerary. Last summer, Kelsey stayed at the historic Le Negresco in Nice with her family before continuing on to Mallorca. As France’s second-largest international hub after Paris, the Nice Airport is a seamless gateway into Europe and pairs effortlessly with another stop on your itinerary. Our clients especially enjoy the immersive experiences in Nice, from private cooking classes and market tours to guided shopping experiences.

Cap Martin and Èze

Last summer, Kelsey toured one of her all-time favorite properties, the Maybourne Riviera – perfect for couples and set along the peninsula of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Just minutes from Monaco, it offers incredible views over the Mediterranean. When booked through LKC, our clients enjoy added benefits like complimentary airport transfers, exclusive access to the private beach club, and included transportation into Monaco.

No Riviera itinerary feels complete without a stop in Èze, the medieval hilltop village overlooking the sea. Wander the narrow (and steep!) stone paths and take in the gardens surrounding Château de la Chèvre d’Or before continuing on to Monaco. If time allows, a guided walk through Monaco is well worth it, with stops at the Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, and Princess Grace’s tomb. Others opt for “car spotting,” heading straight to the iconic Place du Casino.

Antibes and Cannes

Moving west along the coast, Antibes blends history with a classic Riviera feel, from its yacht-lined harbor to the cobblestone streets and Provençal market in the old town. A visit to Château Grimaldi, where Picasso once worked, is always worth including. Set along Cap d’Antibes, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is one of the Riviera’s most iconic properties, known for its waterfront setting and timeless Riviera appeal. With direct access to the sea and a range of water-based activities, it’s an ideal base for this part of the coast. Given its loyal following, with repeat guests staying the same week every summer, we always recommend booking 9–12 months in advance.

In nearby Cannes, the atmosphere shifts slightly – more lively, centered around the waterfront and old town. The recently renovated Carlton Cannes is a favorite for clients wanting to stay in the heart of it. From here, a visit to the Lérins Islands is an easy and worthwhile addition for a scenic walk and a quieter side of the Riviera.

St. Tropez

For those looking to spend more time in the Riviera, venture to St. Tropez, known for its beach clubs, boating, and as a favorite for couples – it truly lives up to the hype. Set above the town, Airelles Château de la Messardière offers sweeping Mediterranean views, along with multiple dining options, a large spa, and a great setup for families.

For something more intimate, Cheval Blanc St. Tropez is another favorite, with just 32 rooms, suites, and its private Villa Riviera. Our clients love spending their days on the water or beach club hopping along the coast.

Corsica

Often forgotten about, the stunning island of Corsica is perfect for those seeking an “off the beaten path” Mediterranean escape. Often called “Island of Beauty,” Corsica sits between France and Italy where the mountains meet the sea. The Cala di Greco hotel sits perched at the heights of Bonifacio, a town often called Corsica’s “picture-perfect capital”, boasting a breathtaking view of the citadel, the sea and Sardinia.

On the far south of the island, Marinca Hotel & Spa is a 5-star property on the shores of the Gulf of Valinco. The luxury hotel feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, which is a large part of the appeal, and with every detail taken care of – including several stylish restaurants and bars, a Clarins spa with a hammam and a Nordic-style ice room, four swimming pools, and a private beach with sunbeds attended by staff – there’s hardly any reason to leave the premises unless it’s for a pleasure cruise on the hotel’s boat.

Provence

Moving inland, the picturesque region of Provence is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the French countryside. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and ancient villages, Hôtel Crillon le Brave is the perfect escape. Stay in one of the 34 rooms and suites idyllically adorned with rustic details like exposed beams and cozy fireplaces.

Another iconic property rests atop the medieval village of Gordes, Airelles La Bastide​, Gordes is a 16th-century palace offering unrivaled Provençal elegance. With breathtaking views, Michelin-starred dining, a Guerlain spa, and bespoke family experiences, this luxurious retreat combines rich history with modern luxury for an unforgettable escape in the heart of Provence.

French Alps

While many Alpine hotels close outside of ski season, summer in the French Alps offers a completely different experience. The landscape shifts to hiking trails, mountain biking, paragliding, and time on the water, from rafting the Isère River to swimming in Lake Annecy. It’s an ideal option for clients looking to add a more active, outdoors-focused stop to their itinerary.

Eleven Chalet Hibou is a favorite in the summer, pairing guided outdoor experiences with a more elevated, all-inclusive feel. Days are spent hiking high-alpine trails, rafting, or even exploring the Mont Blanc glacier, all led by expert local guides.

For something more relaxed, L’Auberge du Père Bise sits right on Lake Annecy at the base of the Alps and offers a quieter, more traditional stay. Nearby, La Maison Bleue, Yoann Conte is another favorite, an intimate property with just 11 rooms, all overlooking the lake, with a mix of chalet-style and more contemporary design.

If France is on your radar this summer, we’d love to take care of all the details and help bring your trip to life.

We specialize in luxury resorts, top-tier service, and undiscovered gems that will give every client something to write home about.

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