Why the South of France is the Ultimate Luxury Destination for a Summer Escape

The Art of Living Well Beneath the Riviera Sun

There are places that feel like a postcard, and there are places that redefine what it means to live beautifully. The South of France is the latter — a shimmering coastline kissed by Mediterranean light, where pastel towns spill down to turquoise bays, and the scent of lavender drifts across ancient stone villages. For those seeking Luxury Holidays to the South of France, this region delivers not just beauty, but a philosophy of pleasure refined over centuries.

From the glamour of the French Riviera to the quiet elegance of Provence, the South of France balances sophistication with soul. Michelin-starred dining, world-class wines, designer boutiques, and private beach clubs sit effortlessly alongside rustic markets and golden countryside. Whether you’re sipping rosé on a superyacht off Saint-Tropez or wandering a sun-dappled vineyard near Aix-en-Provence, each moment feels like it was curated for indulgence.

At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, we believe true luxury begins with you. Every itinerary we create for the South of France is completely bespoke — built around your pace, your passions, and your idea of perfection. Because here, more than anywhere, every journey begins with you.

Saint-Tropez — Glamour, Yachts, and Riviera Chic

Few places capture the spirit of Riviera glamour like Saint-Tropez. Once a sleepy fishing village, it became the playground of the international elite after Brigitte Bardot’s 1950s arrival turned it into an icon of style. Today, it’s synonymous with high fashion, fine dining, and some of the most exclusive beach clubs in Europe.

Spend mornings strolling the Vieux Port, where sleek superyachts glisten beside colourful fishing boats. Shop the cobbled streets for designer treasures — from Dior’s Riviera capsule to artisan boutiques selling hand-woven straw bags. For lunch, the legendary Club 55 remains the ultimate spot to see and be seen, serving fresh grilled seafood and rosé under linen parasols.

Where to Stay: Hôtel Byblos Saint-Tropez

A beloved Riviera landmark, Hôtel Byblos blends Mediterranean charm with understated opulence. Suites are scattered around courtyards filled with bougainvillaea, and the service feels discreet yet deeply personal. Lounge by the mosaic-lined pool, dine at Alain Ducasse’s Rivea, or dance the night away at the hotel’s private nightclub — Les Caves du Roy — where stars and royalty have celebrated for decades.

Awake & Wander Tip: Whether you’re drawn to the glamour of Pampelonne Beach or the quiet sophistication of Ramatuelle’s vineyards, our travel designers can tailor your Saint-Tropez escape to match your rhythm — yacht charters, private villa stays, and chauffeur-driven transfers included.

Provence — Timeless Beauty in the Heart of the Countryside

If Saint-Tropez is the South of France’s glittering stage, Provence is its poetic soul. Rolling lavender fields, sun-warmed vineyards, and honey-stone villages create a landscape that has inspired artists for centuries — Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Matisse all found their muse here. For travellers seeking Luxury Holidays to the South of France, Provence offers a slower, more intimate kind of indulgence: rustic charm wrapped in refined comfort.

Imagine waking to the sound of cicadas and the scent of rosemary carried on a soft mistral breeze. Days drift between vineyard tours, truffle tastings, and long lunches beneath plane trees. In Gordes, one of France’s most beautiful hilltop villages, cobbled lanes lead to sweeping Luberon views. In Aix-en-Provence, fountains splash in elegant squares as locals browse art galleries and Provençal markets.

Where to Stay: Airelles Gordes, La Bastide

This exquisite hotel sits high above the valley, its 18th-century façade opening onto terraces that seem to float over the lavender fields below. Inside, antique furnishings meet modern touches — every suite feels like a Provençal château of your own. The Sisley Spa is one of the finest in southern France, and the Michelin-starred L’Orangerie celebrates regional flavours elevated to haute cuisine.

Awake & Wander Tip: Combine Provence with a few sun-soaked days on the Côte d’Azur. Our team can arrange private transfers, vineyard picnics, or even a hot air balloon flight over the Luberon — because indulgence here is best experienced through all the senses.

Cannes — Riviera Sophistication Meets Seaside Glamour

Cannes is more than its famous film festival — though that annual red-carpet spectacle perfectly captures the city’s elegant spirit. Beyond the flashbulbs, Cannes offers an intoxicating blend of culture, couture, and coastline that makes it one of the finest stops for Luxury Holidays to the South of France.

Stroll the Boulevard de la Croisette, where palm trees shade designer boutiques and Belle Époque hotels. Linger at a café terrace, watching the world drift by with an espresso or glass of chilled Chablis. The private beaches are among the Riviera’s best — golden sands, white loungers, and impeccable service that ensures your glass is never empty.

Where to Stay: Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic

With its Art Deco façade overlooking the Mediterranean, Le Majestic epitomises Cannes luxury. Suites offer panoramic sea views, while the private beach club provides front-row access to the Riviera’s most coveted shoreline. Fine dining comes courtesy of the Michelin-starred Fouquet’s, blending Parisian flair with Provençal produce. For film buffs, the hotel even offers private cinema screenings — a glamorous nod to the city’s cinematic heritage.

Awake & Wander Tip: Our specialists can curate behind-the-scenes experiences during the Cannes Festival or secure reservations at the city’s top restaurants. Whether it’s a weekend of champagne and cinema or a longer Riviera retreat, we’ll craft it to perfection.

Nice & Èze — Art, Views, and Coastal Charm

Between the shimmering sea and the rise of Alpine foothills lies Nice, the unofficial capital of the French Riviera. Elegant yet effortless, it’s where French sophistication meets Mediterranean warmth — and where Luxury Holidays to the South of France find their cultural heart. From the Promenade des Anglais’ belle époque grandeur to the colourful markets of the Old Town, Nice invites you to savour life’s finer details.

Mornings begin with coffee and croissants overlooking the Baie des Anges. Wander the Cours Saleya market for sun-drenched blooms and local delicacies, then lose yourself in the Matisse Museum or Chagall’s serene chapel. By evening, Michelin-starred restaurants and seafront brasseries glow golden against the setting sun.

Just a short drive away, the medieval village of Èze clings to the cliffs above the coast — a fairytale of stone alleyways and sea views that stretch all the way to Saint-Tropez. It’s one of the most romantic spots in the region, and a favourite for couples seeking luxury with solitude.

Where to Stay: Château Eza, Èze

Perched 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean, Château Eza is pure magic. Once a royal residence, it now offers just 14 rooms and suites, each uniquely styled with antiques and private terraces. The Michelin-starred restaurant offers one of the most breathtaking dining views in Europe — a panorama of the Côte d’Azur that pairs perfectly with fine French wine and sea-salt breezes.

Awake & Wander Tip: We recommend a private driver-guide to weave through the Riviera’s coastal roads — from Nice to Èze and beyond. Our team can arrange a classic convertible or luxury SUV, ensuring every mile feels as indulgent as the destination itself. For even more inspiration on Riviera art, culture, and coastal experiences, visit the official Côte d’Azur France Tourism Board, a wonderful resource for discovering hidden gems across the region.

Monaco — The Epitome of Riviera Prestige

If the South of France is a symphony of style, Monaco is its crescendo. A principality where luxury takes centre stage, this tiny sovereign city-state offers grand casinos, superyachts, haute couture, and impeccable service at every turn. It’s the ultimate statement stop for those who crave refinement and exclusivity during their Luxury Holidays to the South of France.

Walk the marbled streets of Monte Carlo, browse the designer arcades beneath the Hôtel de Paris, or dine beneath chandeliers at the legendary Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse. Beyond the glamour, Monaco surprises with serenity: the Jardin Exotique’s cascading succulents, or quiet yacht-side sunsets that feel worlds away from the buzz of the casinos.

Where to Stay: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Few hotels in the world evoke such grandeur. The Hôtel de Paris sits at the heart of Monte Carlo, where old-world opulence meets modern precision. Suites are palatial, with views of the harbour and Casino Square. Guests enjoy exclusive access to the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spa and the private Monte-Carlo Beach Club — every detail curated for the most discerning traveller. If you’re drawn to destinations where luxury meets romance, you’ll love our feature on Romantic Getaways in Agra, showcasing another world of timeless indulgence.

Awake & Wander Tip: Extend your Monaco stay with a private yacht charter along the Riviera or a helicopter transfer to Nice — the kind of seamless experiences we arrange daily for our clients. When luxury is your language, we’re fluent.

Antibes & Cap d’Antibes — Timeless Riviera Elegance

Where the energy of Cannes fades into quiet refinement, you’ll find Antibes — a coastal haven that captures the essence of understated luxury. Its old town, framed by 16th-century ramparts, hums with Provençal life: cafés spilling onto cobblestones, artists painting the sea from shaded terraces, and the scent of bougainvillaea drifting from hidden courtyards. For those seeking Luxury Holidays to the South of France, Antibes offers that perfect blend of cultural charm and coastal exclusivity.

A stroll through the Marché Provençal reveals a feast of colours and flavours — lavender honey, olives, local cheeses, and fresh figs. Art lovers can trace Picasso’s legacy at the Musée Picasso, housed in the Château Grimaldi, where the artist once lived and worked. But it’s beyond the old town, along the legendary Cap d’Antibes, that the Riviera dream truly unfolds.

Here, pine-shaded villas and private estates gaze over turquoise coves. The peninsula’s walking trails wind between secret beaches and viewpoints once favoured by Fitzgerald and Hemingway. It’s a place that whispers glamour — discreet, timeless, and impossibly romantic.

Where to Stay: Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Arguably the most iconic hotel in the South of France, the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc defines Riviera prestige. Set amid lush gardens cascading to the sea, its white façade has welcomed everyone from aristocrats to film stars. Each suite feels like a private retreat, with marble bathrooms, curated art, and terraces overlooking the horizon. The infinity pool carved into the rocks is world-famous, as is the Eden-Roc Restaurant — a dining experience that seems to hover above the water itself.

Evenings here feel cinematic: the hush of waves, the scent of citrus, and the golden shimmer of sunset over the Mediterranean. For the world’s elite, this is the Riviera as it was meant to be — refined, serene, and effortlessly chic.

Awake & Wander Tip: Stay in Antibes as part of a curated multi-stop itinerary that blends coast and countryside — from Saint-Tropez’s glamour to Provence’s calm. Our travel designers can arrange private yacht transfers, exclusive beach club reservations, and chauffeur-driven day trips along the Cap’s scenic coastal roads. Because with Awake & Wander, the journey is as luxurious as the destination

Booking Protections & Peace of Mind

When you book your Luxury Holiday to the South of France with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, every detail is protected — from the first enquiry to the moment you step off your return flight.

As an independent UK-based travel agency, we’re proud to offer both ATOL protection and Supplier Failure Insurance, meaning your booking is secure no matter what happens. Whether it’s a tailor-made Côte d’Azur itinerary or a villa stay among Provence’s vineyards, your investment — and your peace of mind — are always safeguarded.

Our relationships with trusted luxury partners across France mean we can secure the very best experiences, from private yacht charters and Michelin dining to exclusive hotel upgrades. You’ll also enjoy our 24/7 concierge service while you travel — because true luxury is knowing you’re always in good hands. Discover more about our ATOL-Protected Luxury Holidays and why travellers choose us for the confidence that every booking is fully secured.

Our Take:

"Luxury isn’t just about where you stay — it’s about how you feel when every detail is cared for. That’s the Awake & Wander difference."

Why Book with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

At Awake & Wander, we craft travel that reflects you. No two holidays are the same because no two travellers are. Whether you dream of champagne sunsets in Monaco, lazy Provençal lunches, or hidden Riviera coves only locals know, we’ll design a bespoke itinerary that flows seamlessly from start to finish.

Our experienced travel designers know the South of France intimately — the secret vineyards, the private beaches, the boutique hotels that feel like home. We take the time to listen, plan, and perfect, ensuring your journey is truly yours.

Because when it comes to Luxury Holidays to the South of France, we believe in more than simply getting you there. We believe in creating something unforgettable — a story to relive, again and again.

Call us on 01495 400011, use our online enquiry form, or explore our holiday search tool to begin crafting a bespoke trip that’s as unique as you are.

At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, every journey begins with you.

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