Looks can be deceiving, especially regarding the distances between towns in the South of France. When heading out to explore, plan for an hour to be more like two because of the mountainous terrain and winding roads. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport has a good selection of electric cars ideal for daytrips and more [make sure the hotel valet keeps it charged]. Whether just going for the day or charting an overnight, follow these ABCs of the communes.
A is for Avignon
Distance from Cannes: 2 hours 30 minutes
Avignon celebrates its 25th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts artistic and cultural programming throughout the year. The Avignon experience centers around the Palais des Papes monument, the most important Gothic palace in the West. On May 22, Louis Vuitton gets in on the action and will present its Cruise 2026 show at the landmark, carrying on its tradition of organizing shows in renowned locations and architectural masterpieces. The House will contribute to the funding of a lighting project for the Palais des Papes, which will enhance the architecture and involve illuminating the facades of the buildings facing the square, including the cathedral, the Petit Palais, the Hôtel des Monnaies, and the Hotel Calvet de la Palun.
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E is for Eze
Distance from Cannes: 1 hour
Stunning village overlooking the sea is a recurring title throughout the towns on and near the French Riviera, and Eze tops them all. Located between Nice and Monaco, the medieval village of Èze is a scene out of a movie with its cobblestone streets, winding alleys and the botanical treasures of its major attraction, Jardin Exotique. In Eze, the storied resort La Chèvre d’Or has dazzled guests such as Lauren Bacall, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Clint Eastwood, Robert de Niro, Leonardo di Caprio, Sean Connery, Michelle and Barack Obama, and Bono since 1953, perched in an eagle’s nest overlooking the Mediterranean coastline. La Chèvre d’Or is also known for its French gastronomy, with two Michelin stars.
Island of Porquerolles
Distance from Cannes: 2 hours 30 minutes
The Island of Porquerolles, off the southernmost tip of Côte d’Azur, the largest of the three Îles d’Hyères in the Parc National de Port-Cros, is known as the Nantucket of the South of France for its beaches and vineyards. The crown jewel within its treasure box: Fondation Carmignac, owned by art collector Edouard Carmignac and housinghis collection ofmore than 300 contemporary works from both established and emerging artists. The current exhibit, VERTIGO, features abstract art post 1950 and runs until November. His Domaine de la Courtade winery is worth a visit for its tastings and restaurant.
S is for Saint-Tropez
Distance from Cannes: 1 hour 40 minutes
Saint-Tropez, one of the original jet-set celebrity hangouts from the 1950s, wrote the playbook on extravagant beach clubs and megayachts. For a different kind of St Tropez experience, visit La Réserve Ramatuelle, a sanctuary overlooking the Mediterranean. The clifftop property, just six miles from the beach, features 28 rooms, 19 of which are suites, plus 14 private villas flanked by the idyllic gardens of Provence. The property hosts two-night retreats at Spa Nescens focusing on women’s health, with specialists in nutrition, breathwork/meditation, postural massage and yoga.
V is for Vence
Distance from Cannes: 45 minutes
The medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is known as a haven for artists, and the big names back this up. Visit Matisse’s Rosary Chapel and Chagall’s Chapel, or look for works by Raoul Dufy and Chaïm Soutine, who were all drawn to the town. Vence is also home to the Maeght Foundation, a museum of modern art that recently underwent renovations on the Colline des Gardettes, a hill overlooking Vence. The collection features over 13,000 works from artists such as Joan Miró, Alexander Calder, Pol Bury and Diego Giacometti. Stay over and check into Château Saint-Martin & Spa, hidden in the hills between Nice and Cannes.
