Les Baux-de-Provence is a medieval village high on a hilltop with stunning views of the valley below. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France the stone, sand, terracotta, flower boxes and sky blue shutters welcome. You feel transported back to a simpler time when wandering the winding, cobble stone streets.
Les Baux, France
Carrières de Lumières
Carved out of a former quarry this multimedia art show is a feast for the senses. Famous works of art come to life set to soaring musical pieces. This installation is a must-see for those who appreciate art and music come to life.
Ponte du Gard
Next up, the Pont du Gard is located near Nîmes, Uzés and Avignon. This Unesco world heritage site is the most visited ancient monument in France and we climbed it with a private guide. It’s not for the faint of heart but we felt accomplished and honored to view this ancient and timeless landmark from the top.
Learn more of Pont du Gard here
Our thanks to Sebastien from Creative Destinations for introducing us to these unforgettable experiences in Provence. To curate your dream trip to France contact Curated Travel here.
To book your tickets to Carrieres des Lumieres here.
To book a private tour of Arles, Saint-Rémy, Les Baux de Provence and Carrières de Lumières Day Trip from Aix en Provence here.
This sparkling beauty was the first stop on our European holiday and has long been on my travel bucket list. Nestled on the glamorous French Riviera Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a haven of exquisite beauty and timeless elegance. This exclusive peninsula boasts a perfect blend of natural landscapes, opulent villas, and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere that has captured the hearts of discerning travelers for decades.
Just a quick check-in during a flurry of packing and prepping to catch a flight to the French Riviera tomorrow bright and early. Scott and I will land in Nice, and spend a few days enjoying the Riviera while based in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Later we will board the Seabourn Sojourn in Monte Carlo for the 10-Day Tyrrhenian Treasures & Malta with a sparkling itinerary. Stops include Italy, France, Malta (a first for us!), and end in Spain where we will finish up with a few relaxing days in Barcelona before heading home. We are honored to be invited to host this cruise for the Virtuoso Voyages group onboard. When I tell you this cruise sold out fast - it was sold out one day after I posted our announcement!
How does frolicking on the French Riviera sound about now?
In October, Scott and I plan to set sail on the luxurious Seabourn Sojourn from Monte Carlo to Barcelona on a 10-day cruise with stops in Elba, Amalfi, and Taormina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), St. Tropez and La Ciotat (France), as well as Palamos (Spain) before disembarking in Barcelona on this spectacular itinerary.
The French Riviera is famous for azure seas, brilliant sunshine, gleaming yachts, celebrity sightings, sparkling champagne and oozes with glamour. Trust me, it’s all that and more. Have you heard of Èze? This medieval village is perched 1,401 feet above the Mediterranean sea. Èze is forged of winding stone staircases and perches, twisted wrought iron, colorful urns of flowers, and stunning views of the Cote d’Azure. It is magical, especially at sunset.
Provence is everything you have likely pictured in your mind’s eye. Pastel houses, shimmery sunlight, colorful window boxes of blooms, with pastel café tables dotting the gardens and patios ready for a moment of reflection over a robust Café Crème or chilled rosé. The lifestyle in Provence is simply irresistible.
On a cloudless day with brilliant azure skies we arrived at Baumanière in Les Baux de Provence. Trust me, for any lovers of French gardens the grounds were the stuff of dreams! Pure Provencial charm embellished with towering cypress, clipped boxwood hedges - fragrant rosemary, lavender, citrus and roses - enhanced with vintage ironwork and the classic eggshell blue painted trims. Café sets placed under trees and trellises create alfresco living at it’s french best.
Last month we had the pleasure of returning to one of our favorite destinations, Paris. It was a quick stop over on our way to Provence and the French Riviera but we made the most of time. We checked into the Le Royal Monceau and were immediately taken with the touch of whimsy (note upside down flower pot arrangement) and sleek, modern vibe of this Philippe Starck designed hotel. Our suite came complete with delicious welcoming macaroons, plush robes, linens and Clarins bath products and even a guitar for Mr. C.T. They thought of everything!
2025 turned out to be an unforgettable year of travel—three trips to Europe in just six months! That was a first for me, and what a whirlwind it was. Scott and I kicked off the year sailing through the Caribbean on Explora I, easing into January with sunshine, sea breezes, and that signature Explora luxury experience.