Serene Shores of the Côte d'Azur: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Just a short drive or train ride from Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is perhaps the most colorful town on the Riviera. Pastel-colored buildings on the hillside lead right down to the waterfront. Spend the day wandering the old cobblestone alleys full of cozy cafes, boutiques, a wine bar and restaurants. Unlike the rocky beaches of Nice or Cannes, Villefranche has a lovely sandy beach. It can get busy during the day, but in the evenings, the town clears out. If you stay and wake up early, you’ll have the peaceful streets to yourself.

Arrange a boat to pick you up from the dock at the Welcome Hotel, take you around the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula and drop you at a lounger at Paloma Beach Club. Spend the day swimming in the Med, sipping rosé, people-watching and enjoying perhaps the most beautiful view of the Riviera.

While wandering the charming streets of Villefranche, I truly felt like I was living like a local. But if you're looking for something more elegant, consider staying in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

You could spend a whole day walking the Sentier du Littoral around the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula. The views are insane — you'll pass billionaires' yachts, villas (the most expensive real estate in France), gardens and the pristine coast of the Med. Along the trail, you can dip into the crystal-clear waters or jump from cliffs. It’s a five to six km loop that’ll take you about 1.5 to 2 hours, but you’ll want to stop for photos (and a swim!).

Another must is a visit to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a historic mansion with nine extraordinary gardens and panoramic views.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving! The calm, clear, turquoise waters of this sheltered cove make it easy to explore an underwater world full of unique marine life, like red starfish, amberjack, Neptune grass, barracudas, octopus, corals and sea urchins.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer is also another quiet gem with a harbor full of luxury yachts. It's like a mini-Cannes, but with fewer crowds. One of the highlights is Villa Kérylos, a stunning house inspired by Greek villas with ornate frescoes, mosaics and interiors.

For a relaxing day, Plage des Fourmis has very calm waters and is perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. If you want a day trip, just a short drive away is the town of Eze (where Bono lives). Here you can visit the Jardin d’Eze to see exotic succulents and panoramic views of the coast — especially beautiful at sunset (but be warned, it can get very hot and crowded in the summer). Cap off your day with a sunset boat tour!

Villefranche

• Cave Nature — Tucked away in the historic center, this gem serves dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

• L’Aparte – A cozy spot on Rue Obscure with a menu changing weekly on a chalkboard out front.

Cap Ferrat

• Jasmine Grill at Royal Riviera Hotel – One of the best seafood meals ever. Stunning sea views.

• La Musa — When you want a break from Mediterranean seafood, go here for tacos!

Beaulieu

• Anao Plage or Baia Bella- restaurant, beach club and cocktail bar perfect spot to get an Aperol Spritz!

• Boulangerie Patisserie Vintilienne – Small bakery known for their pastries; try the tarte tropézienne!

• La Table de la Réserve — this bistro has a laid-back ambiance but serves incredible Mediterranean dishes and offers a fixed menu for 26euros.