The ultimate French Riviera road trip

Tucked away within 46 hectares of immaculate organic vineyards, UP – Ultimate Provence Hôtel is a charming slice of French countryside living. Rows upon rows of Syrah grape-laden vines stretch as far as the eye can see, interrupted only by the tops of two teepees beneath which guests sip the estate’s eponymous wine – or try it mixed into a cocktail. Cool off with a dip in the swimming pool hugged by olive trees, or in the ultra-modern wine cellar with a sommelier-led tasting. Once you’ve dined and danced the night away to live music on the restaurant terrace, sink into the crisp white sheets of your spacious bedroom which is decorated in a soothing palette of tones that conjure sea, earth and lavender fields and filled with a bespoke fragrance created by a Grasse perfumery. Suggested stay 1-2 nights.

Ever since Brigitte Bardot put this quaint coastal town on the map in the 1950s, Saint-Tropez has been a much sought-after celebrity hotspot. But look beyond the sleek superyachts moored in the happening harbour where glitzy designer boutiques have set up shop, and you’ll also find whispers of a traditional fishing village with cobbled streets, honey-hued houses and peaceful cafés.

Spend a slow morning breakfasting beneath the iconic red awnings of Sénéquier on the waterfront, before getting lost in the maze of narrow streets overlooked by the sunshine yellow bell tower. Fuel up with a slice of Tarte Tropézienne, a local brioche and cream-filled cake dusted with chunky grains of sugar, or an ice-cream from Barbarac, then spread a beach towel over the sandy shore of La Ponche, a picturesque cove backed by apricot and peach coloured buildings where locals go to watch the sun set. No trip to Saint-Tropez would be complete without a day at Pampelonne Beach, a three-mile stretch of white sand that’s still the place to see and be seen at the likes of Le Club 55 and the yellow-striped loungers of Loulou Ramatuelle.

Ultra-exclusive MUSE Saint-Tropez effortlessly captures the essence of Côte d’Azur glamour with its creamy, cooling interiors and ecological Mediterranean gardens designed by acclaimed landscape artist, Sophie Agata Ambroise. Pristine white loungers have been cleverly arranged around the tranquil pool so that guests can dip their toes in the water as they soak up the sunshine, while the elegant cabanas make perfect poolside dining spots. The minimalist suites are named after famous muses from Audrey Hepburn to Sophia Loren, each individually designed and promising as much style as space to stretch out in total privacy. Sit back on a sunny terrace overlooking the sea, or take a dip in your private plunge pool with a glass of local rosé in hand (straight from the suite’s own wine cellar). Every little detail has been thought of here, from the beach bag in your suite, kitted out with sunglasses and towels, to the MUSE bicycles guests can hop on for a ride through quintessentially French scenery. Suggested stay 2 nights minimum.

The rugged red rock formations which Théoule-sur-Mer has become known for give this small, under-the-radar former fishing village an amber glow which makes sunsets here particularly spectacular. While there are plenty of pretty coves for swimming and snorkelling, La Plage de l’Aiguille is where we most like to lie our sunhats – set within a protected natural park, this white sandy shore feels far from the usual Côte d’Azur crowds, and you can also walk along the coast to stumble across the more isolated beaches of the Crique Aiguille.

Fronting the water’s edge against a breath-taking backdrop of the Esterel Hills, Tiara Miramar Beach Hôtel & Spa is tucked discreetly away in a private cove where the fiery red cliffs meet the cobalt blue of the Mediterranean. Slow, sun-soaked days at this quiet oasis facing the Lérins Islands revolve around the water, thanks to the seafront swimming pool which drops down to the hotel’s exclusive beach area, shaded by a string of bright blue parasols. The majority of the redecorated rooms have enchanting sea views, while diners at Le MoYa Restaurant can tuck into just-caught seafood to a soundtrack of crashing waves. Suggested stay 2 nights minimum.

Nestled between Nice and Monaco, just a stone’s throw from trendy Plage Paloma in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze is a storybook village perched on a hill over 400 metres above sea level, which means mesmerising views across the French Riviera from every turn. Stroll the steep, narrow streets, seemingly carved into the rocks beneath crumbling archways, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the medieval era.

Follow your nose at the foot of the hill through the Fragonard factory, where perfume enthusiasts can tour the laboratory, make soap in an interactive workshop, and browse the brand’s beautifully made candles, diffusers, and cosmetics range. Keep walking all the way to the top of the village, past the charming ochre yellow church with a cornflower blue clock face, and you’ll reach Le Jardin Exotique – well worth the climb for the views as well as the plants dotted with earth goddess sculptures by Jean-Philippe Richard.

Just below these botanical gardens sits Château Eza, a 400-year-old castle and former residence of a Swedish prince where guests are still very much treated like royalty. Crowning the ancient clifftops of Èze, the views from this historic hideaway are truly second to none – particularly from the private balconies of the antique-filled rooms. Four-poster beds and period fireplaces nod to the property’s aristocratic heritage, while the glass-edged restaurant opening onto a panoramic terrace gives guests a taste of the modern day Mediterranean where you’re welcomed with a zesty lemon spritz on arrival. Reserve one of the balcony tables to feel as though you’re dining amongst the clouds, and opt for the seven-course sea-inspired tasting menu presented on coral-shaped plates created especially for the château by French ceramicist Elodie Meirsman. Suggested stay 1-2 nights.