Cruise Along the Calanques and Take in the Côte d’Azur Views

Marseille is a typical old port city, in that the streets are narrow, winding, and congested, so leave your vehicle at this car park before heading out to the port.

A historic harbour boasting over 2,600 years of history, making it one of the oldest ports in Europe.
Take the ferry out to a small archipelago a short distance off the coast of Marseille. In 30 minutes, you can be on these small islands, admiring the island fortifications and Calanques. The views back to the Marseille coastline are fabulous too. 🗓️ Check the ferry schedule and book your tickets in advance.

A scenic archipelago known for its historic Château d'If, famously featured as the setting for the prison in 'The Count of Monte Cristo.'
The ferry will take you out to the Calanques of the Frioul Archipelago. Calanques are described as steep-walled inlets and are found along the Mediterranean coastline. These islands off the coast of Marseille are part of the Calanques National Park and offer a unique landscape and ecosystem to explore. From the boat, you'll see the island of If and its 'château' (more like a fort/prison). The other islands of Pomègue and Ratonneau can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

After the ferry ride, return to the car park to pick up your car.

A scenic lookout atop France's tallest seaside cliff, providing sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
On your way to lunch near La Ciotat, take the coastal road along the Falaises Soubeyrannes cliffs. These steep and impressive cliffs between Cassis and La Ciotat are a sight to behold. The winding hillside road out to Cap Canaille is worth the detour for all the photo opportunities. 🅿️ On-site parking is available.

A Provençal cuisine restaurant with a charming façade covered in Virginia creeper and a terrace lined with olive trees, recommended by both the Gault&Millau and Michelin guides.
The joy of the Mediterranean coastline is the views. Roche Belle, registered in esteemed gastronomic reference books such as Gault et Millau and Michelin, epitomises the Provençal atmosphere. A house covered in creeping flowers, a shady terrace, and a view out towards the ocean. Combine this blissful setting with a nice cold glass of Provençal Rosé wine, and it's a great example of life on the Mediterranean.
If Roche Belle is closed, try nearby La Table de Nans instead. 🗓️ Check the opening hours and book a table in advance. 🅿️ On-site parking is available.

After lunch, you may need to charge up. If so, this ENGIE charging station is ideal. Located at a service station with conveniences and a café, you can grab a coffee while you wait.

A restored historic windmill perched atop a hill, recreated in its original 1630 design.
You'll wind your way along the coastline, past Toulon and into the hills near Gassin. Mounted atop a hill near Ramatuelle, you'll find the Windmill of Paillas. This detailed replica is based on plans from the 1630s for mills in the area, and is manned and open to the public on weekend mornings. However, you can visit the outside of the mill at any time, and take in the views out towards the Islands of Hyères. It is a perfect hidden gem, with great views and a slice of history of the area, brought to life in the hills. 🗓️ Check the opening hours before your visit. 🅿️ Street parking is available.

A coastal cove with turquoise waters framed by red cliffs, overlooked by the Anthéor Viaduct.
Your last stop on this Côte d'Azur tour is the Calanque of Anthéor. In the shadow of the Anthéor Viaduct, this rocky inlet has the perfect little beach on which to relax. In the summer months, the long days will allow you to take a refreshing paddle in the bay, or just a walk along the beach to admire the crystal-clear water. In the shoulder seasons, you may just catch a sunset! The rocky landscapes give way to sandy beaches; it's a captivating landscape. 🅿️ Car parks are available nearby.

In Antibes, you'll find charming narrow streets everywhere, so it's a good idea to park your car at the hotel or one of the nearby car parks along the harbour before heading to the restaurant for dinner.

A Provençal-style restaurant, awarded a Michelin star and run by chef Christian Morisse and his family, uses the freshest market ingredients to create the dishes.
A dinner recommendation is the dreamy restaurant Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit on the ramparts of the old town of Antibes. The tree-covered terrace is a romantic haven, ideal for settling into holiday life on the Mediterranean. Expect to see market-driven menus, and speciality dishes like squid-ink cuttlefish cannelloni with a shellfish jus. 🗓️ Check the opening hours and book a table in advance.

A Mediterranean coastline known for its world-class resorts, clear blue waters, picturesque hilltop villages, and excellent dining options.
During your time on the French Riviera, don't miss visits to Nice (the old town and port), Monaco (the casino and Japanese garden), Èze (outstanding hilltop views), and Villefranche-sur-Mer for cute coloured buildings in a quaint port town. Or enjoy your stay in Antibes, rich in luxury facilities as well as old-town charm.