Sun, speed, and style on the French Riviera.
There’s nothing quite like late spring in the South of France. In May 2024, my girlfriends and I set off on a post-grad getaway to the French Riviera, celebrating our accomplishments with sunshine and vitamin sea.
Our itinerary included Saint-Tropez, Nice, Cannes, and Monaco for the F1 Grand Prix. The French Riviera is also a perfect one-week add-on to the beginning or end of a larger itinerary—especially for those exploring Paris and Northern France.
This immersive Southern France itinerary combines the vibrant French Riviera, the scenic countryside of Provence, and the historic charm of Marseille through small group tours, private excursions, wine tastings, and gourmet dining, offering travelers a perfect balance of culture, relaxation, and adventure.
With its sparkling Mediterranean coastline, picturesque villages, and iconic events, Southern France is a dream destination for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. Whether celebrating a graduation or planning a girls’ trip, the French Riviera has everything needed for a magical escape.
Earning our master’s degrees gave us the perfect excuse to explore one of Europe’s most glamorous regions. The South of France combines luxury, culture, and adventure—an ideal backdrop for celebrating major milestones.
Our first stop was Saint-Tropez, where we sipped cocktails by the sea, admired the yachts, and shopped to our hearts’ content. We started our mornings with coffee and breakfast at Sénéquier, followed by a celebratory day at Le Club 55—a luxurious beach club perfect for napkin-swinging festivities. With its laid-back elegance, Saint-Tropez invites travelers to embrace beachside bliss, stroll stylishly along Rue Gambetta and Rue François Sibilli, and soak in the Riviera’s signature charm. It’s the perfect place to begin any itinerary.
Next on our journey was the vibrant port city of Nice. Nestled along the coast, it blends cultural richness, cobblestone streets, and Mediterranean beauty. Travelers can lounge on the pebbly shores of Promenade des Anglais, bike along the seafront, or dive into crystal-clear waters for a midday swim or kayak session.
Nice also makes an excellent home base for exploring other gems along the Riviera. I highly recommend Europe Express’s small group tours:
Traveling between towns by train was simple and scenic. Some must-dos from our trip:
To cap off the trip, we had tickets to the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco—just a quick 20-minute train ride from Nice. Staying in Nice helped us save on accommodations, and we attended the Grand Prix two days in a row, climbing into the legendary grandstands to cheer on Charles Leclerc as he won his hometown race.
I can’t recommend visiting during the Grand Prix enough! For a spontaneous twist, tickets are often available day-of—great for surprising a loved one with a thrilling day at the track. Don’t forget to browse the merchandise—we were proudly repping Team Ferrari. Race dates are usually announced in January, so plan accordingly. After the races, we joined the lively celebrations in Casino Square with locals and fellow fans.
If your clients are looking to celebrate a graduation or years of friendship in style, the South of France is a destination that delivers glamour, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
