Then there's the French island of Corsica, where the rugged charm of its interior contrasts perfectly against the pure luxury of its coastal villages.
With so much choice, it can be tricky to decide on the right French itineraries for you. Below, we list the cruise ports on France’s South coast and its largest island to help make that decision a little easier.
Once you've found your perfect port, GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect itinerary and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
Cannes
Experience the movie star lifestyle in this glamourous French city. In May, the streets are filled with premieres and events, and whilst other months can be somewhat quieter, the charm of this beautiful place still abounds. Marvel at the mega yachts in the harbour, stroll down La Croisette, where hotels and restaurants buzz with excitement, and relax in the sunshine on Palm Beach. If you’d prefer to view this unique city from a new perspective, a 15-minute ferry ride will take you to the island of Sainte-Marguerite. Here, the Fort Royal stands proudly amongst a sea of eucalyptus trees, offering moments of seclusion and tranquillity.
Marseille
This port on the French Riviera offers the charm of its Mediterranean location and the bustle of the big city (France’s second largest). Spend the morning at the centuries-old Quai des Belges fish market before heading to the nearby warehouses, where local delicacies should be devoured with coffee. With renewed energy, climb the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde for a stunning view of the city, or take the half-hour trip to see the limestone cliffs of Calanques National Park for a hike or kayak in this extraordinary landscape. In such a large city, the possibilities for your day in Marseille are endless, with shops, museums, modern galleries and much more to explore.
Nice (Villefranche)
A short ride from Villefranche port, Nice offers the French Riviera experience at its best. Wide promenades with beautiful beaches and eye-watering yachts glisten under the palm trees. No wonder that many cruisers will choose to stay in this area all day, soaking up the sun from one of the many restaurants and bars. Others choose to take the electric trolley train up to the old town to admire the historic architecture and stunning views. An alternative option from Villefranche is to travel east along the famous coastal road to Monaco. Impressive at every turn, this unique country oozes wealth and elegance as you wander along its harbour, marvel at the grounds of the Prince’s Palace and maybe try your luck in one of the casinos.
Toulon
Toulon is a proud maritime city boasting beautiful beaches alongside navel traditions. This port is also used as a base to explore smaller French towns across the Mediterranean. An hour and a half excursion East leads to St Tropez, where the beautiful old buildings mix seamlessly with modern luxuries – think designer shopping, amazing seafood platters and some of the most impressive yachts to be found in the Riviera. Closer to Toulon, Cassis to the West has a more intimate feel, offering a taste of Provincial life, with beaches and coves to be explored alongside boutique shops and relaxed cafes.
Corsica
Ajaccio
A French territory, but with a mind of its own, Corsica has long been attracting cruisers to its Mediterranean shores. Ajaccio, the capital, is famous as the birthplace of Napoléon and thus, his history can be explored around the city, in museums and the botanical gardens (formally part of his country estate). Wandering around the city, it is clear that it has so much to offer, with beautiful streets lined with French cafes and restaurants and wonderful beaches, a short walk South from the city.
Calvi
Towards the North of the island sits the beautiful town of Calvi. Explore the history of the old town and its transformation from a small fishing village to the Genoese birthplace of Christopher Columbus, with its striking 15th century citadel. Then, head to the marina, now crowded with mega yachts, white beaches, fresh seafood and luxury boutiques. Soaking up the atmosphere of this town will happily fill your day, but, if you’re looking for something a little different, head on an excursion. We recommend a ride to the mountainous interior of the island to discover why Corsica is called the ‘scented isle’.
Propriano
This town in the South of the island is known for its idyllic scenery, with its clear waters, expansive harbour and eye-catching bell tower. French hospitality can be found all along the harbour, where delicacies include cheeses and charcuterie. Excursions across the south of the island commonly include a trip to the Stantari standing stones, a prehistoric site dating from the 5th Century BC, that can be accessed via a drive past the soaring mountains laced with thyme and heather - a delight for all the senses.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
