Star Clippers Sailing: Corsica and French Riviera

Glittering Cannes is the archetypal Mediterranean resort city discovered by wealthy English nobles who came to the sunny south of France to escape their drafty old castles during the dreary British winters. Cannes’ high flying lifestyle has attracted notables and the notorious ever since. Every year, the stars flock to celebrate the Cannes Film Festival at the colossal Palais des Festivals. 

Portofino is a fishing village on the Italian Riveria coastline. It's pastel-coloured houses, luxury boutiques and seafood restaurants surround its Piazzetta, a small cobbled square overlooking the harbor, which is lined with super-yachts. A short walk takes you up to the Church of St. George, a church with a cool, plain interior, dramatically situated on the narrow neck of the Portofino headland. As a lookout point, and probably as a site of religious significance, the spot goes back thousands of years. 

The coastal town of Propriano is found on the coast of south-west coast of Corsica about halfway between the major towns of Ajaccio and Bonifacio. The harbour contains a fascinating combination of exclusive yachts and more modest fishing boats and is worth a visit to get some of the best views of the town. The own centre has plenty of luxury shops, cafes and bars to enjoy. 

Stintino is a small village on the north-west coast of Sardinia. Despite the influx of tourists to the island the area has remained peaceful and enjoys a very traditional way of life. The beaches here are considered to be some of the best in Sardinia with powder white sand over looking beautiful crystal clear turquoise seas. 

Napoleon once said that he could recognize his native island blindfolded because of the wonderful perfume of the maquis. Approaching by sea, it is the first thing you experience about Corsica. The second is its wild and mountainous landscape. Nearby are secluded beaches and the eerie Grottes des Veaux Marins, offering fantastic diving opportunities. 

Bandol is a calm little seaside resort in a sheltered bay surrounded by hills that protect it from the wind. It has three sandy beaches and a yachting harbour as well as plenty of bars and restaurants The seafront promenade is shaded by pine and palm trees and an abundance of mimosa. Every morning there is a market in the centre of town.

It is said that the most spectacular way to approach the exquisite harbour of St. Tropez is by sea. St. Tropez is a people-watcher's paradise, so you will also want to explore her famous beaches, bistros and bars. The appropriately named Tahiti Plage is where topless sun tanning started, and whether you prefer to take it off or take it all in, there's always plenty to see in St. Tropez. 

Disembark in Cannes this morning after breakfast.