Nice, capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. Founded by the Greeks and later a retreat for 19th-century European elite, the city has also long attracted artists. Former resident Henri Matisse is honored with a career-spanning collection of paintings at Musée Matisse. Musée Marc Chagall features some of its namesake’s major religious works.

Nestled on a rocky spur in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi offers its whiteness between two sapphire-coloured bays. Capital of the Balagne region, the Genoese city benefits from an exceptional natural setting between the abrupt relief of the central chain, fertile hills and long sandy beaches. From the promontory of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel, built in the 19th century on the ruins of a 15th century sanctuary, you will not miss the sublime panorama of the seaside, the mountains and the Calvi citadel. A little further west, you will have the opportunity to discover with the peninsula of Revelatta, a wilder and more preserved part of Corsica.

Perched precariously on a high rocky promontory, Bonifacio (Corsica – France) occupies a very special place in the Corsican andscape, particularly when viewed from the sea. A fortress city atop white limestone and granite cliffs that have been sculpted by wind and waves, Bonifacio’s historic medieval heart of tall, narrow houses and winding cobblestone streets is protected by an impressive citadel wall embellished with square towers : a beautiful sight.

Dominated by a fortified citadel, Lipari (Italy) is capital of the seven volcanic Aeolian Islands. Lipari is deservedly famous for its architectural and natural beauty as it embraces some stunning panoramas, pumice stone quarries and a “Castello” built on the ruins of an ancient Greek acropolis.

On the edge of Catania, Taormina (Italy) stands out against the slopes of Mount Tauro in the heart of a picturesque and charming location. Its ancient Greek theatre offers a magnificent panorama with the majestic Mount Etna, its lava flows still smoking, in the background.

Known throughout the world as the Pearl of the Adriatic, the walled city of Dubrovnik (Croatia) built on a rock has preserved all its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque monuments. Long considered as a rival to Venice, traces of its illustrious past are to be found throughout the city.

This former imperial residence reveals all from the impressive fortified walls, towers, temples and palaces to the baths. A museum in itself, Split (Croatia) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to Diocletian’s famous Palace.

Rovinj is a Croatian fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. The old town stands on a headland, with houses tightly crowded down to the seafront. A tangle of cobbled streets leads to the hilltop church of St. Euphemia, whose towering steeple dominates the skyline. South of the old town is Lone Bay, one of the area’s pebble beaches.

Cultural centre of the Slovenian Riviera, the small yet perfectly-formed town of Piran has preserved a medieval atmosphere with its narrow streets and closely packed houses rising in steps from the shore to the top of the hill. A typically Mediterranean view.

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.