We had a great stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel Marseille. Overlooking the Vieux-Port, this newly renovated hotel boasts an unbeatable location right at the harbor. The rooftop pool and terrace are perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing, and its prime location makes it easy to explore the city’s historic port and beyond. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants and cafes nearby, allowing you to enjoy a sunset drink or snack with a beautiful view.

Olea, a cozy Mediterranean restaurant with a bustling outdoor terrace that celebrates Marseille’s culinary traditions. The lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for enjoying fresh fish, vibrant salads, and plenty of vegetarian options. We had an amazing fun filled night here and delicious food!

In the heart of the city, Belle de Mars brings a modern twist to Mediterranean dishes. Using fresh, local ingredients, this cozy bistro serves beautifully plated meals that showcase the flavors of Provence, making it an ideal spot for an intimate dinner.

Nestled in the picturesque Vallon des Auffes, a charming bay within Marseille, Chez Fonfon is famous for its bouillabaisse, a traditional Marseille fish stew. The fresh seafood and waterfront ambiance make it a must-visit for anyone looking to try local flavors in a beautiful setting.

For a wonderful escape in Lyon, treat yourself to a stay at Villa Florentine. Nestled on a hillside, this hotel offers a serene garden area with stunning panoramic views, including the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor pool and relaxing sauna, blending comfort and elegance perfectly. Villa Florentine promises a charming retreat with a touch of luxury in the heart of Lyon.

Palm, Lyon
https://www.palmrestaurant.fr

We had a delicious meal at Palm, which offers a modern twist on traditional Lyonnais cuisine. Instead of classic bouchon fare, Palm serves up small sharing plates featuring seasonal ingredients. Located at the end of one of the main streets in the old town, it provides a quiet and cozy dining experience.

Le Coq Gourmand
https://lecoqgourmand-lyon.fr/en

For a great casual lunch in the Croix-Rousse District, Le Coq Gourmand is a fantastic choice. We enjoyed the chevre chaud salad, which was absolutely delicious. The relaxed atmosphere with a great patio makes it a perfect spot for people watching and a midday meal.

Boulangerie Saint Paul | Maison Farine
http://www.maisonfarine.com/ingredients

One of the best boulangerie we went to in Lyon, Boulangerie Saint Paul offers an outstanding selection of baked goods. This bakery is a must-visit for its exceptional quality and flavor.

Lyon is renowned for its vibrant festivals, including the Festival of Lights and the Nuits de Fourvière. We were fortunate to experience the Nuits de Fourvière, held in the stunning Théâtre antique de Lyon, an ancient Roman theater. This festival offers a captivating mix of theater, music, dance, and film against a historic backdrop. We were thrilled to see Parcels perform—it was a fantastic show! If you’re in Lyon from June to August, the Nuits de Fourvière is a must-visit and definitely worth trying to get tickets.

Lirma B&B, a Sicilian retreat nestled steps away from the sea and the historic center. With its 60s architectural charm, indulgent breakfast, and exceptional hospitality, it's a true gem for an unforgettable stay.

Masquenada, a hidden gem with beautiful indoor/outdoor seating and an incredibly welcoming staff. We stumbled upon this charming place on our first night and were thoroughly impressed. The culinary experience was nothing short of exceptional, especially for seafood enthusiasts. A definite must-visit!

We had a delightful stay at the Splendid Hotel, featuring a serene pool and a terrace with panoramic views. Nestled amidst rocks and mountains, Splendid offers vistas of the Ionian Sea and the Calabrian coast, all within a short walk from Taormina's charming town center. It's the perfect haven for unwinding after a day of exploring the beaches and the historic old town.

Osteria Nero d'Avola, tucked away in a quieter part of town with a lovely garden patio, was the perfect spot for a delicious lunch after a morning of exploring Taormina.

Taormina's crown jewel, the ancient Greco-Roman theater, graces the town in a perfect horseshoe, suspended between sea and sky. With the majestic silhouette of Mt. Etna looming on the southern horizon, this historical marvel is a sight to behold. Today, it's not just a relic of the past; it's a living stage used for events.

Spend the day at Mazzarò Beach. This small but stunning beach is located within an enchanting inlet, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a day of relaxation and swimming in its beautiful waters. We booked a sunbed at Lido La Pigna, and it was great! From here, you can also take boat trips to explore the gorgeous coastline and visit the famous Grotta Azzurra.

The nearby cable car station seamlessly connects the center of Taormina to this coastal haven, making it the perfect escape for a day in Sicilian paradise.

Stroll down Corso Umberto. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with shops, cafes, and boutiques. It's the heart of Taormina and perfect for people-watching. Don't forget to stop at Piazza IX Aprile, located right in the center of Corso Umberto. The square is known for its breathtaking views of the azure Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.

Sablettes beach-Studio - a charming Airbnb located steps away from Sablettes beach, in the heart of of the old town. The apartments is in the perfect location with the most incredible sunrise views.

(View from the apartment balcony pictured above)

On our first afternoon in Menton, we had an amazing lunch at Les Enfants Terribles. Specializing in seafood and local produce, the restaurant's charming patio just off one of the main squares was a great place to relax and people watch.

Throughout our stay, we also had a delicious dinner at Al Vecchio Forno and enjoyed causal lunch at Cacotte Cafe. Each dining experience was fantastic.

Seafood - Les Enfants Terribles - Lunch
French - Cocotte Cafe - Lunch
Italian - Al Vecchio Forno - Dinner

Village Apartment - a charming Airbnb tucked away in the heart of the old town. This apartments was located on the most quaint pedestrian street close to lots of great restaurants and walking distance to the waterfront.

(View of the street where the apartment was located pictured above)

Le Grande Cave de Villefranche, nestled in the heart of town, is a charming wine bar offering a delightful experience. With a small yet exquisite selection of tapas perfectly paired with curated wines, our choice was a cheese board that proved to be truly exquisite. Accompanied by a wonderful glass of wine, the vibe was super fun. Can't recommend it enough!

Explore nearby Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the Sentier du Littoral walking trail. This was another absolutely stunning coastal walk that should not be missed. We started our walk near Plage des Fosse and concluded at Paloma Beach. Indulge in an afternoon, unwind on a sunbed, and soak in the breathtaking views. Try and get there early to make the most of the sun.

Prepare to wait, but let us assure you, it's an experience you won't regret! La Cucina in Nice promises an unforgettable dining experience. With its cozy ambiance, amazing service, and authentic Italian flavors, each dish we had was exceptional. Embrace the wait; we met people in line, and honestly, it was half the fun!

Treat yourself to a beautiful dinner at Pinpin! Tucked away on a quiet side street, Rue Martin Seytour, this charming restaurant offers a delightful fusion of French flavors in a warm contemporary setting. The service was excellent, and we loved everything we tried.

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC) in Nice holds a prestigious position as one of the French Riviera's foremost cultural institutions. Located in the heart of the city of Nice, it houses a fascinating collection of modern and contemporary artworks, as well as temporary exhibitions. The museum's striking architecture is equally impressive, featuring a rooftop terrace with public access that offers panoramic views of Nice in all its splendor.

Other notable museums to explore in Nice include:

Musée Matisse: Dedicated to the works of renowned French artist Henri Matisse, showcasing a vast collection of his paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

Musée Marc Chagall: Home to the largest collection of works by Russian-French artist Marc Chagall, featuring his vibrant stained glass windows, paintings, and tapestries.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice: Housing an impressive collection of European art from the 16th to 20th centuries, including works by artists such as Rubens, Rodin, and Picasso.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and unparalleled elegance of Ruhl Plage as you relax on a beach bed by the Mediterranean. Dating back to the early 20th century, Ruhl Plage has been a beacon of leisure on the French Riviera. With its iconic status and breathtaking views, it offers a unique opportunity to unwind in style while soaking up the sun and the storied ambiance of this legendary beachfront destination.

Casa 22 Merida offers 4 stunning self-contained rental suites only a 25 minute walk from the heart of the historic centre.

Located in a quiet residential neighbourhood this beautifully restored 1930’s home with gorgeous backyard garden and pool provides a wonderful oasis from the midday heat!

The host is warm and gracious. I can not recommend it enough. Definitely check it out if you are planning a trip to Merida!

Manjar Blanco! Specializing in Yucatecan food but with a modern touches and a beautiful back garden for dinning outside.

Salons Gallos. Residing behind a set of large rusty doors, this multi-use complex is invisible from outside. But inside, there are several different parts that make up this beautifully converted space (that was once an oat factory). An exhibition gallery, restaurant, bar, disco, cinema and fantastic courtyard. Definitely worth checking out.

Want to hit the beach? Check out Progreso! This small port city is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the north-west of Merida only a 45 minute drive away. Rent a beach bed at the beach club El Haguay.

The Royal Hotel is a stunning historic hotel located in the heart of Picton.

The original hotel was built in 1881 for railway travellers. This historical building sat vacant and in disrepair for many years until recently. Now it’s restored beyond its original glory.

Beautiful design and very thoughtful, friendly service was a constant through out our stay. Oh and the food….wow.

Definitely check it out if you are planning a trip to Prince Edward Country and treat yourself to a night or a meal in one of the restaurants!

The Royal Hotel Dining Room & Terrace is a must try! It celebrates the bounty of the hotels own Edwin County Farms and the many incredible growers in the County. The locally focused food was absolutely incredible. Each dish we had was delicious.

There are lots of great places to go out in Prince Edward County. Russ & Co., Stella's Eatery, Drake Devonshire. But make sure you also take advantage of seeing the beautiful countryside and nature this area has to offer.

Take a drive to Lake on the Mountain, stop at a roadside farm stand, check out the sandbanks provincial park.

The natural beauty of this area is not to be missed.

Check out one of the local wineries, breweries or cider houses in the area.

The County Cider company in Waupoos has breathtaking view of Prince Edward Bay from their outdoor patio.

We stopped at Hinterland Winery and Traynor Family Vineyard both were excellent with nice areas to sit outside and enjoy peaceful view while sipping on their offerings.

Each winery produces very different wines so
it’s worth checking out a few different locations while in PEC.

Take time to slowdown and explore!