Luxurious Summer Journey by Road: Traversing Italy and France, from Rome to Saint-Tropez
Exploring the rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Italy and France, a group of travelers embarked on an unforgettable journey. Their adventure began in Rome, a living museum that offers more than just the usual monuments.
In Rome, the Quartiere Coppedè stands out as an unusual fairy-tale like neighborhood with eclectic architecture. The Sant'Agnese Fuori Le Mura, a vast complex in the Nomentano district, is home to early-Christian catacombs, ruins of a 4th-century basilica, and a mausoleum of Constantine's daughter. The Aventine Hill area boasts early-Christian basilicas, the Mithraic temple beneath the Church of Santa Prisca, and the panoramic Garden of the Oranges.
The Passeggiata del Gelsomino (Jasmine Promenade), a peaceful elevated walkway near Vatican, is known for its jasmine flowers and quiet views of St. Peter’s Basilica. The neighborhoods of San Lorenzo and Pigneto, vibrant multicultural districts, offer street art, independent bookstores, LGBTQ-friendly bars, and cultural centers. Lastly, the Capuchin Crypt beneath Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, with artistic displays of human bones, offers a unique spiritual reflection on mortality.
Leaving Rome, the travelers returned to Milan for another day before crossing into France. Nice became their base in France, with the Palais des Anglais area offering beach clubs, parties, and spectacular views. From Nice, they drove to Lake Como, Italy, where the pace softened, and the beauty of the lake and surrounding hills was appreciated.
In Saint-Tropez, the old town was found to be charming with quiet alleys and small courtyards. The Riviera was explored by car, allowing for lingering in unexpected places, discovering hidden beaches, and arriving at golden hour. The travelers visited Monaco and experienced the glamour of the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Eze, a small hilltop village, offered a change of pace. The travelers had lunch at Chateau de la Chevre d'Or and explored the Jardin Exotique. They also did a perfume-making workshop at Fragonard.
While direct information on hidden spots in the French Riviera was not found, exploring inland towns, nature reserves, and hiking paths can reveal more authentic and tranquil experiences. The charm of the French Riviera lies in its smaller villages and natural beauty beyond the Côte d'Azur’s glamour.
A visit to Italy and France is not complete without a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days. For a richer visit beyond famous landmarks, these hidden corners, lesser-known destinations, and offbeat districts offer a deep dive into local culture, history, and atmosphere.
In Saint-Tropez, the old town provides a charming atmosphere with quiet alleys and small courtyards, offering a contrast to the glamour of the Riviera. While exploring inland towns, nature reserves, and hiking paths in the French Riviera, travelers can discover more authentic and tranquil experiences, as the charm of the region extends beyond the Côte d'Azur's glamour.
A lifestyle immersed in the hidden corners and lesser-known destinations of Italy and France can provide a deeper understanding of local culture, history, and atmosphere, enriching their travel experience.
