Italy and France in July have a way of testing your stamina and seducing you all at once. The sun beats down with unapologetic fervour, making even the air shimmer, and you find yourself moving slower not out of laziness, but because everything around you demands to be noticed.
What made the trip special wasn’t just the destinations, but the way we experienced them: driving through winding roads, stopping wherever caught our eye, creating our own rhythm rather than rushing between crowded landmarks.
In Italy, Rome felt like stepping into a living museum. But instead of joining the throngs at the usual monuments, we let ourselves get lost in its quieter corners—narrow alleyways, hidden piazzas, cafés where locals linger over espresso, and cool churches that offer a welcome reprieve from the sun. The Vatican was an exception. It drew me in not just as a spectacle but as a reminder of what human vision and faith can build. In the hushed glow of the Sistine Chapel, staring up at Michelangelo’s ceiling, it was impossible not to feel small and inspired. We spent just one day in Rome before taking a train to Milan.
We arrived in Milan, picked up a car, and drove to Lake Como. One day in Como was enough to soak in its elegance and cinematic charm. Lake Como was where the pace softened. Driving along its serpentine roads, with the lake on one side and lush hills on the other, felt cinematic. We’d stop in little villages, sip Aperol by the water, or simply sit and watch boats glide past grand villas. There’s a quiet luxury to Como; it doesn’t need to announce itself, because its beauty does the work.
We then returned to Milan for another day. Everyone thinks of it as sharp suits and business lunches, but it surprised me as beneath its glossy surface lies Brera, a neighbourhood that feels like a dream of old Europe. Cobblestone streets lined with galleries, boutiques with more soul than branding, and restaurants where dinner can stretch into midnight. Milan is as much about how it makes you feel confident and glamorous, as it is about what you see.
Crossing into France, the Mediterranean stretched out like a sheet of silk. Nice became our base. We stayed in the Palais des Anglais area, right next to the beach, where you step out of your hotel or Airbnb and find beach clubs, parties, and spectacular views. We spent just one day in Nice, strolling around Galeries Lafayette and enjoying some local shopping.
From there, we explored the Riviera by car, perhaps the best way to savour it all. Unlike the rushed pace of trains and buses, driving lets you linger in unexpected places, discover hidden beaches, and arrive at golden hour when most day-trippers have already left.
Nice itself strikes the perfect balance: elegant yet relaxed, with its pebbled beaches and long seaside promenades alive with the scent of salt and sunscreen.
From Nice, we slipped into the understated elegance of Antibes, where Picasso once worked and saw locals shop at morning markets.
We wandered through Cannes in the late afternoon, when the crowds had thinned and the streets glowed in the fading light.
The next day, we drove to Monaco, visited the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo (though we didn’t have time to explore it fully), and then went to the Jacquemus Monte Carlo Beach Club, which was okay, as it was quite hot, but we did have a wonderful experience at a Mediterranean restaurant nearby.
In Monaco, it felt like stepping into another world altogether—a tiny principality polished to perfection.
Next, we went to Èze, which was beautiful. We had lunch at Château de la Chèvre d’Or, with its spectacular views, explored the charming hilltop neighbourhood, visited the Jardin Exotique with its incredible cactus gardens, and even did a perfume-making workshop at Fragonard, which was very memorable.
And then came Saint-Tropez, as extravagant and beautiful as its reputation suggests.
The drive there is part of the magic: winding coastal roads, dramatic cliffs, the smell of pine trees and sea air.
Arriving in the early evening, when the sun began to dip and the port glowed pink, was like stepping into a painting. Pampelonne Beach stretched endlessly, dotted with beach clubs and laughter carried on the breeze. But the real charm was in wandering the old town—quiet alleys, bougainvillaea spilling over terraces, and small courtyards where you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret.
In the end, what stayed with me wasn’t just the scenery, but the way the trip made me feel—unhurried, a little spoiled, and deeply inspired.
There’s something about those sunlit streets and coastal roads that lingers long after you’re back home. The colours feel sharper, the air somehow softer, and even now, I catch myself smiling at the memory of turning a corner and finding yet another view that took my breath away.
Driving Yourself: In both Italy and France, having a car gave us freedom—to avoid tourist hordes, to stop spontaneously, and to take the long, scenic routes. Parking in city centres can be tricky, but many hotels arrange valet or private spots. Along the Riviera, plan to arrive at beaches and towns early to secure parking comfortably.
Where to Wander: In Rome, skip the crowds and explore quieter neighbourhoods like Trastevere or Monti. In Milan, Brera is a must—chic yet authentic, full of character.
Pacing Yourself: Summer heat is intense, but it also slows everyone down, which is part of the charm. Plan leisurely breakfasts, late dinners, and time for doing absolutely nothing by the water.
Making Nice Your Base: The Riviera is best savoured by staying in Nice and driving to surrounding gems—Antibes, Cannes, Monaco, and even Saint-Tropez—all within easy reach but offering very different moods.
Visas: Indians traveling to Italy and France need a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting family. Applicants must submit a completed visa application form, a valid passport, recent photographs, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial means. Additional documents include an itinerary and an invitation letter (if applicable). Applications are processed through VFS Global centres.