Shaynna Blaze takes a majestic cruise around the French Riviera aboard Emerald Sakara
The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, once served as a health retreat for the English upper class and a playground for the rich and famous.
Shaynna Blaze found the best way to experience this majestic and elegant way of life was on an eight-day Emerald Cruises journey aboard the luxury yacht Emerald Sakara.
Location:
French Riviera
Cost:
Join Emerald Cruises in the Mediterranean or Caribbean and discover the magic of luxury yacht cruising. All meals, drinks, selected shore excursions and more are included.
Secure your unforgettable 2026 or 2027 departure today with super early bird savings from $1500 per person. Getaway viewers can save an additional $250 per person off the Emerald Cruises luxury yacht collection.
For more information or to request your voucher, visit emeraldcruises.com.au/getawayoffer, call 1300 390 386 or speak to your travel advisor.
Information correct at 11.04.26 Travel dates and conditions apply
Highlights:
Shaynna's unforgettable journey began in Nice, the sparkling queen of the French Riviera. Claiming over 300 days of sunshine per year, Nice immediately charms visitors with its history and culture. The Promenade des Anglais is the iconic 7km long seaside walk originally created for the British community who spent their winters here. The heart of Nice is the Old Town; a maze of markets, cafes and historic pastel coloured homes.
A 10-minute drive led Shaynna up into the prestigious hilltop district of Cimiez. Layers of history were on show as she toured through the ruins of Roman baths, an amphitheatre, a 16th century monastery and its ancient gardens. Nestled amongst the ruins, a palace built in 1670 was once home to wealthy French families, now home to the Matisse Museum.
After soaking up the sites of Nice it was time to board Emerald Sakara. It didn't take long for Shaynna to unpack and settle into her spacious suite with a favourite cup of tea. Then, after a restful sleep, sunrise yoga on the deck was a gentle way to welcome the new day and a new destination.
Marseille is France's oldest and second-largest city, home to one of the biggest ports in the Med. Palais Longchamp is a monumental building built as a symbol of triumph at the completion of an 80km long water canal. Marseille's oldest quarter, La Panier, has transformed from a rough neighbourhood into one of the city's trendiest spots, known for its cool atmosphere, graffiti, and little boutique shops.
Half an hour drive away is Aix-en-Provence, better known as just Aix, pronounced Ex! Known for thermal hot springs, fountains and pretty pedestrian lanes, it was also a haven for artists being the birthplace of Paul Cezanne. His studio and gardens are just a short walk from the city's main boulevard and well worth a visit.
The next day Emerald Sakara was anchored off the glitzy shores of St Tropez, and Shaynna joined a DiscoverMore tour to the hilltop town of Gassin. Listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France with stone buildings, cobblestone streets and panoramic views of St Tropez. A popular attraction is attempting to squeeze through Andreous street, which is claimed to be the narrowest street in the entire world, best to try it out before lunch!
The seemingly endless rows of vines surrounding Gassin were a reminder that agriculture is key to life in the area. The local conditions of Provence; sun, sea, and wind, are ideal for producing fresh, light, and easy-to-drink wines. As part of her Emerald DiscoverMore tour, Shaynna visited a winery dating back to 1871 followed by a full tasting experience.
Back on board, the drinks continued to flow as they set sail for the next destination. The hot tub on deck 7 was the place to be for a cocktail as the sun set over the water. The food on offer for dinner was superb, from fine à la carte dining at La Cucina, to the casual atmosphere of Aqua Pool Cafe.
Sailing south, they arrived in Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica. Best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, his family home still sits in the heart of the Old Town. Although officially French, Corsica spent nearly five hundred years under Genoese (Italian) rule, giving its laneways a distinct Italian influence. Heading a little way inland, Shaynna found a wilder, mountainous side to the island, described as paradise untouched. Getting a taste of typical shepherd cuisine she sampled Corsica's globally recognised wild honey and fresh goats cheese.
After a few days cruising the French Riviera, Shaynna realised it's not just a destination, but a way of life. A simple, elegant lifestyle that you can truly ease into at a flexible pace. Luckily there was more to come as they continued through more of Corsica, then onto Rome and back to France.
Related Content:
Shaynna Blaze enjoys the ultimate trip through Europe with luxury Emerald Cruises river cruise
Shaynna Blaze explores the splendours of Europe onboard Emerald Destiny
Shaynna Blaze embarks on her first-ever European river cruise aboard Emerald Destiny
