Nice, on the Baie des Anges beneath the Alps, is a sunny, elegant Côte d'Azur city. One of France's oldest, it mixes seaside charm, strong local food, and Italianate heritage. In Vieille Ville, find piazzas, cafés, shops, and the famous flower and food market. See Place Massena and stroll the Promenade des Anglais for Belle Époque flair, beach life, and superb cuisine niçoise.

This small town on Corsica's northwest coast is a lively beach resort with a promenade of restaurants, bars, and shops. Above it, a 15th-century Genoese citadel offers great harbor views. See Église Sainte-Marie, the pink church, and Notre Dame de la Serra. A plaque marks the controversial claim that Christopher Columbus was born here. Nearby, boat tours explore the dramatic rock formations of the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve.

Ajaccio, the sun-drenched capital of Corsica, combines a relaxed Mediterranean harbor with a proud Napoleonic heritage. Stroll the palm-lined waterfront, explore the pastel old town and lively markets, or head into the surrounding hills for sea views and rugged island scenery. Beaches, cafés and island flavors make this a charming stop with an easygoing local rhythm.

Saint-Tropez is famed for designer shopping, all-night nightlife, and luxe beach clubs like Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot, who still lives here, it also has a quieter side in the hills: narrow cobblestone streets and a 17th-century citadel with stunning port views.

Port-Vendres, in Roussillon on the French Catalan coast, has long been a deep natural harbor used by Romans, medieval Catalan kings, and the French Royal Navy. Nearby Collioure is a colorful seaside village that inspired Matisse and Picasso and is one of the Côte Vermeille's most picturesque resorts. Explore Cap Béar's coastal trails, Banyuls-sur-Mer's steep vineyards, and Collioure's wine bars for the region's rich red wines.

Palma, capital of the Balearic Islands, is known for La Seu, the Cathedral of Santa Maria over the bay, the nearby Almudaina Palace, and Bellver Castle, which houses the city museum. The Juan March Foundation Museum has 70 works by major 20th-century Spanish avant-garde artists. Mallorca also offers beaches, shopping on Jaime III and Passeig del Born, and sights like the monastery where George Sand and Chopin stayed and Cuevas del Drach.

Barcelona is a walkable global city known for breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, bustling markets, parks, and fashion. Start at Montjuïc Castle for city views, then visit the Joan Miró and National Art Museum. Spend a day in the Gothic Quarter and Museu Picasso. The city is especially famous for Antoni Gaudí's work, from La Sagrada Família to Park Güell. Along La Rambla, you'll find more architecture, designer shopping, and great tapas.