The Ultimate Luxury Guide Through Geneva and the South of France
Itineraries
With the fall season settling in, you might already be dreaming of your next European vacation. Look no further— today, we’re rounding up a ‘must-do’ itinerary for your next luxurious vacation from Switzerland to Monaco.
When to Go: Geneva
While there’s certainly never a *bad* time to visit Switzerland or France, the summer and fall months are certainly a favorite. If you’re looking to soak up some sun and spend endless hours on the water, you might opt for June through early September. If you’re comfortable with simply pleasant temperatures (Maybe just a light jacket at night) and fewer crowds, mid-September might be the perfect fit for you.
START HERE: GENEVA
Geneva is quite literally the perfect location to begin your vacation. We recommend a taste of Switzerland before embarking on your journey through France. And, it’s centrally located so you can easily make your way to your next stop: Avignon.
But before we move too fast, let’s break down Geneva.
A popular hub for connections is certainly CDG and if you haven’t traveled through it before, it’s quite honestly what I call…a nightmare. If you have a quick connection time or simply don’t want to wait up to a few hours in line for customs, you might opt for an airport concierge service. Not only will an agent pick you up at your arrival gate, but they’ll help guide you to your next gate. You’ll skip any line, have someone help carry your bags, and safely get you to your gate (or lounge if you have extra time).
SWITZERLAND | GENEVA
Some definite standouts in Geneva are the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix.
If you’re looking for unmatched elegance with white and gold grand architecture, then we’ve found your match at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergs. With gorgeous suites, views of Lake Geneva, and a full-service rooftop spa, you’re in for a treat. Walk right outside and you’re just a few minutes walk from Old Town Geneva, the famous Jet d’Eau, and mouth-watering restaurants.
Lily Pond Luxury Client Perks For Geneva Hotels Mentioned
$100 USD Hotel Credit
Daily Breakfast for 2
Room Upgrade upon arrival, based on availability
Equally as beautiful, but with a more modern, cozy vibe: the Ritz Carlton Hotel de La Paix. With checkered flooring, rolling staircases, and views of the crystal blue Lake Geneva, you’ll be in great hands.
In addition to the beautiful and rather spacious accommodations, is the next-level team.
Their attention to detail and service makes the stay even more memorable. Greeted with freshly made citrus iced tea and a personalized welcome, you won’t want to leave. Located just one block from the Four Seasons, you can certainly pop over to their restaurant and bar for a lovely drink in a dramatic, gold-encrusted setting.
You are in Switzerland after all, so calling all cheese lovers… Swiss Fondue is a must!
Les Armures is a popular delight for traditional Swiss cuisine. From fondue and pasta to Swiss onion soup, you won’t be disappointed.
Seeing Lake Geneva up close is a definite must. Check out the 1-hour public boat tour or rent a boat of your own. And while you’re at it, walk just a few streets over to Old Town Geneva. The shops, restaurants, and bars are quite charming.
Of course, the Swiss are known for their Swiss Chocolate. La Bonbonnière Chocolaterie offers a memorable chocolate-making experience that will most definitely be a stand-out.
And lastly, you can’t go to Geneva without a stop to see the United Nations and Broken Chair statue.
After a quick train ride to Avignon, we recommend renting a car to explore the region of Provence on your own.
PROVENCE | AVIGNON
You can use this evening to catch your breath, enjoy a yummy dinner, and relax in your hotel room. Get lost in the quaint town of Avignon, exploring the bakeries, clothing shops, and more. And of course, you can’t forget to see the famous Pont d’Avignon.
The perfect stop for a long afternoon and evening, we recommend staying at La Mirande. A small boutique hotel with just 26 rooms, you’ll certainly feel at home. Every turn features unique prints and marble, sophisticated touches. You’re just steps from the Pope’s Palace with plenty to explore.
Next | Spend the day in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
From here, you’ll make your way to the countryside. But not without a stop first at one of the most delightful little towns in Provence: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Set on the Sorgue River, if you’re lucky enough to hit this town on the weekend, you’ll be enchanted by their weekend markets filled with clothing, antiques, woodwork, and colorful linens—just to name a few.
You’ll certainly want to stop by Pizzette for a glass of wine, delicious salads, and wood-fired pizzas. And did we mention how adorable their drink menu is? This is the creativity we live for!
After quite a bit of exploring, you’ll be ready to soak in the French countryside with a glass of Rosé.
Next Stop | Terre Blanche
Terre Blanche is a mixture of luxury, tranquility, and comfort. A resort that is bigger than the whole country of Monaco, you certainly won’t be bored.
Gorgeous suites and villas await, as does an indoor and outdoor pool, a grand spa, an impressive art collection, and multiple restaurants, and that’s just to name a few! We love their restaurant Le Gaudina for its quintessential Provincial cuisine.
Lily Pond Luxury Client Perks at Terre Blanche
$85 USD Hotel Credit
Buffet breakfast for 2 daily
Room Upgrade upon arrival, based on availability
Welcome Amenity
Complimentary Wi-Fi
And did we mention, it was voted the ‘Best Golf Resort Club in Continental Europe’ 3 years in a row?
The concierge is next level, and they’ll assist in arranging perfect experiences for you. Perhaps horseback riding through Villards Stud Farm or visiting the very famous Chateau d’Esclans to try one of the most popular rosés in the world: Whispering Angel.
If you’re up for a day trip to enjoy the gorgeous beach, St. Tropez is only a quick 75-minute drive away. With windy roads, it’s not for the faint of heart, but the views are sure spectacular.
You’ve probably heard of the famous ‘Le Club 55’ beach club. Be sure to be on the lookout for your celeb sighting from Leonardo DiCaprio to Kate Moss, as it’s where they like to enjoy their summer days.
And once the sun starts to set, you’ll certainly want to go into town, just a few minute’s drive to check out the long line of luxury sailboats, boutiques, artists, and restaurants.
And for your final destination, the beautiful city of Eze awaits.
FRENCH RIVIERA: EZE
Hôtel Château de La Chèvre d’Or is renowned for its panoramic views of the Med and a hotel set on top of a cliff.
It’s quite possibly one of the most unique properties that go above and beyond for its guests. Each room is one of a kind with cozy accommodations.
Now, we can’t fail to mention that with the quirky town of Eze, comes a stair at every step. After exploring the small city, you’ll probably be itching to relax by one of their 2 pools, indulge in a massage, or gaze out into the sea while watching the countless yachts pass by.
Eze is a great base for visiting the nearby towns like Monte Carlo (Casino anyone?), Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, or just a little further, Cannes.
Let us help arrange a day tour with a top-notch tour guide who will not only show you the best of the best but transport you from stop to stop with a mini history lesson on the side. From the country of Monaco to Villefrance for lunch, with some amazing shopping at Nice.
And of course, you’ll have to get dressed up to the nines for dinner and a night at the Monte Carlo Casino. For dinner, you’ll want to be sure to grab dinner at Hotel de Paris.
A perfect 10 - 12 days, making your journey from Switzerland to France (or longer, if you wish to relax and linger) will sure to leave you with a permanent smile on your face. From the history, breathtaking views, and kind individuals you’ll come across, you’ll be sure to be itching to visit again soon.
