ANTIBES

Ask any local for their suggestion on what to do in Antibes, and you'll likely hear a resounding chorus of "Le Phare de la Garoupe" – the lighthouse that has crowned Cap d'Antibes since the 19th century. Standing 103 metres above the sea on the Garoupe plateau, its beam still guides boats into the Baie des Anges long after dark.

When I say this walk around the cape, up through the sprawling villas and manors to the lookout point, is spectacular? Wow. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face the entire way, and arriving at the lighthouse only made it better, greeted by sweeping vistas in every direction. Nice and the bay unfurl to the east, Juan-les-Pins and the Golfe-Juan curve away to the west, and the Iles de Lérins sit scattered over the horizon toward Cannes. I arrived at the lookout in the early evening, perfect timing to sit up there and watch the sun go down over the riviera.