Embark Star Flyer in Monte Carlo.

The colourful resort town of L'Ile Rousse has a palm-lined seafront reminiscent of the French Riviera. In contrast, St Florent is a small traditional Corsican town below the mountains, with weaving passageways, good seafood restaurants, and a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Perhaps take coffee at Place des Portes or follow the coastal path to the ruined Genoese Mortella Tower.

After a morning spent on the beach, re-board Star Flyer and sail to Bastia. In the old quarter of Terra Vecchia, see old churches, the house where Balzac stayed on Rue General-Carbuccia, and the elegant Maison de Caraffa, or perhaps try the Corsican dish 'aziminu' in the restaurants of the old port, accompanied by a glass of local Pastis.

The lovely Tuscan island of Elba was the home of Napoleon, and Villa dei Mulini was the house he built next to his training camp. Old Portoferraio sits inside a Medicean fortress, lost in time and graced with flower-filled balconies. Stroll the botanic gardens at Giardini Ottone, or walk to the 1BC Villa Romana Della Grotta for wonderful views.

Before being discovered by the rich and glamorous in the 1950s, Portofino was a humble fishing village beside a creek. Today, lavish villas, expensive yachts, boutiques and fine restaurants have not diminished its charm. Walkers can strike out for the gardens of Castello Brown or walk through olive groves in Portofino Nstional Park. Alternatively, take a sea taxi and explore the Cinque Terre towns.

One of the three paradise isles of Hyères, Porquerolles is a destination for nature lovers, who hike the hills covered in sage and myrtle to the magnificent white sand beach. Sanary-sur-Mer is a quiet town on the Côte d'Azur with a picture-perfect waterfront of pink and ochre houses.

Saint Tropez is a by-word for glitz and decadence, a paradise for shoppers and people-watching, but it also has a long list of historic sites including a citadel, fountains and a castle. For an alternative view, follow the scenic coastal path from St Tropez, leading to small beaches and ancient ruins.

Disembark Star Flyer.