Oh, the Places You'll Go

When you get that intense and irresistible desire for freedom, when you feel like you want to capture the world’s essence and collect memories in the company of the wind and the sunshine, a road trip through the South of France can give you that little slice of heaven.

Indulge in the varied landscapes, the medley of delectable foods, the charm of small villages and the ever hypnotic Mediterranean blue sea as you drive the Mercedes SLC through rural back roads, stony medieval hilltop towns and the almost utopian coast of the French Riviera.

Begin your journey from the Château de Pierreclos, a winery in the region of Burgundy where guests can not only tour the vineyard and witness the winemaking process, but also stay in one of the well appointed rooms of this luxury estate founded on the highest degree of excellence.

Provence: 

Cruise past olive groves, cherry orchards and vineyards as you make your way to Provence, where charming small towns with narrow streets, lined with buildings from 17th century and fragrant lavender fields inspired the works of Cézanne and Van Gogh. 

Orange, a small town west of the Rhône offers an exceptional historical heritage. With old fashioned flair, the greatest pleasure is just taking a stroll through the small streets, admiring the well restored façades, and its ancient shady squares.

Aix-en-Provence, perhaps one of the richest of French cities is a quiet, clean and comfortable city where observing the crooked Roman architecture, elegant moss-covered fountains and beautiful boutiques can occupy your day. Visit the colorful farmers market or sit side by side with fashionable Aixois and sip espresso on the cafe-laced cours Mirabeau.

A paradise for outdoor activity, Alpes-De-Haute-Provence offer a remarkable natural heritage. The impressive Verdon Canyon, the majestic Alps, the lavender-covered fields of the Valensole plateau, and the magnificent Verdon Gorge in the Verdon Natural Park.

Spend the night at the Domaine de la Baume, a 50 room luxury retreat that feels more like a family mansion than a hotel. Enjoy an afternoon tea in one of the property’s gardens or get a massage near the waterfall. A simply magical place.

Côte d’Azur:

Drive the world's most beautiful coastal roads as you make your way towards the French Riviera, the most glamorous of all Mediterranean playgrounds. St Tropez, one of the Riviera’s most renowned villages, has for long been a hot destination for the rich and famous. Its impossibly blue waters, the sprawl of pebble beaches and million-dollar houses, the infamous champagne spritz parties and the multi-million dollar yachts have captivated celebrity sun lovers and socialites alike, making St Tropez the ultimate planetary spotlight.

Book your stay at Villa Marie, a five-star hideaway featuring private villas, relaxing fountains and sun graced terraces where one can enjoy a delicious French breakfast. Enjoy the sunshine, the glitz and the beauty of the light as it bounces off the ocean.

Verbier:

After you attain the perfect tan in the French Riviera, make your way up the mountain to the Swiss ski resort of Verbier. Ever so glamorous, this skiers “seventh heaven” across the 4 Vallées, is recognized as one of the most prominent "off-piste" resorts in the world, offering steep slopes, varied conditions, incredible snow quality and the glitziest resort culture in Europe.

In the summer, the resort is home to the Verbier Festival, a classical music festival of international acclaim, the Grand Raid Cristalp mountain biking competition and the Grand Concours Hippique horse show.

Stay at the new W Hotel, the first alpine resort of the W franchise. It is a hotspot of innovation and design, with incredible panoramic views, an advantageous location for winter sports, gourmet restaurants and easy access to Verbier’s well-known après-ski and nightlife.

Remember, the joy is not about the destination it’s about the journey. Cruise your way around the South of France in a Mercedes Benz SL and get lost in the fantasy of the blue waters, the charm of the old towns and the scents in the crisp air.