Located between Nice and Cannes, Antibes is a picturesque town that hugs the shores of the Mediterranean. The town has inspired artists, writers from Pablo Picasso and Max Ernst to Graham Greene, as well as Stein Study students. Once a Greek trading port, Antibes’ Port Vauban is now the largest marina in the Mediterranean ocean, home to some of the world’s most lavish yachts. Within the 16th Century ramparts, the historic old town of Antibes has retained its original charm with small winding streets, little cafes, boutique shops and Le Marché Provençal. The path around the town’s ancient fortress, Fort Carré, on Saint Roch peninsular, is ideal for enjoying panoramic views of the coast.

Cannes, a resort town on the French Riviera, is famed for its international film festival. Its Boulevard de la Croisette, curving along the coast, is lined with sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques and palatial hotels. It’s also home to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, a modern building complete with red carpet and Allée des Étoiles – Cannes’ walk of fame.

La Rochelle is a coastal city in southwestern France and capital of the Charente-Maritime department. It's been a center for fishing and trade since the 12th century, a maritime tradition that's reflected in its Vieux Port (old harbor) and huge, modern Les Minimes marina. The old town has half-timbered medieval houses and Renaissance architecture, including passageways covered by 17th-century arches.

Loches is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department in central France. It is situated 29 miles southeast of Tours by railway, on the left bank of the Indre River. The town, one of the most picturesque in central France, lies at the foot of the rocky eminence on which stands the Château de Loches, the castle of the Anjou family, surrounded by an outer wall 13 ft (4 m) thick, and consisting of the old collegiate church of St Ours, the royal lodge and the donjon or keep.

Rouen, capital of the northern French region of Normandy, is a port city on the river Seine. Important in the Roman era and Middle Ages, it has Gothic churches, such as Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen, and a cobblestoned pedestrian center with medieval half-timbered houses. The skyline is dominated by the spires of Cathédrale Notre-Dame, much-painted by Impressionist Claude Monet.