Cote d'Azur In September: How The Smart Money Avoids The August Rush Of Tourists

For at least a century, the elite has loved the length of the Riviera, from Italy to France to Spain-- but never during the heat and crowds of August, the holiday month de rigueur for millions of Europeans.

Instead, the smart money has long bet on September, a milder, less crowded, and substantially more pleasant time to experience one of the planet's most attractive coastlines.

Nice

Here are our suggestions for enjoying a luxurious September, cruising the Mediterranean coast. Some sailings have few cabins still available. Prices are all inclusive per person, with some differences in what is included depending on the cruise line. Port fees or taxes may be additional. There may be discounts or benefits; ask your cruise agent. If you like a cruise, we always suggest you ask for a courtesy hold today to guarantee the rate while you research timing, airfare and other expenses.

Relive The 1960s Cote d'Azur in Nice and San Tropez, But Few Cabins Remain.

September 1-8 SeaDream Yacht Club SeaDream I, 112 passengers, built 1984, refurbished 2016. Two remaining "Yacht Club" staterooms" $4,699, one remaining "Commodore Suite" $8,299. Seven nights Nice, France; St. Tropez; At Sea, Roses, Spain; Palamos, Spain; Alcudia, Majorca, Spain; Ibiza, Barcelona, Spain.

Antibes

La Creme de la Creme: Overnight In Antibes; Try To Book l'Hotel du Cap, Classic French Luxury

September 5-12 Silversea Silver Muse, 596 passengers, built 2017. Superior veranda suite $6,700. Seven nights Barcelona, Spain; Ibiza, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; overnight Antibes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Portofino, Italy; Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

Amalfi Coast

Business Air Included: New & Old Hot Spots: Amalfi; Palma de Mallorca; Cagliari, Sardinia; Monte Carlo, Monaco.

September 13-20 Regent Seven Seas Voyager, 700 passengers, built 2003, refurbished 2016. Deluxe veranda suite from $8,599 with free business class roundtrip air and transfers; $2,900 less without air. Seven nights Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Amalfi, Italy; Lipari, Italy; Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Monte Carlo

Most Value From $2,590 per person. Monte Carlo Overnight, Sandwiched Between Rome And Marseille.

September 23-30. Crystal Serenity, 980 passengers, built 2003, refurbished 2018. Deluxe stateroom with large picture window $2,590, veranda from $3,475. Seven nights Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Elba, Italy; Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy; La Spezia, Italy; overnight Monte Carlo, Monaco; St. Tropez, France; Marseille, France.