Where to Experience a Euro Summer: France, Italy or the Balearic Islands?

Three Mediterranean destinations offer the perfect Euro Summer experience in 2026: France (Nice and the French Riviera), Italy (the Amalfi Coast, Lake Garda, or Cinque Terre depending on your travel style), and the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera). Here's how to choose the right one, with firsthand recommendations from Catherine, our travel advisor who has been exploring the Mediterranean for over a decade.

Three destinations, three distinct vibes, one shared mindset.

If you'd like to better understand the Euro Summer phenomenon, we've written a complete guide explaining what a Euro Summer really is(METTRE LE LIEN). In this article, we're getting practical with Catherine, our senior travel advisor.

Over the past ten years, Catherine has explored the Mediterranean extensively, from the Amalfi Coast and Lake Garda to Provence, Portugal, the Canary Islands, and Corsica. These are the three destinations she recommends most for 2026—and why she loves them.

Destination #1: France — The Easiest Euro Summer Experience

France offers the most accessible Euro Summer for Canadian travellers. You already speak the language, regional trains make getting around effortless, and you can experience everything from a single home base in Nice.

It's the option that requires the least adjustment while delivering the full Mediterranean lifestyle.

Nice as Your Home Base

Settle into Nice and stay put.

The regional train network connects the entire coastline, while local buses fill in the gaps. No constant hotel changes. No packing and unpacking every few days. Simply choose your destination each morning and head out.

Must-See Day Trips

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Just 10 minutes by train from Nice, this charming seaside village features a protected bay, an easy-access beach, colourful streets, and an authentic local atmosphere.

Antibes

A beautiful blend of culture and relaxation, Antibes offers a medieval old town alongside some of the Riviera's best public beaches.

Menton

Located on the Italian border, Menton is known as the lemon capital of France. Expect pastel-coloured facades, hillside gardens, lively markets, and a slower pace of life.

Cannes

Optional, but worth considering if you're curious about the famous Croisette or enjoy a touch of glamour.

Annecy

While not Mediterranean, Annecy deserves special mention. About five hours from Nice by train, it offers turquoise waters, colourful canals, alpine scenery, and one of France's most picturesque old towns. It's a wonderful way to add another dimension to your Euro Summer.

Catherine's Insider Tip

Pack water shoes. Many of the French Riviera's most beautiful beaches are made of smooth pebbles rather than sand, and you'll appreciate the extra comfort.

What You'll Actually Experience

An iced coffee or glass of rosé on a terrace in the late afternoon. Dinner along the Promenade des Anglais as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. Catherine's personal favourite is Le Galet. Early morning strolls through the Cours Saleya Market. A traditional Niçoise cooking class (book at least one month in advance). A catamaran cruise across the Bay of Nice. These are the simple moments that define a true Euro Summer.

Who Is This Destination Best For?

Nice is ideal for travellers looking to discover Europe in a comfortable and easy-to-navigate environment.

It's an excellent first European destination for solo travellers and couples thanks to the French language, efficient transportation network, and proximity to many iconic Riviera towns.

Families with teenagers also appreciate the mix of beaches, markets, historic centres, and day-trip opportunities.

How Long Should You Stay?

Plan for 7 to 10 days.

Nice serves as an exceptional base for exploring the French Riviera without constantly changing accommodations. From there, it's easy to visit Antibes, Menton, Èze, Cannes, and Monaco by train.

If you have additional time, consider extending your trip to Annecy or Provence.

Explore our French Riviera travel packages. À AJOUTER

Destination #2 : Italy - Three Euro Summers in One Country

Italy is the spiritual home of the Euro Summer, offering three distinct experiences in one destination: the Amalfi Coast for iconic dolce vita, Lake Garda for a slower blend of Alpine and Mediterranean charm, and Cinque Terre for colorful seaside villages connected by train. It is the kind of country that keeps calling you back.

In this guide, Catherine shares the addresses that remind her of her very first true Euro Summer. More than ten years ago, three weeks in Italy changed the way she travels forever.

“That’s where I understood what a Euro Summer meant to me: a way of traveling, but more importantly, a way of living, where every day becomes an experience in itself.”

The Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi)

The ultimate Euro Summer icon. Giant lemons in Sorrento, cliffside terraces overlooking the sea, ferries connecting colorful villages, and endless sunshine. Life happens outdoors from morning to night, and everything seems designed to encourage a slower pace.

For first-time visitors, Catherine recommends using Sorrento as a home base. It is easy to reach from Naples, offers ferry connections to the Amalfi Coast and Capri, and is generally more affordable than Positano. Capri makes for an unforgettable day trip, while Ravello is worth an afternoon for its breathtaking views.

Some of Catherine’s favorite addresses include Trattoria Pizzeria Torna a Surriento for homemade pasta, Antica Gelateria Sorrentina for authentic gelato, and simply enjoying an Aperol Spritz at sunset from any terrace in Sant’Agnello.

Who is this destination for?

The Amalfi Coast is ideal for couples, solo travelers, and food lovers dreaming of their first iconic Euro Summer. Between colorful villages perched on cliffs, long dinners overlooking the sea, and spectacular Mediterranean scenery, it embodies everything people imagine when they think of a Euro Summer.

How much time should you spend here?

Plan for 10 to 14 days to fully enjoy Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and day trips to Capri or Pompeii. The experience is much more enjoyable when you avoid constantly changing hotels.

Lake Garda (Italy’s Best-Kept Secret)

Lake Garda offers a softer, quieter version of the Euro Summer. Here, Mediterranean charm meets Alpine landscapes, creating a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Italy.

Catherine returns regularly because, as she puts it:

“The dolce vita feels different here. Slower, more local, and the light reflecting on the lake at sunset is unlike anything else.”

Recommended home bases include Lazise, known for its lakeside market and village atmosphere; Sirmione, famous for its thermal waters and historic peninsula; and Riva del Garda, a favorite among active travelers.

Signature experiences include cycling along the lake on an e-bike, visiting wineries in Bardolino or Custoza, exploring the market in Lazise, and wandering through the picturesque streets of Sirmione.

Who is this destination for?

Lake Garda is perfect for couples seeking a more authentic and less crowded alternative to the Amalfi Coast. It is also an excellent choice for families and for travelers who have already visited Italy’s most famous coastal destinations.

How much time should you spend here?

Plan for at least 7 days to comfortably explore destinations such as Sirmione, Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, and Riva del Garda. Lake Garda pairs beautifully with Verona, located less than an hour away, or with a few days in Venice if you have additional time.

Cinque Terre (Five Villages, One Train Line)

Cinque Terre is best experienced at the pace of the train connecting its five colorful villages. Hop off where you want, stay as long as you like, and let the rhythm of the coast guide your days.

Each village has its own personality:

• Riomaggiore — lively, colorful, and full of energy.

• Manarola — the most photogenic, especially at sunset.

• Corniglia — quieter, perched above the sea.

• Vernazza — the historic heart of Cinque Terre.

• Monterosso al Mare — home to the region’s largest beach.

Signature experiences include hiking the panoramic trails between villages, enjoying fresh focaccia with a sea view, sipping an Aperol Spritz in Monterosso, and spending long afternoons by the water.

Who is this destination for?

Cinque Terre is ideal for active travelers who enjoy walking, hiking, and discovering places on foot. It is also a great option for travelers looking for a more affordable alternative to the Amalfi Coast while still enjoying an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.

How much time should you spend here?

Plan for 5 to 7 days to explore the five villages at a relaxed pace. Cinque Terre combines perfectly with Florence, Tuscany, or Rome on a first trip to Italy.