Antibes, France

It’s not surprising that Graham Greene, Max Ernst and Pablo Picasso loved Antibes. What better place for creative inspiration than this spectacular setting on the Côte d’Azur? Half of the world’s biggest yachts anchor for at least part of the year at “Billionaires’ Quay,” where the sound of summer is the clink of champagne flutes. But celebrity sighting isn't the only draw. The Grimaldi Castle is the home of the famous Picasso Museum, which includes many works donated by the artist himself, including his famous La Joie de Vivre. For something different, check out the Absinthe Museum, where you can learn about the history of this heady elixir. There are historic mansions too, such as Vila Eilenroc from La Belle Époque, and Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc, a throwback to the F. Scott Fitzgerald era with a guest list out of a Hollywood movie.