Travel Through the French Riviera, In Pictures

Artist Virginia Johnson takes you on a personal tour of the storied Mediterranean coastline

Illustration of a woman walking on Promenade des Anglais by the beach, wearing a red scarf and striped shirt.
An illustration from the Nice chapter, inspired by Johnson’s mother on the Promenade des Anglais. Photo: Virginia Johnson

Book cover: Travels Through the French Riviera by Virginia Johnson, features colorful abstract art with plants.
Book cover of Travels Through the French Riviera by Virginia Johnson. Virginia Johnson

If you have your tickets booked to the South of France or just want to get lost in the idea of one day visiting the French Riviera, Virginia Johnson’s Travels Through the French Riviera, an Artist’s Guide to the Storied Coastline, from Menton to Saint-Tropez, is essential.

The French Riviera, the renowned coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, is home to the glamorous Cannes Film Festival, and Grasse, which has been the capital of the perfume industry since the Renaissance period.

Abstract leopard print with ornate details, green chair, wooden table set, and illustration of a woman wearing a hat.
A leopard-print rug and furniture from Villa Santo Sospir, designed by Madeleine Castaing. Virginia Johnson

Unlike your typical travel guide packed with recommendations for hotels to stay in to stay in and popular tourist attractions to visit, Johnson, a Canadian artist and textile designer, reveals the quirky personal perspective on the French Riviera.

You’ll get info on where to find sandals in Saint-Tropez and the workshop where Picasso discovered his love for pottery. You’ll also meet fun characters such as Pierre Gruneberg, the swimming instructor to some of our most beloved cultural icons including Brigitte Bardot and Paul McCartney.

Recommended: Tour a Resplendent French Riviera Home

Johnson is known for her colorful prints on clothing, shawls, and home accessories, all of which have been sold in shops around the world from Barney’s to Liberty London. She has also illustrated a series of books for Kate Spade and Deborah Needleman.

Travels Through the French Riviera is filled with picturesque scenes from the Mediterranean coast, the sun kissed villas of Côte d’Azur and the classic blue-striped sailor shirts. It is perfect gift for a fellow francophile or just about anyone who loves an adventure.

Illustration of a woman walking on Promenade des Anglais by the beach, wearing a red scarf and striped shirt.
An illustration from the Nice chapter, inspired by Johnson’s mother on the Promenade des Anglais. Virginia Johnson

Watercolor landscape with a pink building, palm trees, greenery, and abstract blue waves in the foreground.
The stunning view of Sentier Littoral trail on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Virginia Johnson

 

Illustration of a person holding ice cream, surrounded by hats and a text about Amarena Antibes ice cream ingredients.
Johnson’s mother, with a gelato from Amarena. Courtesy of the artist

Illustration of a bathroom with patterned green tiles, featuring a sink, toilet, and shower on a tiled floor.
The bathroom by Madeleine Castaing. Virginia Johnson

 

Illustration of a villa entrance with wooden door, surrounded by greenery and flowers, and a black bag on the path.
The courtyard of Villa Santo Sospir. Virginia Johnson

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