Following our recent visit to the region, we were reminded that its appeal extends far beyond luxury hotels and beautiful beaches. Private sailing, island wine tasting, vintage markets and scenic coastal drives give groups the opportunity to experience a side of the Riviera they may never discover for themselves.
The sea is one of the Riviera’s biggest attractions, so it should become part of the experience rather than simply providing the backdrop. Guests could sail from Cannes to Île Sainte-Marguerite before snorkelling at the underwater eco-museum, where six sculptures sit beneath the surface. Afterwards, they could return to the boat for a private lunch with local dishes, Provençal rosé and views across the Lérins Islands.

Dining is an essential part of any South of France incentive. From dinners overlooking the Mediterranean to tastings of local produce, each meal offers another opportunity to create a memorable experience. For something more traditional, groups can visit Saint-Honorat, where Cistercian monks have lived for around 1,600 years. Guests can explore the monastery and vineyards before tasting the wine, liqueurs and olive oil produced on the island. Groups looking for a livelier atmosphere can spend an afternoon at Bagatelle or Shellona Saint-Tropez, where beachfront dining, music and dancing come together.

A successful incentive does not need to fill every hour. Choosing a few special experiences and leaving guests time to enjoy them often creates a better trip. During our visit, we loved Cannes’ brocante market, where stalls are filled with vintage jewellery, French posters, artwork and unusual collectables. It offers a more authentic side of the city and gives guests time to explore at their own pace.
For something more exhilarating, groups could drive along the Riviera in a classic car or supercar, stopping in places such as Antibes, Cannes or Monaco. The journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.
The best incentive trips are created around the people attending and what the experience needs to achieve, whether that is rewarding performance, bringing colleagues together or thanking a team. Take a look at how we brought this to life with our Monaco Grand Prix incentive, combining luxury experiences across the Côte d’Azur with exclusive Grand Prix hospitality.
Through our incentive travel service we create bespoke programmes to suit each client’s goals, culture and budget. From accommodation and travel to activities and dining, our team manages every detail.
Ready to plan your South of France incentive? Get in touch with our team to start creating your programme.
Why is the South of France a good destination for an incentive trip? The South of France combines easy access from the UK with luxury hotels, beautiful scenery, amazing food and plenty of group experiences. It gives event planners the flexibility to create an incentive that mixes relaxation, reward and time spent together.
How can you make a South of France incentive trip truly memorable? Focus on experiences guests wouldn’t normally organise for themselves. At SEVEN, we create bespoke itineraries around each team, bringing together everything from private sailing and vineyard visits to beach club lunches and unique local experiences. It’s those standout moments that guests will still be talking about when they get home.
What activities work well for a South of France incentive? Private sailing, beach clubs, vineyard visits, perfume-making in Grasse and day trips to Monaco are just a few options. Rather than trying to fit everything in, choose experiences that suit your group and give guests enough time to enjoy them.
How can SEVEN help plan an incentive trip to the South of France? At SEVEN, we can take care of the whole experience. From finding the right hotel and activities to managing travel, dining and logistics, we bring all the pieces together to create an incentive that feels effortless for guests.