If the US is where celebrities live, then Europe is where they go on vacation.
From Paris’ glamorous boulevards to idyllic islands in Greece, the continent dishes up enormous variety when it comes to getaway destinations. Learn about ancient history or Renaissance paintings in the morning, eat world-class food for lunch and tan yourself on a Mediterranean yacht by mid-afternoon. No wonder the likes of George Clooney, Harry Styles and the Kardashians choose Europe year after year.
For travelers, Europe has the added perk of being super easy to travel around by train, thanks to the well-connected railway services.
Ready to follow in the footsteps of the world’s most glamorous VIPs? Read on…
Image Credit: Getty Images, Artur Debat. Image Location: Almafi Coast, Italy
Where are the top celebrity vacation spots?
France, Italy, Spain, and Greece have long been frequented by the rich and famous. The allure here is not only sun-baked beaches and incredible food, but also stricter rules around privacy than the US, offering celebrities greater protection from prying paparazzi.
Which European city has the most celebrity sightings?
London is one of the best cities for spotting A-listers. Head to Holland Park to catch a glimpse of the Beckhams, Richard Branson, and Robbie Williams when they’re in town. Or venture north to Hampstead where Harry Styles, Sting, and Judi Dench own houses. Keep your eyes peeled for famous faces while tucking into a buttery banana cream crêpe from La Crêperie de Hampstead.
Over in mainland Europe, Paris is a magnet for celebrities, thanks to its iconic fashion houses, glitzy hotels, and renowned restaurant scene. Hop on the train from London and head straight to Hôtel de Crillon. It was first built by Louis XV and now a favorite with Madonna, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lopez. Their bar is open to non-residents and serves a remarkable array of champagnes. Santé!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Paris, France
Alternatively, catch the train to Italy where the glittering city of Venice comes alive during its film festival at the end of August. Last year, red carpet attendees included George and Amal Clooney, Adam Driver, and Jessica Chastain.
Where do celebrities vacation in France?
Paris is certainly a hotspot for celebrities. But when it comes to vacationing, there’s nowhere more glamorous than the Côte d’Azur on France’s south coast.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alf. Image Location: Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Climb aboard the TGV train in Paris and five hours later you’ll be in Saint-Tropez, the famous waterfront town that draws in the crème de la crème of Hollywood. Head to Club 55, just outside Saint-Tropez, to spot the likes of Leonardo di Caprio and Beyoncé quaffing rosé overlooking the yacht-speckled bay. The long sandy beach here is also a great place for subtly celeb-spotting from behind your sunglasses.
However, those in the know take the train to Antibes, home to the infamous celebrity haunt, the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. You won’t be able to get a room here during the annual Cannes Film Festival, but you can stroll along the promenade at Juan-les-Pins where many big names hang out.
Where do celebrities hang out in Italy?
The Amalfi Coast — with its vertiginous cliffs, pretty fishing villages and cerulean waters — has long attracted VIPs. Think Pablo Picasso and Jackie Kennedy to Reese Witherspoon and Justin Timberlake. Catch a boat from Naples to the island of Capri. Reserve a table at Villa Verde, a secret garden-esque restaurant, frequented by Mariah Carey, Pierce Brosnan, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
No doubt you’re also wondering where in Italy the Kardashians go. The famous family are regular visitors to Rome, Venice, Portofino, as well as Capri. In fact, they are so besotted with Italy that they’ve held two weddings here. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were married in Florence at the Forte di Belvedere, while Kourtney Kardashian tied the knot with Travis Barker at Dolce & Gabbana’s L'Ulivetta villa in Positano.
Related: Your guide to celebrity spotting in Lake Como
Image Credit: Getty Images, Tu xa Ha Noi. Image Location: Florence, Italy
But not all celebrities like to be in the public eye. Harry Styles reportedly has a house in Civita di Bagnoregio near Lake Bolsena, just over two hours from Rome by train and taxi. It’s known for its beautifully preserved medieval town with inspiring views across a rugged canyon. Grab a cappuccino on the terrace at Bona Ventura caffetteria — and you might spy the One Direction star yourself.
Want to (literally) follow in the footsteps of celebrities? Hop onto the Trainline app today to book your ticket to a variety of European destinations, including Italy, France, and many more.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, simonkr. Image Location: Split, Croatia
