© Photo: Getty ImagesSweden's royals
Côte d'Azur
After the death of Prince Bertil, uncle of King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, the royal family inherited Villa Mirage in St Maxime, France, a house with blue shutters and stunning views of the sea.
Originally a fishing village on the northern shore of the gulf of Saint Tropez, St Maxime became a retreat for artists, poets and writers.
The King's family enjoy taking out his speed boatPolaris. Last summer his granddaughter Princess Estelle had a thrilling time as she rode in the boat with her mum Crown Princess Victoria. This year there are five Bernadotte grandchildren to share the fun.
© Photo: Getty ImagesBelgium's royals
Côte d'Azur
Les Romarins is a private estate owned by Belgium's former King Albert II and his wife Queen Paola in the village of Chateauneuf de Grasse since 1991.
The historic village overlooks the bay of Cannes 18km away. The family, including Albert's son Philippe, now the reigning monarch and his wife Mathilde, along with their four children, often stay here over the Christmas and Easter holidays.
They receive a warm welcome from locals, especially Queen Paola, who is sometimes seen browsing in the local market.
© Photo: PASpain's royals
Majorca
Standing in a secluded location on Majorca's western coast is Marivent Palace, literally meaning 'the palace of sea and wind', which is the Spanish royals' summer residence.
The imposing mansion was originally built in 1925 for millionaire painter John Saridakis.
On a headland surrounded by pine trees and looking out to sea, Marivent is the perfect base for an extended stay during which King Felipe and Queen Letizia combine official duty with exploring the picturesque isle with their two young daughters, Leonor and Sofia.
© Photo: PAThe Netherlands' royals
Tuscany
For a few weeks each summer the Dutch royal family live La Dolce Vita in Tuscany, the scene of happy childhood holidays for matriarch Princess Beatrix.
The Netherlands' former Queen – who abdicated in favour of her son King Willem-Alexander in 2013 – has precious memories of travelling with her family to Villa L'Elefante Felice, a country home in Porto Ercole on the coast.
Now, she has a traditional Italian farm called Rocca dei Dragoni in the hills, where she holidays with her son, his wife Queen Maxima, their three daughters and the girls' cousins.
© Photo: PANorway's royals
Tjøme
King Harald and Queen Sonja's holiday retreat, Mågerø, is tucked away on the headland of Tjøme in southern Norway, an area known for its sunny weather and spectacular islets.
Built on ecological lines in 1992, the stone house embodies the principle of Norwegian architecture that a building should follow the rhythm of its natural surroundings.
In 2015, Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Mette-Marit invited their friends among Europe's ruling families, including Princess Victoria of Sweden, Frederik and Mary of Denmark, to spend a chilled out weekend with them there.
