Côte d’Azur

France’s famous playground of the rich and famous, the Côte d’Azur, provides the most sought after settings on the sunny southern coast and is surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Picturesque ‘corniche’ roads weave between the azure blue Mediterranean and wooded slopes, tumbling from the Massif des Maures, Massif de l’Esterel and Alpes-Maritime mountains to plunge to the sea. Pretty coves, glitzy marina resorts and sophisticated seaside towns of ‘La Bella Epoque’ are strung along the coast, providing every opportunity to soak up the sunshine on sandy shores, watch beautiful people from quayside restaurants and stroll elegant promenades. St Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Antibes capture the very essence of the Côte d’Azur and the tiny principality of Monaco is a highlight in itself, covering just a few square miles and yet one of the most glamorous, ‘jetset’ locations in the world.

Just a few miles inland, the landscape climbs to rugged peaks and dramatic gorges, plains of purple lavender and silvery olive groves.

Timeless little villages and ancient unspoilt towns are a delight to discover including the walled gem of Vence, favoured by artists, the delightful ‘village perché’ of Biot and the perfume capital of Grasse.

Highlights

• St Tropez – take a boat from St. Maxime for an indulgent afternoon, strolling by luxury yachts in the tiny harbour, splashing out on cocktails in waterfront cafés and browsing designer boutiques in the pretty, winding streets.
• Nice – admire lavish, pastelpainted mansions and explore the narrow streets of the Vieux Ville, see the fine paintings in the Musée Matisse and enjoy an authentic Salade Niçoise with juicy tuna steak.
• Monte Carlo – delight in this extraordinary little sovereign state, see the changing of the guards at the Palais du Prince and have a glamorous night out at the Casino.
• Grasse – explore the twisting streets of the old town and follow your nose to the fragrant perfumeries for fascinating insights into this heady art.
• Cannes – stroll along the classic Riviera promenade of the Boulevard de la Croisette, top up the tan on sandy shores and find traditional cafés in the ‘Le Suquet’ quarter by the old port.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Your nearest airports - Nice, Marseille and Toulon.