PROVENCE AND THE COTE D`AZUR HOTELS

PROVENCE AND THE FRENCH RIVIERA – WHY GO?

Ritzy resorts, hedonistic beach life and the famous Mediterranean climate have helped make the French Riviera a playground of the rich and famous. And while the bronzed and beautiful come here to play in their sleek yachts and Belle Epoque villas, you don't need millions to join in all the fun.

Stylish resorts such as Cannes, Nice and Cap d'Antibes jostle with chi-chi luxury hotels where you can bronze with the jeunesse dorée on private beaches and party all night in glammed-up bars. Schmooze with the starry-eyed on the Cannes Croisette, or dine out on a scenic terrace in the village of Mougins with the Bay of Cannes spread out below. Glamorous getaways start here.

Inland Provence is an altogether different world of perched stone villages, magnificent Roman remains and purple fields of lavender and herbs. Visit the famous bridge and papal palace in Avignon; the Roman towns of Arles, Nîmes and Aix-en-Provence, and the perfume town of Grasse.

Play pelote with the locals in village squares, knock back a potent glass of pastis with ice in a streetside cafe or fill up on a bowl of local bouillabaisse (fish soup) and know your catch was landed that morning.