French Riviera - Côte d'Azur

The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Primitive tools dating to around 1,000,000 years ago were discovered in the Grotte du Vallonnet. At Terra Amata near the Nice Port, a fireplace was discovered that is one of the oldest found in Europe.

Stone dolmens, monuments from the Bronze Age, can be found near Draguignan, while the Valley of Marvels near Mount Bégo, is presumed to have been an outdoor religious sanctuary.

Two thousand years ago Provence was part of Roman Gaul, and the Romans left behind a fabulous legacy of monuments, structures and buildings not to mention some of France's first vineyards.

The area is littered with Roman remains, an amphitheater in Arles, a theatre in Orange and many bridges including a fine one near Bonniuex.

Factor in these collections of prehistoric sites, medieval abbeys, elegant churches and art deco buildings, and it begins to feel like a living history book.

It wasn't just the scenery that drew artists like Rénoir, Chagall, Cézanne and Picasso here. It was the light, described by Matisse as “soft and tender, despite its brilliance”.

Whether you're gazing over a glittering seascape or watching a fiery sunset in the hills, a trip around this corner of France feels like stepping straight into an impressionist canvas. And with such a rich artistic legacy, it's no surprise that the region is home to a wealth of iconic art collections, not to mention studios where Van Gogh, Cézanne and Renoir worked.

One of the joys of travelling the French Riviera, is touring the back roads and soaking up the stunning variety of landscapes, fields of lavender, ancient olive groves, cliff top roads, maquis cloaked hills and even snow tipped mountains.

Its home to France's deepest canyon, oldest road and some striking mountain passes. And then there's the Mediterranean itself, a bright mirror of blue reflecting cliffs, white beaches and endless skies

Any trip to the Côte d'Azur should begin in Nice. In Nice’s colorful Vieille Ville, or Old Town, is a delightful maze of narrow streets full of restaurants, galleries, and shops.

It's a nice way to end the day with a climb up to La Colline du Château, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean and the panoramic views of the Baie des Anges, Old Town.

While a few crumbling walls are all that remain of the castle on the hill, there is a park that's perfect for picnicking or just relaxing weary legs after a full day of sightseeing.