Provence and Cote d'Azur

Food and Drink

• Salade nicoise, daube beef stew and classic bouillabaisse seafood stew are excellent. The local wine is excellent; go for a Bandol or Cote du Provence rose served chilled - the Chateau Minuty is a delicious local favourite. And if you have a sweet tooth then the tarte tropezienne cream cake is for you.

Shopping
The Cote d’Azur plays host to an abundance of boutiques that are home to all the well-known designers. However, if you prefer local souvenirs then Nice has a beautiful old town where you can shop for treasures amongst many olive oil shops. Avignon is popular for Provencal herbs and lavender which can be found in the little shops on the cobbled streets.
Where to Stay

• Provence - The sophisticated city of Avignon with its medieval Papal Palace and warren of narrow streets has so much on offer, from monuments to lively restaurants. In the summer it comes to life with street theatres lasting long into the night. Visit Aix-en-Provence, which is steeped in two thousand years of history. Its grand squares and leafy boulevards which are home to chic cafes and narrow streets, and a buzzing social life complemented by a completely laid back attitude.
• Cote d’Azur - Lapped by the dazzling blue waters of the Mediterranean and blessed with a wonderful year-round climate. The French Riviera has long been a magnet for sun worshippers and the glamour of chic resorts where old charm mixes with modern chic. For smaller, less crowded beaches head to St Maxime, a sophisticated resort with great shopping, watersports and glorious sandy beaches. Or try Mougins, a pretty village surrounded by forests and olive groves with wonderful panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea.
• Cannes, Juan Les Pins, Nice and Monte Carlo - The stylish Riviera resorts of Cannes, Juan les Pins, Nice and Monte Carlo are superb places to stay for a weekend break or longer stays. All the resorts have spectacular beaches, which are ideal for soaking up the sun. In the evenings you can choose from the bustling nightlife in Juan-les-Pins or the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Monte Carlo where you can try your hand at gambling in the famous casino. Nice has a beautiful old town, which is great for discovering the markets that are home to the amazing flower stalls. All the resorts offer fine hotels and are a real treat anytime of the year.

Things to Do

• Villa of Celebrities and Gardens Tour - Enjoy a drive through St Jean Cap Ferrat, the famous Beverly Hills of French Riviera. Stop at many famous villas.
• Camargue Regional Park - One of many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Provence, the Camargue is a high area of wetlands, pastures and salt flats formed by the delta of the Rhône River. In the grassy pastures you will find the famous white Camargue horses, which is also home to beautiful pink flamingo. This park is an ideal place to spend a day exploring with all the family.
• Palais des Papes - Claimed to be the World’s largest Gothic Palace, it’s undeniably impressive with its towers, spires and crenellations. This massive building dominates the town of Avignon.
• Cooking Lessons with Local Chef - Learn Provinçal cooking with a local English speaking chef in the centre of Avignon at Jardin de la Tour restaurant for half a day.
• Culture & Wine Tour- Enjoy a half day tour of Orange Cultural sights and then enjoy a scenic drive to Chateauneuf du Pape, which includes a tour of the vineyards and tasting, then return back to Avignon.

Insider Tip
Act like a film star and stroll along the Croisette in Cannes and then visit the Palais des Festivals where you can see where the real stars have left their handprints.

Celebration
Visit the Casino Square in Monte Carlo and have a drink in the famous Cafe de Paris whilst watching the beautiful cars and famous people cruise by.