As the birthplace of perfume-making, the town of Grasse, in the heights of Alpes-Maritimes, was honour bound to offer visitors a museum devoted to the subject. This has been accomplished with the International Perfume Museum - MIP, an unmissable attraction in the Nice back country.

Four places in Grasse's history are devoted to this unique museum: the Pontevès mansion, which houses part of the permanent collections; the old Hugues Aîné perfumery; the old Pélissier building, which houses the temporary exhibitions; and the orange tree garden, created in 1779 then remodelled in 1976.

At the MIP, you will learn all about the history of perfume, that timeless instrument of seduction: through a collection of over 50,000 objects, of which 2,500 are exhibited to the public, all aspects of perfume-making are explored, from raw materials to industry, design, marketing, etc., not forgetting the various traditions found all over the world.

Alongside the history of perfume, whose first traces can be seen in the form of perfume and cosmetic vases dating back to 7,000 B.C., and the exhibition of unusual objects from various eras, bottles, a perfume organ, eyeshadow boxes, perfume burners, etc., the museum also provides a showcase for French excellence in perfume-making. French perfume history unfolds here, from the first big names, like Coty, Houbigant, Guerlain and Chanel, to the gradual appearance of synthetic products.

There is one unique piece that visitors must be sure not to miss: Queen Marie-Antoinette's travel kit.

The museum hosts many activities including themed tours and olfactory and tasting workshops.

In the heights of the French Riviera, this beautiful medieval town has managed to preserve its narrow streets and shady squares within its thousand-year-old walls, with the soothing song of the fountains in the background. Surrounded by olive trees, the town nestles at the foot of the Baous mountain range. A stone bell tower with geometric lines reaches above its ochre roofs, the very picture of a typical locality in the Nice hinterland.

Architecture enthusiasts will notice Vence's very particular layout: in the 14th century, the houses were built backing onto the ramparts in order to protect them. That's why these medieval constructions are among the best preserved in France! Admire the detail of the houses with blue-tinted louvred shutters along the old Roman road: they seem to tell the story of a whole era. Continue your journey through time all the way to Place Godeau, where you will notice an old Roman column which was probably part of a temple. The charming square is located at the foot of the imposing Cathedral of the Nativity of Mary, which overlooks the houses in the old town.

As you explore the heritage of Vence, you understand why so many painters made it their muse: Chagall, Matisse and Dubuffet walked its cobbled streets, won over by the view of the Mediterranean and the charm of its typical alleys and shady squares. Beyond the ramparts, you can continue your visit by heading towards the famous Place du Grand Jardin, dotted with lively café terraces.

Not far from the old town, don't miss the magnificent Rosary Chapel with colourful stained glass windows, designed and decorated by the famous artist Henri Matisse!

Good to know: every summer, Vence hosts Les Nuits du Sud, a music event featuring many artists from all over the world.

Born in Villeneuve-Loubet, the chef, restaurateur and food writer Auguste Escoffier, "the king of cooks and the cook of kings", modernised and brought international recognition to French cuisine.

The Museum of Culinary Art was created in 1966 in the house where he was born, in the old village.

Gourmets and enquiring minds can admire a variety of utensils such as roasting spits, braisers, tripe pots, cake and chocolate moulds, sugar creations, chocolate sculptures, dressed tables and a collection of 1,500 old and modern menus.

Cherry on the cake: at the end of your visit, in July and August, you can sample Peach Melba, the famous dessert created in 1893 by Auguste Escoffier!

This charming village perched between the Col de Vence pass and the Mediterranean offers visitors some magnificent views. On the sea side, there is an unobstructed view all the way to the Cap d'Antibes: a scene that has inspired many a painter, charmed by those Provençal colours. Modigliani, Matisse, Soutine and Utrillo fell under the spell of the light in this medieval town and committed those stunning views to canvas. At the entrance to the village, in the shade of the big plane trees, the famous Place du jeu de boules, immortalised by the pétanque games of Lino Ventura and Yves Montand, is always a must-see.

Endowed with bastioned ramparts during the Renaissance in order to withstand Charles Quint's army, Saint-Paul-de-Vence still has some vestiges of its eventful past. The old stone houses on narrow side streets neighbour grand arcades, winding flights of steps and an old fountain whose peaceful babbling song creates a soothing atmosphere, typical of France's tranquil southern villages.

Stop in front of a few of the region's renowned art galleries in order to contemplate the colourful works of art, a wonderful reflection of Provence's rich heritage. A walk to the village centre is a good idea in order to visit the collegiate church, built in the 12th century then extended in the 17th century. There you can admire a magnificent painting of Saint Catherine of Alexandria by Tintoretto, along with a beautiful Way of the Cross in walnut wood.

Before leaving Saint-Paul-de-Vence, be sure to visit the Maeght Foundation, one of the renowned attractions of this village in the heights of the French Riviera. This bastion of modern art houses one of the most important collections of sculptures, etchings and paintings of the 20th century, including work by Marc Chagall, Pierre Bonnard and Fernand Léger. A walk in its garden dotted with sculptures is a must, as is a trip to the patio, where a sumptuous mosaic pool in Georges Braques' unmistakable style has pride of place. As you can see, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is brimming with countless treasures!

If you are staying in or passing through Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a famous village in Alpes-Maritimes, be sure to pay a visit to the Maeght Foundation. Named after the famous art dealer Aimé Maeght and his wife Marguerite, the foundation was created following a tragic event, the loss of their second child. Taking refuge in Saint-Paul-de-Vence while deep in mourning, Aimé Maeght received moral support from several great artists of the day, including Georges Braque and Fernand Léger, who encouraged him to create a venue dedicated to modern art. Based in a building that combines Mediterranean and avant-garde architecture, the Maeght Foundation was inaugurated in 1964 by André Malraux and today houses one of the country's most important collections of paintings, sculptures, etchings and drawings from the 20th century, with works by such famous artists as Marc Chagall, Fernand Léger, Pierre Bonnard and Georges Braque.

Entirely devoted to art, the sculpture garden provides a backdrop for works by first-class artists, like the Stabile by Alexandre Calder and the fountain by Pol Bury. The inner patio is also worth a look, with a mosaic pool by Georges Braque, as are the central courtyard dedicated to Giacometti, and the Labyrinth, a monumental work by Miró filled with sculptures and ceramics!

The Maeght Foundation hosts temporary exhibitions all year round in this exceptional space, which is also designed to be a place for meetings and interaction with artists.

Located in Alpes-Maritimes, the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park was created in 2012 and ranges in altitude from 300 to 1,800 metres. Like a wonderful balcony over the French Riviera and the Alps, it encompasses some forty municipalities, at the heart of the Grasse Prealps, on the first mountain foothills to the west of Alpes-Maritimes, and between the Valleys of Le Loup, Le Cagne, L'Estéron, La Siagne and Le Var.

Between the high mountains and the Mediterranean coast, this veritable water reservoir for the French Riviera is home to over 2,000 plant species, or a third of all plant life in France, but also has a sizeable underground network of nearly 2,000 cavities and around 140 kilometres of tunnels accessible to humans. It also boasts some major historical and architectural heritage features, ranging from the dolmens and tumuli of the Neolithic era to the famous Napoleon Road, through the medieval castles of Gilette and Gréolières, and charming hillside villages like Gourdon, Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Bouyon. The Préalpes d'Azur area also has a rich rural heritage of fountains, washhouses, chapels, dovecotes and oil mills.

Within this exceptional territory, which is ideal for hiking with its variety of plateaus, forests, gorges, restanques (hillside terraces where vineyards are planted) and picturesque villages, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying your favourite hobby. You will also have the chance to meet many artists and craftspeople, as well as tour guides and mountain guides offering a wide range of activities.

In terms of activities, the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park has a programme of events entitled Les Rendez-vous du Parc, between October and June. This includes guided tours, cookery workshops and participatory building sites.

Since the 1950s, the charming medieval village of Biot has become France's glassblowing capital. A centre for craft, this community reflects the know-how of its master glassblowers, who have made bubbled glass their trademark. This type of glass is dotted with small air bubbles and more than 300 examples can now be admired at the glassworks. In total, nearly 500,000 pieces are on display at the Biot glassworks: vases, stemmed glasses, sculptures and other works of art reflect the establishment's rich heritage. Just like the rich soil of Provence, these objects come in a thousand and one colours (blue, orange, green, yellow...) and are the product of unequalled attention to detail: the master glassmaker's trade is one of the rarest in France due to its meticulousness. In order to watch these glass artisans in action, don't forget to visit the glassworkers' hall: you will be able to see them blowing and shaping these inimitable pieces.

Good to know: every year in July, thirty or so artists are welcomed for Les Verriales, on a specific glass-related theme. This is an opportunity to discover creations made specially for the event, combining modernism and traditions.

Nestling in the hills behind Nice, in Biot, Alpes-Maritimes, this museum is dedicated to the famous avant-garde artist who was a painter, sculptor, ceramicist, illustrator and draughtsman, and lived on the premises in the Mas Saint-André a few months before his death in 1955.

From Impressionism to Cubism, the artist's works form a unique collection of paintings, drawings and ceramics, particularly well showcased in this spacious building, which is acclaimed by visitors for the high artistic quality of its permanent and temporary collections.

Regular events, "music at the museum", "films at the museum" and lectures regularly take place on the site, not forgetting guided tours with or without audio-guides, and children's tours and workshops.

In the pretty, idyllic setting of the Mediterranean park planted with stone pines and featuring sculptures and huge mural mosaics, take a break to visit the refreshment stall and appreciate the tranquillity of this peaceful haven, an ideal place for contemplation.

Amid the pretty, colourful alleyways and flowery, sun-drenched balconies, Vallauris possesses a treasure unequalled in France: the pottery know-how it has been keeping alive for centuries. Since Gallo-Roman times, pottery has been centre stage in Vallauris in the form of culinary ceramics. Saucepans pans, pots and jugs have raised Vallauris' profile in the eyes of the world, thanks in particular to the material's resistance to high temperatures. The arrival of Picasso in the 1950s raised Vallauris to the rank of ceramic capital of France, as he brought in many artists wanting to learn about the fired arts. Picasso himself, as well as Chagall and Miró, created a wide range of models ushering in a new era for ceramics.

Today, only a handful of craftspeople still uphold this tradition. Their creations can be seen in the shops and galleries of Vallauris in the form of artworks or everyday objects such as vases, plates, glasses, bowls, cups... All these pieces are handmade by dedicated master ceramists.

A visit to the Museum of Ceramics is also a good idea, in order to admire developments in pottery through the ages. This castle-museum is a majestic Provençal fortified house rebuilt in the 16th century and flanked by two imposing corner towers. On the first floor you can observe ceramics in all its forms, from culinary objects to metal chandeliers and other contemporary creations by Picasso, Picault, Derval; all artists who contributed to the glory of this renowned material. The Museum of Pottery also tells the story of this craft, spanning over a century of history within a vast space of 200 m². Works by Picasso and some wax replicas made by the Grévin Museum are highlights of a visit there.

Between January and March, during the mimosa flowering period, the hills of the Tanneron massif get covered with yellow flowers. The golden scenery is stunning!

Nestling on the French Riviera between Nice and Cannes, the old town of Antibes stands on the shores of the Mediterranean and is an explosion of colour. The colours are particularly stunning in the free commune of Le Safranier: the cream façades are framed by lush vegetation in a vast palette of pink, yellow, red, purple... This part of old Antibes, surrounded by ramparts, offers lovely walks on quiet and shady streets, where many houses have Provençal louvred shutters.

Continue this bucolic outing to Cap d'Antibes and visit the little harbour of L'Olivette, where multicoloured "pointu" boats bob up and down, looking like a French Riviera postcard. More athletic visitors can don their hiking boots to explore the nearby trails, starting with the famous Customs Officers' Path (Chemin des Douaniers), also known as Tire-Poil, 5 km in length and running along the entire cape. This stunning itinerary overlooks the palette of blues around the craggy rock, as the cicadas' song and the delightful scents of the pine grove fill the air! After all that exercise, nothing beats a dip in the crystalline sea: Cap d'Antibes has some remarkable beaches for snorkelling. Although the beaches offer a long expanse of sand, there are many rocks on the sea bed once you enter the water, making it a very appealing place for aquatic wildlife. Isolated coves are also dotted along the coast.

If you feel like a change in altitude during your trip to Cap d'Antibes, go up to the Garoupe lighthouse, which offers an incredible view of some top sites on the French Riviera, like Nice, Cannes, Juan-les-Pins and the Lérins Islands.

Continue your journey towards Antibes town centre, in order to discover some of its major cultural sites. The Picasso Museum, housed inside the majestic Grimaldi Castle, an immense stone building overlooking the sea, possesses some major works by the artist: La joie de vivre (Joy of Living) and Satyr and Faun were painted in Antibes during the painter's stay there. Ceramics, sculptures and paintings are displayed across this vast space along with other works of modern art. Talking of which, remember to visit the museum terrace where contemporary sculptures in ebony tones look down on the coastline.

Outside the old town is the charming Vauban harbour and its pretty white boats. People especially like to go there for its great restaurants celebrating the delicious flavours of neighbouring Italy. And if you are there in the morning, drop by Antibes' Provençal market, brimming with local products to take away for a tasty picnic by the sea!

The Picasso Museum is based in the Grimaldi Castle in Antibes, a listed Historic Monument owned by the Grimaldi family from the 14th century to the French Revolution.

Initially known as the "Grimaldi Museum", in 1966 it became the "Picasso Museum", as the famous Spanish painter was invited to use part of the castle as a studio by the curator in 1946. The "Picasso room" was inaugurated in 1947, displaying a total of 23 paintings and 44 drawings created on site.

After two years of work in the 2000s, the current museum enables visitors to rediscover the chronology of the "Antibes Picassos", from the post-war period to the late 40s, with major works by the artist: Joy of Living, Sea Urchin Eater, Woman with Sea Urchins, Still Life with Owl and Three Sea Urchins, Goat, Satyr, Faun and Centaur with Trident, etc.

Visitors can also admire works by Nicolas de Staël, as well as a rich collection of modern art representing the great 20th-century art movements. On the terrace are sculptures by Joan Miró, Germaine Richier, Bernard Pagès and Anne and Patrick Poirier.

The town of Cannes is world-famous as a bastion of the silver screen. Every year in May, it hosts the famous international film festival, whose reputation extends far beyond the borders of France. The event takes place in the Palais des Festivals, recognisable by its contemporary architecture all in white and glass, and its unmistakable steps with their vermilion red carpet, walked by celebrities from all over the world.

Apart from this illustrious jet set destination, travellers should also spend some time in Cannes' lesser-known streets, which nonetheless contain many treasures. Film buffs can keep the festivities going by admiring the murals dotted about the town. To pay homage to the great film icons, some façades are draped with vintage posters and brilliantly drawn pictures of movie icons. A good addition to any film-themed tour is the Chemin des Étoiles, where you can see celebrity handprints, just like on the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard.

Step out of the spotlight for a moment to explore the quieter parts of Cannes, where life runs its peaceful course. Start in the legendary neighbourhood of Le Suquet, a former fishing village now included in the old part of Cannes, set on a small hill overlooking the sea. Hills, narrow streets, bougainvillea and old buildings reflect the rich heritage of this district, whose history dates back to one century BC! To meet the locals, don't miss the Forville market, built at the end of the 19th century in Le Suquet. Artisans of sea and land meet there to unveil their fresh produce, forming a sublime palette of colours and aromas.

At the top of Le Suquet, take a stroll among the ruins of the old medieval castle, with a remarkably well-preserved square tower and machicolations. Head to the highest point in the district for a view over the entire town of Cannes and the surrounding area. To the north lie the peaks of the Alps. To the west, the Estérel corniche is recognisable by its red rocks and peaks which delight hikers and mountain bikers. To the south, the Lérins Islands emerge from the water. Located not far from Cannes, they offer a wonderful place to get away from the urban hustle and bustle. Among the treasures of the archipelago, Saint-Honorat Island, kept by monks, enjoys a particularly peaceful setting. You can taste the wines made at its abbey, to the soothing sound of cicadas.

In the area around the town, consider taking the Golden Corniche road, overlooking the Mediterranean and the Esterel massif, whose colours are reflected in a magnificent palette of greens, reds and blues.

Good to know: if you are in Cannes during the summer season, head to the International Pyrotechnic Art Festival, where the greatest pyrotechnicians create a magnificent sound and light show flooding the dark night.

Nestling to the west of the famous Cap d'Antibes, the seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins reflects the pleasant atmosphere of the Riviera. This desirable little town on the French Riviera has many luxurious dwellings: the palaces, villas and luxury hotels facing the Mediterranean, and the gardens fragrant with delightful Provençal scents. You can still guess what this immense pine forest bordering sandy beaches might have been like before it was transformed into a legendary seaside resort, frequented by the greatest artists through the ages. Today, you can still enjoy its beautiful beaches of golden sand and the seclusion of its charming little coves.

You obviously have to experience the lively local nightlife: discos, a casino and late-opening shops make it a paradise for night owls, who flock to the seaside bars.

As well as its vibrant atmosphere, Juan-les-Pins hosts a music event that further burnishes its image as a party town. Since the end of the Second World War, the town has established itself as the place to be for jazz fans, and has hosted famous artists like Sidney Bechet, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Even today, the big names in jazz perform there in July during the Jazz à Juan festival in the Pinède Gould park.

If you need a little time out from all this activity, take a breather at the Exflora park, spanning around 5 hectares. It has approximately 330 plant species spread around a large olive grove. There are brilliant examples of the various Mediterranean garden styles, from Ancient Rome to the 19th-century Riviera. Don't miss the immense water path, which is 500 metres long and flows past stunning rose bushes all the way to the sea.

A sought-after destination for tourists from all over the world, the capital of the French Riviera nestles between the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby mountains, in turn draped in white and covered in vivid green.

The famous Promenade des Anglais runs along the seafront, a prestigious avenue where palm trees stand in front of beautiful Haussmannian homes and sumptuous Belle Époque hotels, like the Negresco or the Westminster. Take a seat on one of the many terraces facing the immense azure expanse of the Mediterranean, or sit right on the pebble beaches in shades of grey and blue. Sportier visitors can make the most of the dedicated lanes for cyclists and rollerbladers.

Keep on walking to explore the age-old heritage of the city known as "Nissa la bella". At the heart of Old Nice, wander the winding narrow streets with colourful houses that make this timeless place so charming, and discover buildings and Baroque churches like the Church of the Gesù, the Lascaris Palace and the Cathedral of St. Reparata. Stroll between the pale ochre façades with turquoise shutters, typical of authentic Provençal dwellings. Along the way, we strongly recommend sampling one of Nice's local ice creams, whose mouthwatering flavours are every bit as good as those of the city's Italian neighbour! Make the most of this walk to discover the local specialities. The neighbourhood is home to traditional small shops where the treasures of Provence have pride of place: lavender, spices, herbs, scented candles... Their fragrances mingle with that of the socca, an amazingly tasty corn-based pancake of international repute. Another unmissable place is the famous Cours Saleya, where florists, greengrocers and local producers proudly display their wares in an incredible palette of colours. On Mondays, a second-hand market takes place there. Night owls take note! The Cours Saleya is a lively place in the evening with its many restaurants, bars and café terraces.

Art-lovers on the other hand will want to pay a visit to some of the French Riviera's finest cultural sites, in particular the Matisse Museum, which offers a wonderful pictorial trail featuring some of his most celebrated works. Tucked away behind beautiful Mediterranean greenery, the building has a burgundy façade interspersed with pale louvered shutters. This amazing journey through the painter's city and its artistic developments is worth pairing with another unmissable attraction in Nice: the Marc Chagall National Museum. Imagined by the painter in the style of a house, the architecture of the museum engages in a dialogue with his creations, conceived in accordance with each space. Other cultural attractions like the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the International Museum of Naïve Art and the Archaeology Museum of Cimiez will delight any visitors who are thirsty for culture.

Then treat yourself to a pleasant walk on the Promenade du Paillon, inaugurated in 2013, running from the Promenade des Anglais to the National Theatre. Boasting a water mirror with numerous jets, this magnificent urban park invites you on a real botanical journey through its trees, shrubs and plants from faraway lands! Then head uphill to the remains of the 11th-century castle. The ruins overlook the ochre roofs of Old Nice along with the harbour, where pretty pleasure boats bob along the water. The charming garden at the Cimiez Monastery, adorned with roses, and the Phoenix Park with its huge tropical greenhouse, are also well worth a visit.

As well as its natural and architectural gems, Nice also offers an extensive programme of cultural events all year round. In February, the city is in full swing with the carnival and flower "battles" brightening up the place. In July, it's the turn of the Nice Jazz Festival, when big names in that musical genre play at the Cimiez Arena, making the most of the impressive setting and acoustics. No doubt about it, Nice is enchanting in a great many ways!

Since 1990, the Nice Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, an amazing neoclassical building flanked by four square towers standing 30 metres tall and covered with white Carrara marble, has stood at the heart of the city. It aims to present European and American artistic creation from the late 1950s to the present day.

"New Realism", "Art of Assemblage" and "Pop Art" are the main movements represented at the MAMAC, thanks to bequests and donations from artists, collectors and foundations. Its extensive collections make this a must-see museum for anyone visiting the city of Nice. The MAMAC has around 1,300 works by over 300 artists on display: among its most iconic exhibits, visitors can admire the Stabile-Mobile by Calder, Le Monstre du Loch Ness by Niki de Saint Phalle, La Vénus bleue by Yves Klein, Dollar Sign by Andy Warhol or Still Life

56 by Tom Wesselmann.

After admiring the monumental sculptures on the forecourt, as well as the inner façades adorned by first-rate artists between 2002 and 2005, be sure to pay a visit to the terraces, panoramic viewpoints which provide direct views over the city.

For all ages, adults and children alike, there are artistic creation workshops and workshop-tours relating to the collections and temporary exhibitions.

Born in Belarus when it was still attached to Tsarist Russia, and later naturalised French, the painter Marc Chagall spend much of his life on the French Riviera, especially Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where he lived for nearly 20 years.

Inaugurated in 1973, this museum about him on the Cimiez hill in Nice was founded in order to bring together his 17 paintings about the Bible's Message under one roof. Today it houses the most extensive public collection of his works, with over 4,000 paintings, gouaches, drawings, washes and pastels, inspired by secular or religious themes. The contemporary architecture favours understated walls and rigorous shapes, to better showcase the works on display.

Audio-guides, lecture-tours and educational activities for children are on offer to the public.

To round off the tour of the Chagall Museum, take the time to explore its lovely garden, where the main tree species are Mediterranean ones such as olive, pine, cypress and holm oak.

When he passed away in Nice in 1954, the famous French painter Henri Matisse bequeathed a considerable body of work to 20th-century art, and was a major influence on artists in the second half of the century. In 1963, the city of Nice paid tribute to the pioneer of Fauvism, who spent most of his life on the French Riviera, by opening a museum that today houses one of the world's most extensive collections of his works.

Based in the Villa des Arènes, a superb Genoese house built in the 17th century and painted in Mediterranean colours, located in the Arènes Park in Cimiez, the Matisse Museum documents the development of the artist's work and his exploration of colour and graphics. It offers an abundant and eclectic selection of paintings and gouache cut-outs, drawings, etchings and sculptures, as well as photographs and objects that once belonged to Henri Matisse.

At the end of your visit, take the time to enjoy a walk in the idyllic setting of the gardens on Cimiez hill, where the famous painter liked to walk among the olive trees and Roman ruins.

The Lérins Islands offer a peaceful getaway, around thirty minutes from the Croisette and its luxurious buildings. This archipelago emerging from azure waters offers an ideal combination of natural, architectural and gastronomic heritage, anchored in an age-old historical legacy. The smallest of the Lérins Islands is Saint-Honorat, founded in the 5th century by a monastic community and still kept by it today. The monks live in a 16-century-old abbey, a magnificent stone building standing right in the middle of the vineyards. The main activity of this Cistercian community is indeed the production of wine on an 8-hectare estate dotted with thousand-year-old olive trees. Around 30,000 bottles are sold each year, made from varieties such as Chardonnay, Syrah or Clairette. You can spend a day or longer in this enchanting place, where the whispers echo the sound of cicadas, making for a most restful environment.

Not far away, the neighbouring island of Sainte-Marguerite is an ideal place for nature-lovers of all kinds. This virtually uninhabited island has some idyllic, sun-drenched coves forming a craggy outline. In addition, its lands are home to a 150-hectare state-owned forest with a wonderful lake of brackish water. Nestled among the trees, this area is home to a myriad of protected migratory birds, a delight for birdwatchers. Stroll around the estate and breathe in the gorgeous scents of eucalyptus and pine.

A short walk away, lucky residents of Cannes make the most of a very limited number of cabins, forming a total of about twenty dwellings. During your visit to Sainte-Marguerite, don't forget to visit Fort Royal, a former prison that once held one of the most famous prisoners in the works of the French writer Alexandre Dumas: the man in the iron mask. Legend has it that he was the secret twin of Louis XIV: this story is kept alive by the fort's owners, who have opened this legendary cell to visitors.

This edifice, built in the 9th century by the monks of the Abbey of St. Pontius, will delight any architecture enthusiasts staying in Nice. Transformed many times over the ages, it was first a residence for the Franciscans - whose story is told at the museum housed in the monastery - before being converted into a hospital during the Revolution. It then returned to its original purpose and became a parish church run by the monastic community. Now you can admire its Neo-Gothic façade, which was reworked in the 19th century. The architectural ensemble forms a magnificent frontage consisting of a cloister with a sculpted balcony on top and sumptuous stained glass windows. All around, you will notice the details of the finely carved stone clad in ochre and pale yellow, reflecting all the cheerfulness of the Provençal heritage. Inside are some eye-catching pieces, including three major works by the painter Ludovico Brea: the Pietà, Crucifixion and Descent from the Cross. In addition, you will notice the majestic Baroque altarpiece in carved wood by the same artist. You can also admire the curious, multicoloured alchemy-themed frescoes with vegetal decorations, depicting mythical animals.

Before leaving the premises, don't forget to visit the monastery's flamboyantly coloured gardens. Created in 1546, they are among the oldest gardens in Nice and boast a remarkably wide variety of flowers: there are about a hundred plants and a rose garden of about thirty different species. A delightful scenic walk!

Located near the port of Nice, Property Department and historic monument since 1963, it is indeed a milestone crucial for understanding the cultural, biological and behavioral humans.

Excavations for over a century in this world famous prehistoric site showed that early human populations have substantial cognitive, unsuspected there are still a few decades. Through an elaborate livelihood strategy, a stone tools changing and using size complex technical, the man of the Lazaretto was thus able to take in his surroundings all that was necessary for the survival of the group.

If it belonged to an even multiple mankind, Neanderthals his descendants finally meet the first representatives of our species, Homo sapiens. From this exchange, likely fleeting, it follows a small part of human DNA Lazaretto still remains in us and continue to pass from generation to generation.

In this, the cave of the Lazaretto reminds each of us that our roots are common and that man is the product of a long evolution punctuated with appearances and disappearances of species, we continue to understand the modalities.

If today humanity is experiencing unprecedented hegemony in the history of our planet, science, reason and wisdom we impose the idea that we do not represent provided the ultimate stage of the evolution of life.

With the opening of this exceptional site to the general public, the development of educational activities, especially school leadership, and strengthening links with the scientific community, including through new digs, the Alpes-Maritimes Department aims to replace the Lazaret cave in the heart of the debate about the origins of humanity.

The President of the Alpes-Maritimes

Found throughout the region, this tree grows especially in the Tanneron massif, on the hills of Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Between January and March, hills offer a magnificent gold-coloured picture when they are covered with mimosas flowers. We would really like to see them all year long!

One of France's most beautiful harbour towns, overlooking crystalline waters framed by Provençal greenery, Villefranche-sur-Mer is located not far from Nice. Its deep water means all kinds of boats can drop anchor there and their owners can make the most of the balmy climate. Treat yourself to a delightful day out exploring the old town's winding streets, where the orange-tinted façades are reminiscent of the ever-present sun that shines on Villefranchois territory. The warm colours of the houses contrast with the pale shades of the louvred shutters, which are often half-closed, allowing a glimpse of the inhabitants' peaceful lives. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the maze of arcades and steps: you will probably end up on Rue Obscure, an underground street built in the 13th century for soldiers to pass through more easily. The place was also used for storing wine and protecting livestock.

Continue your tour at the Church of St. Michael, with a façade in a sublime colour palette of white, pink and pale yellow. Its colours and Baroque architecture from the 18th century echo the opulent religious buildings of Italy. The inside of the monument, in amber shades, contains one of the oldest organs in Alpes-Maritimes, dating from 1790. You can also admire a life-size, recumbent statue of Christ, carved from fig tree wood.

Another place to discover is the Chapel of St. Peter near the fishing harbour, which was decorated by Jean Cocteau in 1957.

History buffs will have a field day exploring the citadel founded by the Duke of Savoy in 1554 for the purpose of guarding the harbour. Remarkably well preserved, it offers a reminder of the medieval glory of this ancient town. The citadel has three museums within it: the Volti Museum dedicated to the art of sculpture, where you can discover a hundred or so bronze, terracotta and copper female statues revealing their voluptuous curves in contrast with the rough stone; the Goetz-Boumeester collection including famous paintings, notably by Miró and Picasso, with a total of a hundred or so works ranging from figurative to abstract art; and the Roux collection of nearly 300 historical polychrome ceramic figurines illustrating daily life from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

It you have time, get away from it all on the Cap Ferrat peninsula, which you can see from the harbour. It has some of the most beautiful palaces on the French Riviera, like the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a magnificent Italian-style monument.

This picturesque village of the Upper Var, perched at an altitude of 800 metres, presents an exceptional panoramic view of the coast.

Surrounded by vegetation and hills covered with forests, this lake 430 hectares in size, is a very popular place for carp fishing. The Saint-Cassien lake also offers the possibility to practice water activities, such as windsurfing, pedalos, swimming, and rowing.

To the far south of the Alps, in Alpes-Maritimes, the Moyen Pays (meaning "Middle Country") is a place of magnificent valleys, gorges and peaks, with the ochre roofs of villages and hamlets emerging from amongst them.

In this agricultural region, the forest reigns supreme and spreads onto the restanques (cultivated terraces), between limestone plateaus, streams and waterfalls tumbling down the gorges. These vast forest zones also exude delightful Mediterranean scents: thyme, lavender, broom and other vegetal treasures make the paths smell gorgeous for lucky walkers. Sometimes, snow suddenly falls on this immense palette of colours and envelops the jagged peaks in an immaculate white coat. Yet the mild Mediterranean climate soon reasserts itself, so you can go walking in this region in all twelve months of the year.

From the big towns downhill like Cannes, Nice and Menton, you can head skywards along the trails winding their way between the dizzying gorges. In the Moyen Pays, all kinds of valleys form a varied relief, from the Siagne Valley in the west of Alpes-Maritimes to the Roya Valley in the east, through Var, Estéron, Vésubie or Paillon.

Among all these treasures, the Gorges du Loup are a local star attraction. This Natura 2000 site features lush waterfalls that soothe ramblers with their peaceful song and wash over the rugged rock draped in greenery. Not far from there, the medieval village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, perched at 400 metres in altitude, boasts a thousand years of heritage whose traces can still be seen amid its winding, steep streets lined with cute, flower-adorned houses.

Above the Paillon Valley stands the small village of Lucéram in the heart of the mountains, surrounded by remarkably well-preserved forests. This pearl of the Nice hinterland has wonderful narrow streets, intertwined like a maze beneath the pretty balconies. As well as the homes built in the Middle Ages, the fortified gates of the village are also a precious reminder of that time. A few kilometres from the coast, the Moyen Pays is a source of inspiration for its residents and for the curious explorers who come to admire its treasures.