French Riviera holidays

1. Take a break from the ultra-trendy with a stop in Antibes old town, which lies within ancient ramparts. Pull up a seat at one of the many restaurants and cafes – or purchase fresh produce at the Provencal Market. Other things to do in Antibes are climbing the military towers at Fort Carre and admiring mega-yachts in Billionaires Quay.
2. Hop aboard the open-top bus to the leafy Cimiez district for the Matisse Museum. Housed in a pretty, red Genoese-style villa surrounded by an olive grove, this museum does an excellent job at showcasing his career across oil paintings, drawings, sculptures, tapestries, and his famous paper cut-outs.  Prefer Picasso? Check out his museum in Antibes.
3. Prepare for a day of royalty at the pastel pink Villa Rothschild at the tip of Cap Ferrat. Eye up the sumptuous décor, selected by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, before meandering the well-manicured gardens. A visit isn’t complete without pulling up a seat in the tearoom/ restaurant and gazing out over the bay.  
4. Trek up the 92-metre-high Castle Hill for sublime views of Nice’s Old Town, port and the Provencal hills that stretch all the way to the Alps.  Although a medieval castle once stood here, today only the 16th Century Tour Bellanda remains. Once a residence, it now houses the Maritime Museum, surrounded by green spaces, shady trees and an artificial waterfall. 
5. When you’re ready to see and be seen, don your beach best for one of the area’s top beach clubs. Nikki Beach – Monte Carlo is, interestingly, sits upon the Fairmont Monte Carlo rooftop rather than on the sand; but it has great views, delicious dishes and no shortage of comfy day beds. Meanwhile, Carlton Beach Club in Cannes brings you by the bay with a pier and lovely bar on a wooden deck. 

• The Port of Nice is long established as one of French Riviera’s most glamorous neighbourhoods. Here super-expensive yachts bob alongside traditional fishing boats, and many of the city’s finest seafood restaurants jostle for space next to tempting Italian eateries. Stroll along Rue Bonaparte where Napoleon once lived, now home to scores of trendy shops and restaurants, and check out the lively antiques market along the waterfront on Mondays.
• Jean Medecin is a huge pedestrianised avenue that’s right in the heart of New Town. The transport is also one of French Riviera’s prime shopping areas with independent boutiques, designer outlets and malls aplenty. For a more laidback alternative, try the nearby Musiciens Quarter – a quiet, mostly residential area filled with palaces, parks and an array of restaurants. 
• Carre d’Or is a seafront area that boasts some of French Riviera’s best nightlife, not to mention stunning postcard perfect views. The area is packed with handsome Belle Epoque buildings, palaces, upscale hotels, casinos and clubs. 
• Cimiez is one of French Riviera’s greener districts, ideal for families with its quiet, tree-lined streets and abundance of gardens. You can visit the Roman ruins, including a substantial bath complex, and picnic in the Jardin des Arenes before visiting the 16th Century monastery and calling into the Matisse Museum. 

You’ll rightfully be tempted by many destinations within the French Riviera resort, but perhaps the most famous is Cannes. Even if not a film festival attendee, you Can(nes) still check out the yacht festival in September and roam the cobbled streets of Le Suque.

St Tropez is another familiar name, equated with turquoise waters that nearly greet its pretty pastel buildings. Visit St Tropez Citadel for views above the iconic red roofed buildings. You can also post up at Plage de Pampelonne for the day, making a splash or serenely sunning upon the sands.

Antibes has been gaining in popularity for good reason. Its peaceful, old town is the perfect place to relax, but if you beaten track, Toulon and Frejus are calling. Stretch your legs hiking up Mount Faron in Toulon or climb Mount Vinaigre in Frejus.