The Côte d’Azur offers many beaches and more sea than anywhere else. Discover this end of the country and you can be fascinated by the region which is full of surprises, some you may already know. Of course, one day you will probably go to visit Monaco, Cannes, and of course do not forget to visit Saint Tropez. Other good places to visit are:

SAINT PAUL DE VENCE
A small village of artists on the hill with laneways of adorable houses. In the Fondation Maeght, the greatest names in painting and sculpture from this century are represented (in rotation, since the entire collection cannot be displayed at any one time) : Braque, Chagall, Kandinsky, Miro, Giacometti, Bonnard, Matisse, Hartung, Calder, Arp, Zadkine and more. Every year, thematic exhibitions are organized.

GRASSE
Grasse is the town of perfumes and gloves, it has the same essences as design houses. Visit the perfumery Fragonard in the centre of the town, its very big and if you visit with a guide its even more interesting. This museum traces the history of perfume, the techniques used and the stages involved in creating a perfume. Found at 8, Place du Cours , Honoré Cresp.
It is opened from June 1st until September 30th, from 10 am to 7 pm, and from 1st October to 31st May, from 10 am to noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Its closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Bank Holidays. LES GORGES DU VERDON
If you wish to have a super tour for around 4 hours, go to the “Grand Canyon du Verdon”. This is a beautiful walk with many spectacular sights, and some quaint old villages.

CANNES AND THE ILES DE LERINS
Cannes has a reputation for Croisette, les Grands Palaces and especially le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, which house the Casino and which take place all the month of, during the Cannes film festival. This festival attracts the greatest filmmakers, actors and actresses every year, setting off veritable riots on the Croisette.
If Cannes is too crowded for your taste, take a boat trip to Sainte-Marguerite island, where the enigmatic ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ stayed in 1687. On your visit particularly notice the Royal Fort, carry a plan or a map of Vauban, and try to see the sea museum.
A smaller island is Saint Honorat. This is a religious site since 410 and is the home to about 40 monks. Saint Patrick left from this monastery to evangelize Ireland. The island is always occupied by the community of Cistercian monks, which distil local alcohol and cultivate vines and lavender. The buildings are conventional, and are only accessible through the public museum, the church and the ancient monastery are fortified.
These two islands are about 15 minutes by boat from Cannes.

MONACO
The Grimaldi Palace, standing on its famous rock contrasts interestingly with the modern town. Although you will not see any princes or princessess you can visit the palace. With remains from the 13th century, the Cour d’Honneur paved with 3 million white pebbles, the Salle de Trone (throne room), and its sumptuous, richly decorated and finely furnished suites: you can still understand why there’s still magic in stories of princes and princessess. Don’t miss the changing of the Garde des Carabiniers on the Place du Palais every day at 11.55 am sharp. The palace is open for visits from September to June, from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm; and in October from 10 am to 5 pm. It is closed from November to May.

SAINT-TROPEZ
Saint-Tropez is famous by certain places, the harbour for boating pleasure and its cafes. One must also visit the Annonciade museum. Paul Signac in 1892 was the first of a host of painters such as Matisse, Bonnard, Marquet, Dunoyer de Segonzac and many others, to be followed by writers, actors and singers. This is the reason why a pretty little Mediterranean port has become one of the most famous resorts in the world and also has such a magnificent collection of authentic masterpieces. Open everyday except Tuesdays from June 1st to September 30th, from 10 am to noon and 3 pm to 7 pm; from October 1st to May 31st , 10 am to noon and 2 pm to 6 pm. It is closed in November, January 1st , May 1st , Ascension and Christmas.