Caught between limestone cliffs and the open sea, historic Marseille leans into the tide, retaining an unmistakably Mediterranean spirit.

Once a haven for exiled thinkers, Sanary offers a window into coastal Provence, edged by the sculpted coves of the UNESCO-listed Calanques.

The grande dame of the Riviera, Saint-Tropez's superyacht-filled marina is complemented by noteworthy shopping and sun-drenched games of pétanque in the Place des Lices.

The grande dame of the Riviera, Saint-Tropez's superyacht-filled marina is complemented by noteworthy shopping and sun-drenched games of pétanque in the Place des Lices.

Beyond its famed boulevards, Cannes is graced with gentle hills, sloping vineyards and sheltered beaches.

From its peach-coloured church with Cocteau frescoes to its pastel facades that frame the bay, Villefranche-sur-Mer evokes a relaxed Riviera charm.

The sweeping Promenade des Anglais roots Nice to its pastel facades and daily markets, with charming villages resting quietly in the neighbouring hills.