In perfect contrast to the hushed tranquillity of the estate, the nearby resorts of the Côte d’Azur await with gourmet restaurants, quaint churches crowning the hills, art galleries in abundance, chic boutiques and miles of the world’s most fashionable beaches. Among the many places to visit, we recommend:

Nice
Infused with French and Italian culture, Nice is a place to wander through flower and vegetable markets, to gaze at the wonderful views of the city and sea atop the castle hill, and to visit the many baroque churches that grace this famous city.

St Tropez
Capital of the French Riviera, St Tropez is an enticing concoction of Bohemian culture, historical intrigue and celebrity glamour. Shimmering shorelines are decorated with fleets of luxury yachts, while in the town palm trees sway between rustic terracotta roofs.

Marseille
The oldest and second largest French city after Paris, Marseille is a bustling seaport where remains of the 3rd century BC town walls can be seen amid many other classical remnants. Rich with museums and waterfront cafes, it makes for a pleasant day’s excursion.

Monaco
Made famous by the royalty and film stars who rub bronzed shoulders on its sun-soaked beaches, Monaco is the definitive playground of the rich and famous. Spend days browsing boutique-lined streets and stylish cafés, evenings dining on gourmet cuisine, and nights trying your luck on the baccarat tables of the world-famous casinos and clubs.

Gorges Du Verdon
The famous Gorges du Verdon is a stunning natural wonder of rock and ravines, where you can swim and canoe in the river and reservoir, climb the cliffs, wander the paths through the gorges or explore the caves. Alternatively, simply take in the striking views of the mystical and isolated gorges.

Lorgues
Lorgues is an idyllic fortified Provençal town where narrow streets give way to ancient stairways, doorways engraved with carvings and ruins dating back to the 11th century. The daily markets are well worth a visit, followed, perhaps, by a coffee in one of the many shaded terrace cafés on the main street.

Flayosc
Crowned by a ‘vieux village’ complete with an 11th century church, the medieval settlement of Flayosc is situated on a low hill. Wandering through the streets, you’ll come across beautiful old fountains in the town square and beneath shady plane trees in the most tranquil of settings.

Tourtour
To soak up the medieval beauty of the region, head for the picturesque hilltop village of nearby Tourtour. Known as the ‘village in the sky’, it offers magnificent views of the area, while the town square, shaded by olive trees, is graced with a well-restored 16th century chateau.