France is a country that many of us are familiar with, you may have gone on school trips as a child to visit the Bayeux Tapestry or Mont St. Michel, or spent summer holidays camping around La Rochelle or Biarritz. It is a country that I have spent quite a bit of time in, on the beach in the south of France, the Vendée and skiing in the Alps.

Taking time to explore ‘real France’, and visiting the French Riviera is an incredible way to spend a holiday. Everyone heads to the beaches of Nice, Monaco or Cannes but a few places that I love are a little less known.

When staying in Cannes or Antibes, take a morning or afternoon to visit the town of Grasse, a lovely town, famous for perfume with some of the larger perfume houses such as Molinard offering tours of their factories. If you are there in late June to August (perfect time for the school holidays) you will be lucky enough to see the blooming lavender fields. There is a charming town centre with a special cathedral full of interesting artwork.

Just up from here is Saint Paul de Vence, a little town built in a traditional style into the hillside, with lovely restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlours. You can work off the ice-cream and walk or hike to the top of the town and see the beautiful views of the landscape surrounding Saint Paul de Vence. This town is home to the incredible gardens and home of Ephrussi Rothschild. Driving up and spending a day walking around the beautiful and very neatly presented gardens is a lovely way to relax and take yourself away from the bustling coastline.

If you are in Nice, visit the old town, not just the beachfront. The buildings are incredibly beautiful which you can find when wandering down the back streets revealing little hidden gems and fantastic restaurants.

Just east of Nice is the historic town of Eze, a truly beautiful hillside town on the coast. With many houses, restaurants and shops built into the mountainside. With mesmerising gardens, a fort and church, there is plenty to explore. Eze is full of charming cobbled streets, some of which are quite steep and when climbing to the top of the town, you will reach the castle, itself a reason to reach the top of the village. Even greater reason is the breathtaking views which are afforded from the castle following the coastline.

One place which is very famous along the French Riviera, which has a very prestigious reputation is Monaco, known for its Monte Carlo Grand prix and as a tax haven. It is true that this city is a playground for the rich and famous, a busy city set around a large port. Personally I enjoy 24 hours here, wandering around looking at the stunning boats, exquisite restaurants and hotels, famous casinos and bars, fountains and elaborate buildings it is like nowhere else. If you are looking for a glamorous start or end to your holiday this is the place to go.

Further east still, bordering the Italian coast is the town of Menton, with incredible beaches and extraordinary gardens such as the Serre De La Madone, it is a beautiful town to explore. From the beach you can see the gorgeous coastline, with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Looking back on this medieval town, the houses are built into the surrounding hillside, all beautifully painted in pastel colours, giving the town a warm and welcoming feel. Full of excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood and local cuisine, Menton is also home to Mirazur, a michelin star restaurant with exceptional views overlooking the sea.

Finally and by no means least, possibly my favourite thing to do when in the French Riviera, or the Cote d’Azur as it is also know, is to sample the wine and tour the vineyards in Provence. There is nothing better than a chilled glass of good rosé when sitting on holiday, in the sun in the south of France. Here you are spoilt for choice and there are a number of delightful wine houses that offer tastings and tours, including some Riviera tours that will collect you from Nice or Cannes and drop you back at the end of the day.