The Camargue, formed by the Rhone delta, was designated a botanical and zoological reserve in 1927. Famous for its white horses, bulls, wildlife and salt marshes begun by the Greeks and carried on to this day it is a Mecca for ornithologists and renowned for the icon of the Camargue, the pink flamingo. Small fishing villages abound and Port de Gau is well worth a visit.

Cassis

This pretty little fishing port and seaside resort is well worth a stop for lunch or a night if you are looking for a quieter berth. Snuggled at the foot of a very tall cliff called Cap Canaille, Cassis is a wonderful place to stroll about with it's many cafes and restaurants lining the fishing port. Famous for the blackcurrant liqueur that is added to white wine to make Vin Blanc Cassis. Cassis has lovely old quarters and an elegant hotel de ville in the main square, where the inhabitants came to cool off and play 'petanque' on summer nights.

Bandol

Long before St Tropez, Bandol established itself as a true seaside resort and today retains it's elegance and charm. The clear waters and interesting underwater life make this a wonderful dive location. The vineyards of Bandol are famous and well worth visiting, the rosés in particular are among the best in France. Why not bring one with you when you take Romola's day boat to Ile de Bendor, a small island just 7 minutes from the harbour, for a picnic.

Les Iles D'Hyeres

Although located just South of Nice, the islands known as The Golden Isles seem a million miles away from the glamour of the Cote D'Azur. Of the three islands Porquerolles and Port-Cros are the quietest and most beautiful. Porquerolles offers botanical walks among the breathtaking cliffs, coves and fine sandy beaches, snorkelling in crystal waters, fine dining and excellent local wine. Port-Cros is an enchanting island with a tiny village, 30 kilometres of paths to explore and all sorts of flora and fauna. Moor off Plage de la Palud, the islands best known beach and explore it's underwater trail which reveals an abundance of creatures in the calm sea.

Saint Tropez

In the 1920's international stars of the fashion world flocked to St Tropez but it wasn't until the 1950's that it became 'St Trop' when the show business people, artists and writers all fell under the spell of this charming little port. Brigitte Bardot's arrival in the 60's established it as the place to holiday for chic Parisians and the international jet set. Night life is very lively and often one can see helicopters bringing guests to private parties in one of the many luxurious villas on the bay or to lunch at Club 55. Take the time to admire the charming little streets and alleys with its fantastic array of boutiques and restaurants.

Sainte Maxime

Ste Maxime is an idyllic place to explore from. Situated in the Bay of Saint Tropez, Ste Maxime is sheltered from the winds by the Maures Mountains and enjoys some of the best weather on the Cote d'Azur. Its beautiful location and sedate pace of life attracted artists, poets and writers for many years. Jean de Brunhoff, the creator of Babar the Elephant, lived in the area for many years and one of the beaches is now known as La Plages des Elephants. It has a good harbour, marina and a beautiful old town. Discriminating visitors will be delighted by its beaches.

Cannes

Home to the world's most prestigious annual film festival, some of the Mediterranean's best beaches and the most fashionable and elegant of promenades, Les Croisettes, Cannes is the place to see and be seen. But amongst the glamour and grand hotels, the real charm of Cannes is found in the winding streets and traditional restaurants of the old town, it is a delightful place to visit at any time of the year.

Villefranche

Set in the heart of one of the world's most beautiful bays, Villefranche sur Mer is the prettiest harbour on the Mediterranean. This is a charming place to spend a relaxing afternoon, with its picturesque narrow streets, medieval covered passageways, the mysterious 'rue obscure' and the colourful facades of the ancient houses decorated in the 'trompe de l'oeil' style.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo, playground of the rich, is home to more millionaires per square mile than anywhere on earth. Famous for its casinos, gambling, and the most glamorous sporting event of them all, the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco is like nowhere else in the world. Visit for the excitement of the luxurious gaming rooms, the haute couture, jewels, cars, yachts and one of the best restaurants in the world, Alain Ducasse's Louis XV in the grand Third Empire dining room at the Hotel de Paris.

San Remo

San Remo is the capital of the Italian Riviera of Flowers. Legend tells of great patrician palaces built in memory of Matuta, Goddess of the Sea and Dawn. Famous princes, literates, and scientists came to San Remo to enjoy the deep blue sea and the intense scent of its flowers. Its old town, La Pigna, is characterised by perched houses, steep streets, covered alleys, and little squares. San Remo is now a world famous seaside resort famous for its culture, art and the casino built in 1905.

Savona

Savona lies below the stretch of mountains where the Maritime Alps meet the Ligurian Appennines. An historically important port it supported Hannibal and the Carthaginians against Rome in 205 BC. Today, it is a splendid artistic treasure with Renaissance palaces, museums filled with masterpieces and wide shady streets.

Portofino

This tiny resort has an idyllic setting on the Ligurian coast and a wonderfully picturesque harbour. Surrounded by pine trees and olive groves, Portofino retains the charm of the original fishing village, despite its jet-set reputation. Home to the exclusive Hotel Splendido, it has been a magnet for Europe's beau monde, from Rex Harrison to Elizabeth Taylor, for decades.

Genoa

The Ligurian port made famous by Columbus, Genoa has a history that can be traced as far back as the Etruscans and has many places to visit. The Aquarium of Genoa, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), St. Lawrence Cathedral, Via Garibaldi with its superb palaces, the world famous cemetery of Staglieno, the Museum d'Arte Orientale which houses one of the largest collections of Oriental art in Europe and the historic centre, believed to be the largest medieval quarter in Europe.

Portovenere

Portovenere is the most exquistite cosmopolitan little fishing village , with restaurants and shops along the habour front and a myriad of narrow lanes behind. Perched on the Gulf of Poets western promontory, its beauty has always evoked a passionate response. In 1338 Petrarch wrote "to those who arrive by sea it appears on the shore of the port of Venus and here,among the olive-cloaked hills, it is said that even Minerva was led by so much sweetness to forget Athens, her homeland”.

La Spezia

La Spezia and it's Bay was immortalized in the 19th century by Byron and Shelley, the two poets of the Romantic era who lived, worked, loved, and--in the case of Shelley--died on the bay. It was under their influence that the bay derived its lyrical alias, Golfo dei Poeti or "Gulf of Poets." Napoleon capitalized on what is one of Europe's finest natural harbours and constructed a naval base early in the nineteenth century. Today La Spezia has a beautiful palm-fringed seafront promenade, and the Museum Amedeo Lia, houses one of the finest collections of medieval and Renaissance art in Liguria.

Corsica

Corsica is a mecca for yachtsman and charter yachts alike. The beautiful and untouched coastline of the “Ile de Beauté” is a dream of many. The panorama of this stunning and dramatic island is certainly best appreciated from the deck of a yacht, exploring secluded bays, hidden coves and majestic gulfs. If you really want to escape the stresses of day-to-day life, spend some days sailing around the Corsican coast and visiting romantic harbours & towns in the evening. Some places you might care to visit are:

Bastia

The old town of Bastia with its modern urban culture and intriguing network of cobbled streets and narrow lanes. The town has no less than 3 busy and colourful ports and a good selection of restaurants and bars, all fine examples of the town’s rich and vibrant history.

Bastia is a quaint town steeped in history but inspired by a modern, urban culture. It is a town which came to prominence as Corsica’s main port. The focal point is the Place St. Nicolas with its brightly coloured facades, cafés and restaurants. The old quarter, Terra Vecchia, is to the south of the central square and the home of Bastia’s historic sights. The Terra Nova or citadel quarter has a distinctly prosperous air and is largely the preserve of Bastia’s affluent set. A busy and colourful port with a rich history and a vibrant centre.

Algajola

The small and elegant town of Algajola which is located along the superb Aregno-Plage beach has a nice selection of shops, restaurants and bars. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries Algajola was a major port, which traded in oysters and olive oil. Now it is a fashionable elegant resort with a relaxed pace of life.

There is the superb beach of Aregno-Plage which ends with the ancient fortified citadel. In the town square there is a small selection of bars and restaurants, which appeal to all tastes and budgets. This is a delightful seaside village proudly Corsican yet with tremendously hospitable people.

Calvi

Originally a small fishing port, Calvi has always been historically significant, and, once been occupied by the Genoese, is reputed to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. The town itself is dominated by the imposing citadel and within it lie many treasures revealed to those who choose to wander beyond the port and explore the alleyways and old cobbled streets.

Calvi possesses a beach of 6km of fine white sand, next to the ancient harbour and old town. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with a gentle slope and safe bathing in the shallow, turquoise-blue waters. Dining is positively an art form in Calvi and an assortment of elegant fish restaurants and lively cocktail bars line the vibrant marina..

Ajaccio

Ajaccio, Corsica' cosmopolitan capital with its palm-fringed promenade and boulevards, fashionable shops, elegant buildings, Old Town and port. It is a distinguished capital reminiscent of Nice and the French Riviera. Restaurants and bars abound, especially around the port area, and there are excellent long, sandy beaches. Ajaccio is a fascinating mix of old and new, which can be both lively and peaceful. If you didn’t happen to know that Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio (pronounced Ajaxio) you will within a few minutes of arriving here. With a glittering harbourfront, designer boutiques and fashionable restaurants, Corsica’s cosmopolitan capital honours its famous son with street names, statues and several museums

Porto Vecchio

Porto Vecchio is an elegant, cultured and lively town located on a hill overlooking the magnificent Gulf of Porto Vecchio. A chic and stylish town, Porto Vecchio offers a vibrant buzz with its many elegant shops and cafés and spectacular beaches within easy reach.

Propriano

The small seaside resort of Propriano, is famous for its fine sandy beaches and delightful rocky coves. The town’s waterfront is home to many good cafes and restaurants which serve delicious seafood specialities. Propriano is typically Corsican and , although smaller than some other towns of Corsica, it has a lively marina and waterfront area.

Bonifacio

The best view of Bonifacio is from aboard your own charter yacht in the sapphire-blue Bouches de Bonifacio (Strait of Bonifacio). This stunning 12km strait channels between Corsica’s southernmost tip and the Italian island of Sardinia. From the water, the tall, sun-bleached buildings of Bonifacio’s citadel appear to morph seamlessly into the serrated white limestone cliffs rising up from the sea. Within the clifftop citadel is a charming maze of alleyways with a distinct medieval feel. On the northern side, is Bonifacio’s vibrant port, which spills over with café terraces, shops but be aware that Bonifacio is one of Corsica's busiest towns especially in the summer

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