traveldk.com

Here, tall old houses are set around a 17th-century rococo church and an onion-domed clock tower.

Founded before the reign of Charlemagne, during the Dark Ages, the town of Lurs was fortified as early as the 9th century AD, when it was ruled by the bishops of Sisteron and the princes of Lurs. Deserted in the 19th century, it has now become an artists’ colony known for prints and graphic arts. There are stupendous views from the Promenade des Evêques (Bishops’ Walk) leading to the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Vie, especially colourful in spring when the wildflowers bloom.

Noted equally for its wine list as its menu, which features favourites such as Sisteron lamb in a tapenade crust. Pretty terrace too.

In the heart of town, serving particularly inventive dishes, such as courgettes with fresh goat’s cheese.

Set amid Marseille’s traditional seaside cabins, L’Epuisette has its feet in the water but its mind firmly on fresh fish.

Out in the calanque of Les Goudes, and with a sea-view from paradise, this restaurant serves up some of the region’s best fish.

The first room is music, either live DJ, rock and jazz, the second is billiards, beer and big screen TV. The whole is convivial.

Pronounced “Lef”, this is one of the friendliest places for a drink and a bite to eat on the Vieux Nice nighttime circuit. A year-round venue – the terrace is heated in winter.

Not one shop but more than 200 make this little town France’s most important antiques and second-hand centre after Paris. Grouped into seven centres, most are open Saturday to Monday, with a market on Sunday mornings. Antiques fairs at Easter and around 15 August.

Dishes unique to the region, such as Camarguais bull steaks, served in a pretty courtyard.