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Long-distance running through this dramatic scenery

The Russian-born painter (1887–1985) moved to St-Paulde- Vence in 1949. His light-filled work was often inspired by Biblical themes, and canvases from his Biblical Message series of paintings are in the Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall in Nice (see Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall).

This restaurant is on a remote stretch of beach reached by rough roads – but its fresh fish make it worth the journey.

The French author and film director (1895–1974) wrote L’Eau des Collines (1963), later filmed as Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources .

A huge family aquapark with 12 chutes, a wave pool and several swimming pools including one for toddlers (see Marineland, Antibes).

Killer whales, sharks and dolphins are all inhabitants of Marineland. There is also a farm, a petting zoo, a butterfly and reptile jungle, and the largest water park on the Riviera, with 12 giant chutes, a wave pool, a large swimming pool, as well as three miniature golf courses.

A 15-km (9-mile) trail from Le Palud to Point Sublime. Allow 7–8 hours (see Martell Trail).

A landmark on Cannes’ esplanade, the Martinez is a triumph of fin-de-siècle wedding-cake stucco architecture, with a private beach. Part of the Concorde chain of luxury hotels, it has everything you could want for a sybaritic stay.

The best mountain path is from Pont de l’Esterel to Mont Vinaigre. Four hours (see Massif de l’Esterel).

As the rugged red rocks of the Esterel range plunge into the blue of the Mediterranean, they create creeks and contrasts of stirring beauty. Inland, the tough, volcanic mountains may rise no higher than 600 m (2,000 ft) but the landscape is of breathtaking gorges, passes and peaks. Many paths and tracks provide access to the mountainscape and its rich tree life. Take the Perthus or tougher Mal-Infernet valleys – in the footsteps of brigands who hid out here (see Massif de l’Esterel).