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The Latin inscription on a rock near St-Geniez indicates the site of a 5th-century “Theopolis”, or City of God Christian centre. The rock aside, no trace has been found. However, phenomena including strange lights and odd weather add to the mystery of the place.

Born in Puget-Théniers in 1805, the socialist was one of the leaders of the revolutionary Paris Commune of 1871.

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.

Who was the Man in the Iron Mask? Louis XIV’s troublesome brother? A meddling royal priest? No one knows. Certainly, he was dangerous enough to be clamped in the mask and locked away in Château d’If from 1687. You may visit the island fort and see his cell (see Places to Eat).

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).

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

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.

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).

Pastoral memories mix with Christian ritual, as live lambs participate in the ceremony.

The highest peak in the Provençal Alps rises to a height of 3,050 m (10,020 ft) and dominates a lofty landscape of bare rocky summits, streaked by snow until early summer, pine forests and alpine meadows. The massif is crossed by breathtaking passes, including the Cime de la Bonette, by which the D64 road traverses the shoulder of Mont Pelat at a height of 2,860 m (9,400 ft), making it the highest pass in Europe.