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The Romanesque priory, dating from the 12th century, is the centrepiece of exceptional gardens which illustrate the history of Provence’s relationship with its plant life. They range from the Middle Ages to today and include a Garden of Aromatic Scents. Within the former priory, an exhibition tells the story of aromatic plants.

Built on the site of a 13th-century Genoese fortress, the seat of the Grimaldi princes of Monaco, flanked by centuries-old cannons, is even more imposing inside than out. Not to be missed are the superb frescoes of mythological scenes by 16th-century Genoese artists, the opulent blue-and-gold Louis XV Salon, the finely crafted woodwork of the Mazarin Salon and the gorgeous Throne Room. The main courtyard, the Cour d’Honneur, with its geometrical pebble patterns, is a wonderful setting for summer concerts. The Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince, in full dress uniform, changes the guard daily at 11.55am.

The world’s best-known seafront boulevard owes its name to the English community which funded its initial construction in 1822. Inspired by Anglican vicar Lewis Way, the community was keen to give work to the local poor. Now flanked by traffic lanes separated by flowerbeds and palms, the “Prom” sweeps majestically round the Bay of Angels. Belle époque edifices, notably the magnificent Hotel Negresco (see Le Negresco, Nice) recall Nice’s days as a magnet for European nobility. The substance has gone, but the style remains.

The village stands where the Roudoule river meets the Var, overlooked by the ruins of the Château-Musée Grimaldi (see Château-Musée Grimaldi, Hautde-Cagnes). The Romanesque church has a beautiful 16th-century altarpiece (see Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, Puget-Théniers).

Although swamped by the overspill from St-Tropez in summer, Ramatuelle remains a lovely hilltop village. Its tiny streets and vaulted passages are heavy with flowers.

The delightful town of Arles, founded by the Romans, stands on the east bank of the Rhône and is the gateway to Provence from the west (see Roman Arles).

The finest Roman theatre in Europe has its original stage wall, guaranteeing perfect acoustics (see Parc de la Colline St-Eutrope, Orange).

The Château de Roquebrune, perched on its hilltop above CapMartin, is said to be the oldest feudal castle in France. Built more than 1,000 years ago, it has been remodelled more than once, by the Grimaldi clan and, in the early 20th century, by a wealthy Englishman, Sir William Ingram, who added a mock English tower. Down at sea level, a lovely coastal path leads all the way to Monaco, passing 19th-century villas set in luxurious gardens (see Roquebrune-Cap-Martin).

A winning partnership of the sort only found on the Côte d’Azur. Beneath Roquebrune are the grandiose belle époque villas of the super-rich on the Cap-Martin peninsula. Up above are the winding streets, vaulted passages and 10th-century chateau of the original village (see Roquebrune-Cap-Martin).

Roussillon is perched beautifully above a quite extraordinary landscape. The mining of ochre and subsequent erosion have sculpted the red-and-gold earth into cliffs, canyons and weird shapes. Villagers have applied the local product to their houses, to enchanting effect (see Roussillon).