The attractions are almost endless. Here are some of our favourites. Le Castellet, a mediaeval walled ‘village perche’ famous throughout France, should not be missed. A bit crowded on weekends. Many mediaeval and 16th century (and later) houses, some with fascinating doorways--also in La Cadière—the chateau, an 11th century church, breathtaking views, etc. A particularly spectacular drive, quite near-by, is the Route des Cretes, which starts in La Ciotat and comes out in Cassis (or the other way round). There are colossal views and the highest cliffs over the entire Mediterranean.

Be sure to see the Roman antiquities and ancient architecture in Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Nîmes, Avignon, etc. Haute Provence is magnificent, around Manosque, as is the Lubéron area around Cavaillon and Avignon. St Rémy, where Van Gogh worked and was in asylum, and Les Baux are world famous. All are a day's trip.

There are wonderful Romanesque abbeys in the Manosque-Sisteron area: Le Thoronet, Ganagobie, St Donat, Salagon, etc. Ménerbes (“A Year in Provence”) area is also lovely. Carpentras is very famous. Etc, etc. Pompeii-like town of Glanum near St Rémy, which, with Les Baux, is a must. Martigues ('Venice of Provence') and the Camargue, with wild horses, bulls and flamingos, both west of Marseille, are also unmissable.

The islands off Hyeres are world-famous: Porquerolles, Port-Cros and L'Isle du Levant, one with National Park, scuba diving, etc.

We are especially fond of the Grand Canyon du Verdon in Les-Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, a drive which takes you through some very pretty villages, e.g. Bargemon, on the way. That’s about two hours’ drive.

Recreation: Wind surfing and sailing abound: Bandol, Sanary, Toulon, etc. Aqualand in St Cyr near Autoroute entrance, big water sports place with water slides. We understand that it is possible to book ahead on the internet to save long queues/waiting times. O.K. Corral in Le Camp du Castellet, reached via Le Brulat or Le Beausset on the old Route Nationale to Marseille is a big amusement park with a wild west theme. Circuit Paul Ricard--famous motor racing track, same area. Tennis clubs in Le Castellet, Le Plan du Castellet and Bandol. Jardin Exotique in Bandol is a zoo. Antique car museum in same area. See Michelin Green Guide for attractions around Toulon. Interesting old forts, e.g. le Mont Faron, which has a zoo and a museum of the occupation of Provence during World War II. Maritime museum on the sea facing La Seyne.