Spotlight on the French Riviera

In the heart of Vieux Nice (Old Town), among old-world boutiques and petite cafés, you will find the vibrant Nice Flower Market. This bustling market is located on Cours Saleya, the famous promenade in the old city. This favorite daily (except on Monday) stopover for locals and tourists alike features much more than flowers. Vendors tout an array of produce, flowers, and various other delicacies. It is a feast for the senses. Take in the fragrant aroma of fresh-cut flowers, sample seasonal fruits and fresh-baked breads, be dazzled by the bountiful colorful displays, sip and savor a hot cappuccino, take a moment to pause and chat with the locals, or simply listen to the romantic sounds of the French language being spoken all around you.

At 370 acres, or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second- smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairytale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace, as well as the cathedral, the final resting place of the principality's monarchs.

Venture into the hilltop village of Eze, situated in the Alpes-Maritimes. Take in the medieval cobblestone streets and admire the stunning view, which overlooks the bright blue waters of the French Riviera down below.

Learn the secrets of perfume making and hone your skills with a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumerie. Since 1782, this perfumery has been preparing noteworthy creations that capture your senses.

This wealthy community on the French Riviera sits just a few minutes up the Bas-Corniche from Nice. The territory is situated on a small peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean and is home to incognito celebrities and nobility. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is composed of sumptuous private villas surrounded by high hedges and walls that keep their residents hidden from the curious fans and paparazzi. The quiet bay that lies next to it harbors small pleasure craft, luxury yachts, and even cruise ships letting off sea-weary passengers on shore excursions.

Known for its famous annual film festival, Cannes is situated on the French Riviera. Walk among the elite as you tour this exclusive city with a local expert. Although this area has been inhabited since the 2nd century BCE, it wasn’t called Cannes until the 11th century. The focus of the area at the time was mostly on the nearby Lérins Islands. As you tour the city, you’ll be able to walk in the steps of celebrities when you view the Film Festival Palace. See the famous red carpet for the festival, which has been celebrated for over 70 years.

One of the most famous villages on the Nice hinterland, this heavily restored 16th-century village became a magnet for both aspiring and established artists during the 20th century. It was home to French actors Yves Montand and Simone Signoret and a favorite haunt for Hollywood celebrities. Today, galleries and studios dominate the village's narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.