For families

1 Windsurfing

Frequent winds make the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône coasts ideal for board folk. As the Mistral whistles across the Camargue, so windsurfers take advantage at Les-Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Port-St-Louis.

2 Planet Hollywood, Cannes

Launched by action heroes Sly Stallone, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Planet Hollywood is part of a worldwide chain of movie-themed bar-restaurants and is affordable fun, with potential star-spotting thrown in. Restaurant, café and disco, owned by film stars, comes into its own during the Film Festival but is a hot spot year round and is easy to get into.

Address: 1 Allées de la Liberté
Phone: 04 93 06 78 27
Price range: €€

3 Notre Dame Beach, Ile de Porquerolles

No cars are allowed on the island, so it’s a walk or cycle-ride along the rocky, 3-km (2-mile) track from the port to the loveliest beach in France (see Sporting and Outdoor Activities). Pine-fringed, it boasts white sand, calm waters, no commerce and few people. Your private slice of paradise.

4 Pampelonne Beach, St-Tropez

Everyone has his or her “place” on St-Trop’s largest beach. Famous beach clubs cater to the super-rich and glamorous, to nudists, to gays, as well as to everyday families. The 5-km (3-mile) sandy stretch across the headland from the town also has extensive public areas. There’s space in which to escape the crowds and appreciate natural beauty.

Office du Tourisme
Location: quai Jean Jaurès
Phone: 04 94 97 45 21
Opening info: Open 9:30am–6pm (until 8:30pm in high season) daily
www.ot-saint-tropez.com

5 Avignon Festival

France’s greatest theatre event is really two festivals. The official one takes over the Papal Palace’s Courtyard of Honour and other venues for modern and classical drama. But it is the unofficial “off” festival which enlivens the town, with street performers and up to 400 shows a day, from dance to burlesque comedy.

Opening info: July

 

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