Our apartment has a fantastic panoramic view over the bay. A short walk through attractively cultivated gardens and then through an underpass takes you directly on to sandy Juan-les- Pins beach, lined with restaurants and cafes. Why not top-up your suntan by relaxing on the beach or take a dip in the sparkling Mediterranean sea? Please don't forget the sun-block!
About 400 meters from the apartment is a small ferry which transports its passengers to St.Tropez, the Isles of Lerins or Monaco.
Stroll along the promenade where a myriad of colourful boutiques selling clothes and souvenirs await. After an afternoon of shopping, perhaps a flutter in the Casino? Or, if not, a leisurely walk through the Pinewoods across the road from the Casino is home to the almost tame black squirrels which run along cables above your head and scurry down to enjoy the nuts you have brought for them.
If one goes west from the apartment, Golfe Juan is within easy walking distance. It boasts a marina, many lovely restaurants and shops and a good market on Friday mornings, selling fresh produce and flowers, as well as the usual clothes and bric-a-brac.
The scenic view of Golfe Juan and Cannes with the Esterel Mountains forming a backdrop, is truly spectacular!
The apartment is situated in a holiday complex, in which are situated a swimming pool, a good supermarket with baker, newsagent, lovely bistros, bars, cafes, including an internet cafe, hairdressers, boutiques and a fitness gym. Everything you need is right on your doorstep.
For the more adventurous, a short bus ride (all fares are 1 Euro) or healthy walk, will take you to the ancient town of Antibes, where you will find all the fresh produce you need in the popular Provincial Market from Monday to Friday. On the same site at weekends the arts and crafts market takes over. For brocante and general markets, Thursday is your day.
Chateau Grimaldi houses the Picasso Museum which is the tower in the old part, much loved by photographers.
Also in Antibes is a lovely little theatre and many wonderful restaurants and shops. Or why not browse round the marina, admiring the millionaires' yachts?
A bit futher afield, in Biot, is Marineland, where penguins, seals, polar bears, orca and dolphins go through their paces for enthralled onlookers.
Across the road is Antibesland - themepark paradise for teenagers and older children.
Around 20 minutes on a bus in the opposite direction takes one to the chic resort of Cannes. This is shoppers heaven! Also, it is the place to see and be seen. May is Cannes Film Festival month, so celebrity watching is a great pastime!
After about 25 minutes by train, or around an hour by bus (for only 1 Euro) one arrives in Nice, home to many Art Galleries and Museums of note.
Old Nice, with its narrow streets and beautiful antique lamps, has inspired many an artist and film maker. Here is home to the famous Flower Market from Tuesday to Sunday. On Mondays an Antique Market enjoys the site. Archaeologists may be interested to descend underground to see the Roman remains discovered when excavations were underway for the trams. Modern Nice boasts architecture and a tram system which is the envy of the world. Place Massena with its statues of naked men, sitting serenely atop high columns change colour by night. At one corner of the Square is the shop with something for everyone - Gallery Lafayette.
There are so many interesting places in Nice - Hotel Negresco with its unique decor; Chateau Hill with its breathtaking view from the summit - don't worry - there is a lift or alternatively the Little Train, although the chateau itself is long gone! The variety of shops, restaurants, churches, and of course - the Promenade des Anglais!
About an hour on the train takes one to Monte Carlo and Monaco. Here one can admire the fabulous yachts, fabulous shops and fabulous Casinos! Or wander round the famous Monaco Grand Prix Circuit. Or climb the hill to the Prince's Palace where you may watch the Changing of the Guard or glimpse its occupants - Prince Albert and Princess Charlene!
If your taste is the biggest market in Europe then Ventimiglia in Italy on Fridays is the place to be. Back to back stalls stretch along the shore, selling their wares of clothes, handbags, leather goods, tablecloths, toys and souvenirs.
No holiday in the French Riviera is complete without a visit to St.Paul de Vence. It is like going back in time one thousand years. It is easy to see why artists have been so inspired here. An added bonus is the restaurant adjacent to St.Pauls called the Colombe d'Or.This restaurant, which is still owned by the world-renowned Roux Family, was frequented by Miro, Braque, Chagall and of course, Picasso. It was in this restaurant that tasty dishes of food were exchanged for works of art by struggling artists. They are now worth a fortune.
These have been only a small selection of attractions available to you in the French Riviera.
