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The most attractive aspect of this 19th-century abbey is its painted depictions of saints.

This remarkable 5th-century abbey is the only troglodyte monastery in Europe.

For a spectacular view of the Camargue, visit the information centre and bird park, where enclosures display the lagoons’ bird life (see Parc Ornithologique du Pont-de-Gau).

This delightful Italianate mansion was built in 1674 and is ornately decorated with 17th-century antiques.

Facing the Château de Tarascon (see Château de Tarascon) is this ruined 11th-century chateau.

The imposing chateau was once the seat of the archbishops of Arles. It now houses a collection of military uniforms, many dating from the time of Napoleon.

This village was the source of Arles’s water supply in Roman times, via an aqueduct. A 12th-century church and ruined castle stand in the village.

Book years ahead to mingle with the rich and famous at this luxurious hotel – the flagship of Riviera hedonism. The list of celebrity guests stretches back decades and includes such current stars as Gwyneth Paltrow and Leonardo Di Caprio (see Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc, Antibes).

La Brasserie’s spacious terrace in front of the Carlton Inter-Continental, one of Cannes’ exorbitantly luxurious seafront hotels, overlooks the Croisette and is the top place to see and be seen in town, with a magnificent view of the bay. For effect, drink Bollinger (see La Brasserie Carlton, Cannes).

This celebrity hideaway hotel and restaurant attracts fashionable artists and celebrities and has a fine private collection of paintings by 20th-century artists including Miró, Matisse and Picasso. By Riviera standards, it is also surprisingly affordable – an overnight stay here need cost no more than an evening drink in one of the flashier clubs in Cannes or Monaco (see La Colombe d’Or, St-Paul-de-Vence).