The region of Côte d’Azur loves the limelight and is famous for its lively nightlife and glitzy reputation, but there are also a few publicity-shy places that are worth their salt. Either way, Le Montourey siblu parc is a great bases for exploring the region.

The region has a star-studded history as the play place for rich tourists looking for a healthy winter retreat, and then for Kings, Queens and the glitterati of the early 20th century, an association that has been reinforced through the annual Cannes Film Festival, and from starts from Becks to Elton John who buy luxurious holiday homes on the coast.

the glitz…
Port Grimaud is St Tropez without the fake tan. It’s a French version of Venice, with winding streets and canals, but no-one to steal your cornetto – the French are far too civilised! See if your children are eagle-eyed enough to spot that no two houses are alike.

For a more ‘epic’ experience visit the Gorges d’Heric; it is one of the most impressive and magnificent gorges in the region. This long deep crack in the ground is wild, lush and incredible.

The glamour
St Tropez is a chic town where we can mingle with the ‘jet set’. Relax into one of the many cafés and spend an afternoon celebrity spotting, and watch your kids stare wide-eyed at the yachts.

Cannes is famed for its film festival, but you’ll also be impressed by the gorgeous sandy beaches and cafés on La Croisette; perfect for watching the world go by.

The locals whizz up and down Nice’s magnificent palm-lined ‘Promenade des Anglais’ on roller skates, but the trick to enjoying the star studded town is to take things easy and milk every last detail.

Monaco is home of the rich and famous and famed for its fabulous casino. Of course the beautiful people who hang out here have beautiful yachts, so the marina should be near to the top of your ‘to see’ list.

For something a little less glitzy, but just as much fun, make the short jaunt from Le Montourey to the seaside town of Fréjus. This is a historic port balanced on a rock plateau, and there are Roman ruins, sandy beaches and chic bars. Families in Fréjus head to the long, sandy, sheltered beach that stretches to the next town. There’s a typical Med coast holiday feel, with streets lined with ice cream parlours, souvenir shops and restaurants. The bustling town is filled with classical remnants and medieval ruins, contrasting with the modern marina of Port Fréjus.

Water way to spend a day
For a fantastic day out with the kids then you can do no better than Aqualand (check out www.aqualand.fr and click through on ‘Frejus’).  This is the biggest water park on the Cote d’Azur with slides, lagoons, spa baths as well as play areas, restaurants and bars.  You can buy tickets on parc and it’s an easy 10 minute drive (approx).

Is there more to the Coted’Azur? Post your comments and tell us about the best bits.

Tags | Cannes, Cote d'Azur, Domaine de Litteau, Frejus, Mediterranean, Nice