Attracting the rich and famous from around the world, this stretch of Mediterranean coastline isn't the exclusive domain of those rolling in cash and is popular with the vacationing French.

Nice is the hub of the Riviera and is an eclectic mix of cheap, 'seen better days', seaside pensiones (B&Bs), alfresco restaurants along its well-known promenade, a pebbly beach, excellent museums (Nice was home to some of Frances best-loved impressionist artists) and bizarre architecture, such as the onion-domed Russian Cathedral built at the turn of century by the exiled Tsar Nicolas. More details on Nice.

Further west is Antibe with its fantastic beaches and cluster of hotels, pensiones and seaside apartments. Central to its character are the mariners that are home to some of the world's most expensive pleasure yachts during the European summer.

Cannes is equally upmarket and famous for its annual film festival. Apart from posturing boutiques, hotels and restaurants, it also has upmarket beaches (with their own waiting staff), which the sallow studiously avoid.its Paparazzi heaven and perfect for star spotting or people watching, with every possible specimen parading along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette.

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