Beyond the Riviera in the Alpes-Maritimes

“Of the five départements that make up France’s Provence region, there is none more spectacular, or spectacularly diverse, than the Alpes-Maritimes. With a third of its border touching Italy and another

third the Riviera coastline (called the Côte d’Azur in France), this southeastern parcel contains some of the loveliest and most accessible mountain landscapes in the country, pristine natural parks, charming perched villages, sprawling beaches and an unparalleled artistic legacy. A region of striking contrasts, you can drive from the glittering shores of Menton to the snow- tipped Alps in an hour. Or hop on a ferry in Cannes and in 15 minutes disembark on a jewel of an island whose entire population consists of 21 Cistercian monks and a few thousand grapevines.

The off-season, when the sun-worshippers have gone and the coastal towns empty out, is a romantic time to stroll along the Côte d’Azur’s long, rocky beaches, explore the meandering cobbled streets of impossibly scenic villages (dozens of which few tourists have even heard of), and wander through half-deserted museums.”