From Saint-Tropez to Avignon, wonderful France 1992

The French Riviera is a paradise right on our doorstep. Once you cross the border you realise you're in another world. The landscape is almost lunar, canyon-like, and even the mountains are rugged and different. For this first trip to France we based ourselves 5 km from Saint-Tropez, at the Kon Tiki campsite, on Pampelonne beach. Saint-Tropez is fashionable and full of character at the same time; nearby is charming Port Grimaud, a sort of rebuilt "Venice". Heading north we reach Antibes, a town of palms and gardens; Fréjus, a Roman city; Saint-Raphaël with its little market, and Sainte-Maxime, right in front of Saint-Tropez. To the south, lovely Le Lavandou and Bormes-les-Mimosas. Characterful Hyères, opposite the wonderful islands of Port-Cros (a nature park), Porquerolles (with its endless pine forest) and Île du Levant.

Inland, passing through Aix-en-Provence, full of fountains, we reached Avignon, the city of the popes, majestic and magical in its austere simplicity. Not to be missed are the Gorges du Verdon, an impressive gorge between the mountains and the river with its green waters.