If you've got a week to explore the French Riviera, you'll have ample time to see the famed Mediterranean stretch of coastline in the south of France, and get a good sense of its highlights. You should also take some time to move inland, where a number of medieval villages perched high in the hills offer different perspectives on a region best-known for its beaches and high-end lifestyle. But how much time to spend in each place, and how to get from one point to the next? This guide takes the guesswork out of the equation, allowing you to make the most of your trip. It may be the epitome of an English seaside resort in the summer months, but in winter the English Riviera exchanges its beach towels and sun cream for sleigh-bells and baubles. When we meet Greek heiress Ariana Theodosis she is arriving in Ithos, Greece to see her ailing grandmother. After her grandmother passes it comes to light that she owned Hotel du Soleil, on the French Riviera which she bequeathed to Ariana. Ariana has been living in LA trying to make it as an actress but has done more partying than acting roles. She sees managing and taking responsibility of the Hotel as a way to prove herself to her father. However, what she doesn’t expect is to meet the hotels current occupants. Gabriel grew up at the Hotel and considers it his home and his father’s legacy. As far as he is concerned it belongs to his family and his mother Madame du Lac so he isn’t prepared for Ariana’s revelation that she is now the owner. How are Ariana’s grandmother and Gabriel’s mother connected? How did Ariana’s grandmother come to own the hotel? What secrets is Madame du Lac hiding from Gabriel?

Nestled between Cap Canaille and the Calanques National Park, Cassis is simply one of the most beautiful villages along the western stretch of the "Côte d'Azur." Arriving from Hyères (around 60 minutes), start your visit of Cassis by heading directly down to the historic harbor area. Its picturesque boats, clear-blue water, and waterside restaurants are all familiar postcard images. Have lunch down by the harbor or the beach, taking in the views over the water and the many boats bobbing in the Marina. Spend the late afternoon exploring Menton's Old Town, endowed with handsome, pastel-colored mansions, an ornate Basilica, lush gardens, and a museum dedicated French film director Jean Cocteau. The Old Port and beaches are pleasant spots for a dip and late-afternoon aperitif as you watch the sun set over the water.

If you are looking for a light, easy beach read for this summer then this is the book for you. A story of the rich and famous living it up during the Cannes film festival with a few issues thrown in to make it interesting. There are too many characters and I am not sure if the chambermaid’s storyline was absolutely necessary but I guess she was a foil for the spoilt rich peeps. There was a lot of name dropping, practically every celebrity gets a mention. As I said a very light easy and predictable read but not really my cup of tea. Emily, VIC, 3 Stars

For younger members of the family, organise a visit to see Father Christmas that they will remember forever. Every year the Dartmouth Steam Railway transforms itself into the magical Train of Lights. A Devon Winter Wonderland I've never really followed movie stars and other such people so it surprised me that I enjoyed this book so much. It might be a touch unrealistic, although nowadays I wouldn't be surprised at anything that happens, but there is a warmth and depth to it that drew me in. It also helped that is normal "little people" were included with Estee, a dancer in a cheap nightclub getting in the act, as well as the rich like Ariana and Gabriel and famous like Robbie and Liz. Overall a great book to lose yourself in the sunny south of France and that I devoured in a day. The formerly quiet fishing village became a popular destination for tourists after French film star Brigitte Bardot starred in a 1956 movie shot in the town, "And God Created Woman." Since then, it's been a favorite among visitors looking for a slice of iconic Riviera style. Yet there's more to the town than the sunscreen bottles and movies suggest—it's rich in history, culture, and quiet beauty, especially during off-season. Your week in the French Riviera begins in Nice and Monaco, then moves westward to famous resort towns and beaches including Cannes, Antibes, and St-Tropez. Along the way, you'll also visit a couple of the region's most stunning "perched villages." We finish off the week at the west end of the Riviera, with a visit to the postcard-pretty town of Cassis and the natural wonders of Calanques National Park. Sometimes it’s nice to get away for the festive period and spend Christmas and New Year with family and friends by the sea! Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage for two or a large house, you’ll find there’s a great choice of award winning accommodation in The English Riviera.And there are lots of festive things to see and do when you get here too. Christmas and New Year events and attractions on the English Riviera

On day three, you'll move inland to see two of the Riviera's stunning villages perchés (perched villages)—towns both built into precipitous hills and cliffsides during the medieval period, and now prized for their local art, culture, and architecture. We also meet Elizabeth and Robert, glamorous Hollywood A-Listers whose marriage is disintegrating, and Elissa, whose dreams of making it as a dancer and providing a better life for her and her daughter are fading as she finds herself working in a club in Cannes that is definitely the wrong side of seedy. Day two is already here! It's time to take advantage of Nice's proximity to other beautiful spots on the eastern Riviera. The Hotel Riviera has a long tradition of catering for prestige functions of every description and is splendidly positioned at the very centre of Sidmouth’s Esplanade, overlooking Lyme Bay, and with the beach on its doorstep. The moment you pass through the grand bowed entrance, the feeling of being welcomed into a large private house pervades. Many of our friendly staff members have served here for over a decade and this is evidenced by their old-style courtesy and extra concern for your well-being.

A well-written fairytale romance set amongst the rich-and-famous lifestyle of the French Riviera. The ‘secrets’ are not earth-shattering, but a fun, light summer holiday read nonetheless! Mopsy, VIC, 4 Stars Spend the afternoon wandering through the cobbled, narrow streets and alleyways of Antibe's Old Town, and admire views over the water from various points. Visit the celebrated Picasso Museum, whose collections are housed in the Grimaldi Castle, a former defensive fortress belonging to Monaco's royal family. The museum also includes additional works of modern and contemporary art.The last leg of your week on the French Riviera takes you further west to the pretty fishing village of Cassis, near the ancient port city of Marseille. While the latter is, oddly enough, not generally considered part of the Riviera, feel free to eke out some time to explore it, if you so choose-- or add an extra day to your itinerary if you can. What a dream of a book to read, I have literally read this within 24 hours, as I couldn't put it down. It had old school Hollywood glamour, drama ,fighting, mystery and secrets. Here at the Riviera Hotel we offerfantastic value for our all our guests, whether you are travelling on business, with family or as part of a group. Our accommodation comprises of 145well appointed, en-suite bedrooms with digital flat screen tv's and tea and coffee making facilities. Our rooms include singles, doubles, twins, triple and large family rooms suitable for a couple with children. We have a lovely indoor pool for your enjoyment. If you are looking for a summer read full of glitz, glamour, stunning locations, family secrets and romance, then look no further than The Hotel on the Riviera.