Also known as the French Riviera, this diverse coastline offers uninterrupted stretches of sandy beaches, sheltered coves and idyllic islands, interspersed with traditional fishing villages, chic resorts and tranquil hill-top towns.

The CÃ´te d'Azur has an enviable climate. Temperatures rarely drop below 20Â°c, making this an ideal holiday destination from April through to September. Beach lovers are spoilt for choice with numerous sandy spots to lay their towel and the warm, clear Mediterranean to help cool off. Must-see Riviera resorts include the principality of Monaco, glamorous Cannes and equally glitzy St Tropez. Smaller, yet no less charming, are the ProvenÃ§al villages of Antibes, FrÃ©jus Saint-RaphaÃ«l and Port Grimaud. Inland you can explore the EstÃ©rel forest and spectacular Gorges du Verdon.

Canvas Holidays offer six campsites along the CÃ´te d'Azur all within an hour's drive of Nice airport.

Nice to Monaco

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, a fashionable but relaxed city. The airport is the second busiest in France, after Paris, with four million holidaymakers passing through annually. The old and new towns combine to create a city with plenty to offer - fantastic shopping, architecture and museums. One of the best is MusÃ©e Matisse, located in the bourgeois district of Cimiez. This vast museum showcases the innovative art of Henri Matisse, inspired by the surrounding city. After a busy day sightseeing, enjoy a stroll along the palm lined Promenade des Anglais with views of Baie des Anges or retreat to the 'zone pietonne', a serene pedestrian area which has many restaurants, cafes and street entertainers. Grab a cafÃ© au lait and enjoy some people watching.

Each year in July, Nice comes alive with music and hosts the biggest and most celebrated jazz festival

in Europe. Many legendry artists have performed since its launch in 1948, including Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald. The week of performances take place in the gardens of Cimiez, a stunning olive grove behind the Matisse museum.

Travel east from Nice and you'll reach the independent sovereign state of Monaco. There are no border formalities; however you will be entering the world's second smallest country (after the Vatican City). Monaco has an area of just 1.95 km sq and a population of 33,000, most of whom are wealthy, tax-evading foreigners.

One of the best ways to get around is on the city's tourist train which will guide you through the manicured streets. You'll see the palace, the port and Monaco's most famous district Monte Carlo. A playground for the rich and famous, it boasts glamorous casinos and is home to the Formula One Grand Prix circuit. Each year the streets of Monaco are transformed into a racing track, with several elevation changes, tight corners and a tunnel - it is considered by many as the most demanding Formula One stage. The 2011 Monaco Grand Prix takes place 26-29 May.

Antibes to Cannes

South-west of Nice, directly across the Baie des Anges, is Antibes, an attractive town with narrow streets and a colourful market. Pablo Picasso lived and worked here in the 1940s and you can view his work in MusÃ©e Picasso in the ChÃ¢teau Grimaldi. The collection includes paintings, drawings, ceramics and tapestries. Particularly poignant is Picasso's famous La Joie de Vivre (the joy of life) portraying his love for FranÃ§oise Gilot. Other attractions include the Absinthe museum where guides will teach you to appreciate the distinctly green liqueur like a fine wine, and Exflora Park, a five hectare Mediterranean garden with an orange grove, rose garden and amusing sculpted hedges. For families, Marineland is a great day out - it has a sea life centre, waterpark and adventure golf.

Further down the coast is Cannes, which 150 years ago was nothing more than a sleepy fishing village. Since then it has become one of the best know towns on the French Riviera, thanks to the international film festival and the glamorous celebrities it attracts. Cannes film festival is held in May each year and for a week the town is taken over by movie stars. Tickets are strictly reserved for industry insiders but there's plenty of atmosphere to soak up from street level - don a pair of sunglasses and go celebrity spotting. The 64th annual film festival will take place 11-23 May 2011.

In Cannes, Boulevard de la Croissette is the place to be seen; look out for the 'hands of fame' set in concrete. You can browse the jewellery stores and fashion boutiques along the seafront or visit Rue d'Antibes, the main shop-til-you-drop street. Cannes is also home to many beautiful beaches; however most are private and will charge for the pleasure of sunbathing on their golden shores. The most popular is Plage de la Croissette, where your admission price includes the added luxuries of beach chairs, umbrellas and showers.

Iles de Lerins are two islands located off the coast from Cannes and offer a great escape from the extravagant city. If your budget doesn't stretch to chartering a luxury yacht, you can join an organised boat trip from the port. It is a 15 minute journey to the closest island - Ile Ste Marguerite, with its secluded beaches and impressive fort. The Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned here in the 17th century and you can visit his lonely cell. Alternatively, it's a 30 minute journey to peaceful Ile St Honorat, where you can visit the ancient monasteries.

Scents and Scenery

North of Cannes, high in the hills and surrounded by lavender fields is the charming town of Grasse. World famous for its perfume distilleries, it is the birthplace of Chanel No. 5. Many 'noses' are trained or have spent time in Grasse and it produces over two-thirds of France's natural fragrances. Three of

the perfumeries are open to the public - Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard. Here you can take a tour, sample the scents and even blend your own perfume. One of the best times to visit Grasse is the beginning of August, during the lively FÃªte du Jasmin - decorated floats drive through town throwing flowers to the crowd against a background of fireworks, folk music and street theatre.

For dramatic scenery, Gorges du Verdon is a must-see. The largest canyon in Europe slices through chalky limestone mountains. 25km long and up to 700m deep, it is formed by the Verdon River which flows below. The canyon's most distinguishing feature is the startling turquoise-green colour of the water. Tourists can drive around the rim for magnificent (if dizzying) views or opt for some adrenaline fuelled fun. Paragliding, white water rafting and rock climbing are all popular activities.

Village life

Back on the coast, between the legendary resorts of Cannes and St Tropez, lie a series of delightful villages, just as enchanting as their glamorous neighbours. Visit in late afternoon and you're likely to see pÃ©tanque being played. The game, similar to boules, is Provence's national pastime. Despite the humble appearance (a group of village men in work clothes throwing dusty balls on to a gravel pitch) this is a serious sport where competition is fierce. It's played in small towns and villages along the coast. Spectators are welcome so feel free to stay for a while and watch.

Roquebrune-sur-Argens is a picturesque hilltop village typical of this area of the south of France with wonderful views, street cafÃ©s and restaurants. A personal favourite is Les Templiers, dine on the terrace and sample traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Expect olive oil and garlic in almost everything. Popular ProvenÃ§al dishes include the vegetable stew ratatouille and fish broth bouillabaisse; both feature on the menu here. To wash it down order a glass of crisp CÃ´tes de Provence rose. Although ProvenÃ§al wines are by no means the most sought after in France, they are perfectly refreshing on a warm summer evening.

A stunning natural feature on the CÃ´te d'Azur is Massif de l'EstÃ©rel, a red rock formation covered in pine, oak and eucalyptus trees. The forest offers excellent walking and hiking opportunities. At its foot are the beachside resort of St RaphaÃ«l and friendly Camping Douce QuiÃ©tude. An excellent base to begin your holiday, the campsite is highly rated by the Michelin guide.

St RaphaÃ«l sits next to FrÃ©jus and together they effectively form one town known as FrÃ©jus Saint-RaphaÃ«l. The centre of St RaphaÃ«l, along the town's main beach, is always busy with lots of cafes, bars and outdoor markets. If you're looking for a more secluded spot you'll find a creek, cove or inlet to suit you. Adjoining FrÃ©jus was founded in 49BC by Julius Caesar and has some famous Roman ruins including an aqueduct and amphitheatre - which hosts bullfights and concerts during the summer. The centre of town is compact; with pedestrian streets it is easy to explore on foot.

On the outskirts of FrÃ©jus is the large and lively campsite Holiday Green, an excellent choice for families with teenagers - there is large pool, sports activities and entertainment onsite plus Aqualand waterpark nearby.

St Maxime to St Tropez

St Maxime is a small town on the northern shore of the Gulf of St Tropez and activities centre on the 6km of Blue Flag beaches. There are sailing, scuba diving and watersport clubs plus an 18-hole golf course for those wanting to practise their swing.

Follow the coast south and you'll reach the hilltop village of Grimaud and pretty Port Grimaud. Dubbed the 'Venice of Provence', the lagoon village was built in the 1960s with waterways for roads and yachts parked at the bottom of every garden. The houses are painted in traditional pastel shades, adorned with shutters and wrought iron balconies. Port Grimaud is a highly desirable address and Joan Collins owns a home here.

Within walking distance of Port Grimaud and the beach is campsite Domaine des Naiades - a relaxed campsite, suitable for couples and families of all ages. Canvas runs their children's Hoopi Club here from 4 July to 3 September.

The focal point on this stretch of coast is St Tropez, one of the most stylish and flamboyant resorts on the Riviera. Artists, writers and painters were drawn to the quiet fishing port in the 1930s and Hollywood soon followed. It was in 1956, that this town was put on the map when Brigitte Bardot starred in Et Dieu CrÃ©a la Femme (And God Created Woman) in the heart of St Tropez. Suddenly it was the pinnacle of chic and everybody wanted to be there. Today, stars, paparazzi and tourists turn up every summer in ever increasing numbers.

St Tropez has a number of high profile beaches and one of the most celebrated is Plage de Pampelonne, although it actually belongs to the little hilltop village of Ramatuelle. The fine white sand, crystal clear water and private beach clubs are a magnet for celebrities and their super yachts. The beach is fringed with bustling bars and street cafÃ©s - great for watching the world go by. However, be careful of the infamous nudist sections or you may see a little more of the beautiful people than you'd planned on!

Yelloh! Village les Tournels is a family run campsite ideal for exploring the local area and has all the facilities you need at the end of a day's sightseeing. The site is 6 miles from the heart of St Tropez and a short walk to the beach.

ProvenÃ§al Peace and Quiet

If you're looking for a campsite away from the hustle bustle of the Riviera, Camping la Pachacaid is a good choice. Set in ProvenÃ§al countryside it is a Canvas best seller. The main attraction is the Niagara waterpark - located at the centre of the site it comprises of five pools (including one just for children) and seven twisting waterslides.

The nearest village is Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, a beach resort delightfully sheltered by pine woods with ProvenÃ§al style buildings and a large marina. The botanical gardens of Domaine du Rayol are extraordinary, located on a headland overlooking the sea; this is one of the most gorgeous settings along the coast.

The Cote d'Azur is a truly impressive destination with wide appeal. While artists are drawn to the inspiring views and celebrities come to pose in VIP clubs, the rest of us simply love the sun, sea and spectacular Riviera lifestyle.