Sanary-sur-Mer, France

This small town is one of the rarest things on the Cote d’Azur - a real working fishing port. Recapture the atmosphere that first captivated artists and writers, who migrated here for inspiration and ended up inspiring the renaissance of the Riviera as we know it today. Sanary is also a portal to the South of France beyond the beaches. Ascend the seaward slopes of the Provencal Alps to Aix-en-Provence, to stroll beneath the plane trees along the Cours Mirabeau or gaze at the rocky profile of Montagne St. Victoire that fascinating Cezanne. Or stick to the coastline, and visit the picturesque village of Cassis, for a taste of fresh, briny sea urchins chased with a crisp, local white wine.