White sandy beaches, translucent waters, Caribbean-style islands... The Coast Road running under the Maures Hills from Toulon to Saint-Tropez is simply stunning - and also home to a number of richly historical towns and villages.

HYERES-LES-PALMIERS (20 mins. from Toulon). A coveted 19th-century Spa destination, boasting such famous guests as Queen Victoria, Hyères features majestic avenues bordered by impressive British and Oriental-style residences set around the Casino. The beautifully-preserved Medieval Quarter, set at the foot of a Feudal castle, is a must. Modern architecture fans will also enjoy visiting the amazing avant-garde Villa de Noailles, built in the 1920's.

GIENS PENINSULA. One of the Mediterranean's most remarkable natural curiosities is the double isthmus linking Hyères to the Giens Peninsula. The vast stretches of salt marshes between these two sandy arms are a refuge for beautiful migrating birds, which can be observed from the Salt Route running alongside Almanarre Beach.

THE GOLDEN ISLANDS. Porquerolles Island - the largest of the Golden Islands off the coast of Hyères - is a pure marvel, to be discovered by mountain-bike or on foot. The island's Botanical Conservatory exhibits over 1,000 rare Mediterranean plant varieties. A little further offshore, the wild, Caribbean-style island of Port-Cros is Europe's only insular National Park.

BORMES-LES-MIMOSAS (30 mins. from Toulon) is a picturesque and perfectly-preserved Medieval hillside village, featuring a maze of old streets, ruined castle and numerous arts and crafts shops. Just a step down, Le Lavandou is one of the coast's best water sports venues.

Heading further East, magnificent sandy beaches herald the arrival of the Bay of Saint-Tropez. Don't miss a visit to the breathtaking Cape Lardier nature reserve.