SAINT TROPEZ (1 hr. from Toulon). Alive with glamorous crowds in Summer, this ancient fishing village is surprisingly peaceful during the Winter months. The town's beautiful harbour, famous cafés, lovely old quarter and tempting little boutiques makes it a delight in itself, although culture-seekers should not miss a visit to the "Annonciade" museum and its fine collection of post-impressionist art. Dominating the town, the ancient Citadel offers exceptional panoramic views over the Bay and magnificent Maures Hills.

PORT GRIMAUD. The ravishing waterside village of Port-Grimaud - nicknamed "Little Venice" - was built in 1968 on the site of a 2000-year old Greek settlement. Guests will enjoy a relaxing barge trip on the canals, dappled with the many colours of the waterside Provençal houses.

The lowest slopes of the Maures hills feature several delightful villages, such as Grimaud and its ruined feudal castle, Gassin and Ramatuelle, with its winding streets, archways, and flowering frontages.

COGOLIN's international recognition is owed to its age-old craft industries. The village is particularly famous for its rugs, which decorate the floors of the Elysée Palace and White House, briar pipes, manufactured and carved using briar from the Maures Hills, and reeds for wind instruments, made from local reeds and exported worldwide.

The old fishing port of SAINTE-MAXIME lived mainly off local olive oil, wood and cork trade before its tourist industry took off in the late 19th century. The centre is very lively, with many boutiques and arts & craft shops opening well into the night during the Summer season. Golfers will enjoy the "Golf de Beauvallon" and "Golf de Sainte-Maxime" 18-hole golf courses.