Grasse: Perfume Capital of the World

The town of Grasse isn't quite as picturesque as many others along France's Riviera coast but it is considered the capital of the world's billion dollar perfume industry. I spent a fragrant morning touring the local factory of Parfumerie Fragonard, one of the oldest in Grasse, to learn about the history of perfume and traditional production techniques.

Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse

Chagall Museum, Nice

Marc Chagall is one of the great painters of the twentieth century, known for his simple scenes, biblical themes and brilliant colours. The Musée national Marc Chagall was inaugurated in 1973 on the artist's 86th birthday and it's the first time a French national museum has been devoted to an artist while he was still alive.

Song of Songs III, by Marc Chagall
Musée national Marc Chagall, Nice

Promenade du Paillon, Nice

There's a coastal river that runs from the Alpes-Maritimes through the French city of Nice. But you won't be able to see it at the point where the Old Town and the modern city meet. This river, the Paillon, now flows beneath a 12-hectare public park, the Promenade du Paillon.

Gardens of the Promenade du Paillon, Nice

Nice: the Resort

Nice is more than just a large city in France – it's also a major Riviera resort. With its prime location on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea it was only a matter of time before people fled the cold climate of northern Europe for the sun and surf of the Côte d'Azur.

Vieux Nice, the Old Town

During the first week of our tour of southern France we stayed in the Old Town of Nice, Vieux Nice. The city’s past under Italian rulers is reflected in the sunset colours and contrasting shutters of its buildings, and its scenic location between the Alps and Mediterranean has drawn sun-seeking tourists since the 19th century.

Vieux Nice, the Old Town of Nice