The French Riviera benefits from a Mediterranean type climate with sunshine almost 300 days a year and mild temperatures for most of the year. It rains but infrequently mostly in March/April and October/November. Due to the fabulous climate, the area attracts thousands of holiday makers every year. It also attracts those wishing to buy their dream property whether for investment, holiday home, or as a first step to a new life on the Côte d'Azur. There are many beautiful places along the coastline of the Mediterranean. Inland you can find historic villages built around castles which have become a haven for artists. If you are keen on winter sports, this area is ideal. Less than two hours from Nice, you can reach the ski resorts in Valberg, Auron, and Isola where the ski season runs from December through to the end of April. Below is a small insight into some of the most popular areas in this dream destination. Cannes is the star of the French Riviera, famous for the international film festival and the luxury hotels, expensive cars, beautiful beaches, and the international visitors attracted to the city. Although it is the opposite of the small villages a few kilometres away, it would be shame to visit the south of France without experiencing the city for yourself. St-Paul-de-Vence is a charming hilltop fortified village in Provence, filled with art galleries, boutiques, and sidewalk cafès. It's hard to find something to object to about this quaint village. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls, and statues tucked into nooks in the walls. There are breathtaking views of mountains and the sea. Even the ground below is attractive, as the cobblestones are laid into the shapes of flowers! Cannes is centered around the old port, with the central part quite compact. The famous Boulevard de la Croisette extends around the bay to the east of the port in the protected Rade de Cannes. Out around the point at the west, there are even more fine beaches. Whether you are visiting for the delightful beaches, taking in the local cuisine, or exploring the city's historic center, St-Tropez offers a little something for everyone. Pink and gold house fronts along the harbour reflected in deep-blue water, under an azure sky, or brilliant red sunset behind purple hills, viewed from a cafè terrace on the port, seem like just picture-postcard clichès, too good to be true. But they are true! In St-Tropez and on the peninsular, you will find truly exceptional luminosity and intensity of colour. This very special quality of light derives from the unique and paradoxical location of St-Tropez on France's Mediterranean seaboard, as well as from its outstanding climate. Nice, France's second-largest city and a dignified queen of the Côte d'Azur, certainly has plenty to offer the tourist. Its rich blue-green sea, diverse shopping, splendid dining andlovely art deco façades. But there are several spots that a tourist simply must see, such as the Cours Saleya flower market, the Matisse Museum, ancient Roman ruins, the Russian Cathedral, and more. It's also just a short jaunt to Italy with Florence less than 4 hours drive away, and you can reach the beautiful countryside of Tuscany in around 3 hours. Villefranche-sur-Mer is situated near Nice and Cap-Ferrat, right in the heart of the most beautiful and rich part of the Côte d'Azur. It's here that the most splendid properties are hidden away, and where the world's millionaires love to spend their holidays. Whether it's summer or winter, Villefranche is a stunning place. Its superb harbour is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Overlooking the hills and luxurious residences, Villefranche is one of the most exclusive spots on the Côte d'Azur. St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, located 3 kilometres from Villefranche and 10 kilometres from Nice is one of the loveliest places on the Mediterranean coast. You must not miss this one place. The peninsula extends out to Cap-Ferrat. Its tranquility and warm climate make it a favourite holiday destination for international millionaires. St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has a zoological park that houses 300 animals which live in semi-freedom amongst the Mediterranean and tropical vegetation. You will discover crocodiles, big cats, exotic birds, and many others. Open year around. You can also visit the gardens of the Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild. A grand villa with spectacular gardens surrounded by the sea. This is a truly unique and beautiful peaceful haven.