STAY

Hotel Welcome, Villefranche-sur-Mer

The rooms are small in this simple, inexpensive hotel, but they give directly on to the scenic port. Only breakfast is available, but there are many restaurants near by. Artist Jean Cocteau stayed here in room 22 in the 1950s. Doubles from £75, breakfast £10. Details: 00 33 4 93 76 27 62, www.welcomehotel.com

La Bastide Saint Antoine, Grasse

Raymond Blanc on Provence

The French chef returns to the region and finds the best ever bouillabaisse

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• Raymond Blanc's favourite restaurants

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Raymond Blanc's asparagus tips and Celia Brooks Brown on spring herbs and May's seafood

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• Cauliflower power

Raymond Blanc's favourite restaurants

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• The perfect French Riviera retreat

I always sleep well in this pretty, typically Provençal hote. There is also a contemporary annex, with a stunning apartment for four, including private terrace and whirlpool bath. Eat in the two-Michelin starred restaurant (also a Relais Gourmand), where the six-course aroma menu, including tuna in a jus of squid ink and wild poppy, and roasted fillet of baby duck with broom blossoms, costs £100. The olive oil, made from the 400 trees in the terraced grounds, is delicious. Rooms from £150, breakfast £20.

Details: 00 33 4 9370 9494, www.jacques-chibois.com). Also bookable through Relais & Château (00 800 2000 0002, www.relaischateaux.com)

EAT

Coco Beach, Nice

The best bouillabaisse I have ever tasted, served on a terrace overlooking the sea. Costs £50pp. Details: 00 33 4 93 89 39 26, www.cocobeach-restaurant.com

La Colombe D'Or, St-Paul de Vence

The best ratatouille I have ever eaten. Try the hors d'oeuvres Colombe d'Or (£20), with 15 dishes, including boudin, stuffed courgettes and sardines. Rooms, with antique furniture, plus a Picasso or two, cost from £200, breakfast £10. Details: 00 33 4 9332 8002, www.la-colombe-dor.com

L'Oasis, La Napoule

You wouldn't normally expect such a restaurant with its Japanese influences in the heart of Provence, but this is certainly not a gimmick. It's one of the very best, with two Michelin stars and is also Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux. There is an Eastern or Western menu, costing £120 for eight courses. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Details: 00 33 4 93 49 95 52, www.oasis-raimbault.com

VISIT

Chapelle St Pierre, Villefranche-sur-Mer

See Jean Cocteau's stunningly decorated chapel.

Entry £1.50, closed Mondays.

Confiserie Florian, Le Pont du Loup

As well as the crystallised flowers, the flower jam is wonderful - try the tangerine - and there will soon be a bistro with flower-based ice-cream.

Free tours and tastings daily.

Details: 00 33 4 93 59 32 91, www.confiserieflorian.co.uk

Nice market (Marché Cours Saleya)

Exceptional local produce. Visit Valentin Max for sauces and spreads, Frederique de Poi for glazed fruit, Lavouisier Marcelline and Christiane Luciano for fresh produce. Open daily in the old town.

GETTING THERE

EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) flies to Nice from eight UK airports with fares from £48 return.

Car hire Website www.carrentals.co.uk has one week's car hire in Nice from £139 in May.

More information

The Riviera www.guideriviera.com

Villefranche-sur-Mer 00 33 4 93 01 73 68, www.villefranche-sur-mer.com

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