Also known as the Côte d'Azur or Azure Coast, the French Riviera tempts with turquoise waters, elegant seaside cities and natural beauty. It's no wonder that this stretch of the Mediterranean coast has long attracted writers, artists and actors of the 19th and early 20th centuries. On the topic of notable people, the experts here at Plum Guide are well-travelled and know a thing or two about the French Riviera. So have our comprehensive guide to the most exciting things to do in the French Riviera.

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Imagine yourself as a royal and swan around the magnificent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Built in 1905 for the socialite Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild and her growing art collection, this mansion was once a place for music, conversation, literary gatherings and art collectors. Let the pink Italian Renaissance facade lure you inside, where a series of extravagant, artwork-filled rooms await. Continue into the extensive grounds where you'll find nine themed gardens looking out to sea—the French garden, Spanish garden, Florentine garden, stone garden, Japanese garden, exotic garden, Provençal garden and rose garden. The villa hosts frequent events throughout the year—don't miss the rose and plant festival in May.

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The French Riviera is so much more than its seaside cities. Take a drive inland to Les Baux de Provence, considered one of France's most beautiful villages. Nestled on a rocky plateau in the Alpilles Mountains, the medieval village has plenty of breathtaking viewpoints to discover, such as the ruins of the Château des Baux which look over the village. Les Baux de Provence is very well-preserved with its narrow, cobblestoned streets, charming squares and fountains. Stroll through the village admiring the cute old houses, dipping into independent shops to browse through the local crafts.

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One of the best things to do in the French Riviera for art connoisseurs is to visit the city of Antibes. Aside from its historical buildings and trendy beaches, the city is popular with those seeking Picasso's works. In 1946 he spent a year living in Antibes, using the Château Grimaldi as his workshop. During his time here, he worked with a minimal palette of only 12 colours, using paint he could buy at the local hardware store—the same paint that local fishermen used for their boats. Today, the Musée Picasso is housed in his former workshop, where you'll find one of the largest collections of pieces by local painters and sculptors—including many pieces Picasso himself created while inspired by his seaside surroundings.

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An inland destination that's often left off French Riviera itineraries, the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a wonderful place to spend the day. This little commune in the department of Vaucluse is home to a picturesque natural spring which emerges from a 755-foot high cliff. The spring is actually France's largest and the world's fifth most powerful, surging 630-700 million cubic metres of water per year. Yet, despite this huge surge, the spring visitors see a peaceful, shaded basin, its blue-green waters sparkling in the sunlight. It has long been considered sacred by locals, dating back to ancient times when it was used for rituals. The spring feeds into the River Sorgue, an excellent spot for swimming during the hot summer months.

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If you think the south of France is appealing for its cities and beaches, wait until you try the food. The region's cuisine is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean, Provençal and Italian culinary traditions and often features soups, pastries and seafood dishes. Ratatouille is a famous vegetable dish made from aubergine, courgette and red peppers in a tomato stew—Nice is especially known for its version. Other dishes to try include fougasse (an olive oil-rich flatbread), bouillabaisse (fish stew originating in Marseille), pissaladière (thin tart topped with olives, caramelised onions and fresh anchovies) and socca (a hearty pancake made with chickpea flour and eaten with sweet or savoury toppings).

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Each week from Tuesday to Sunday, the Cours Saleya in the Old Town of Nice comes to life with the famous Marché aux Fleurs or flower market. Vibrant colours and seductive scents fill the main square as traders tempt you with samples—fill your bags with homemade produce like honey, olives, spices and soap. The market is one of the best places to try socca—look out for the stall named Chez Thérésa, which has had a presence in the market since the 1920s. Those who love bric-a-brac should visit on a Monday when the Marché à la Brocante, or the antiques and flea market, takes place.

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Nestled between Marseille and Cassis is a wild and rugged terrain of pine-strewn promontories and hidden coves. You can reach the park by car during low season, otherwise, enter one of the inlets by boat. Moor at Calanque d'En Vau beach, a spectacular inlet with towering white limestone cliffs disappearing into the azure waters. The views of the water and encompassing cliffs are unmatched, and the calm coves are ideal for a cooling swim. Forests back the pebbly beach, so don't be surprised if a group of wild boars join you on your swim.

Ideal for gourmands and culture vultures, the city of Aix-en-Provence is an unmissable stop on your French Riviera adventure. Packed with museums, galleries and theatres, there are endless options for entertainment. Take a break from sightseeing with a stroll down leafy boulevards, relaxing in public squares lined with 17th-century mansions. Art lovers should follow the trail of the town's most famous resident, Paul Cézanne. Start at his statue before heading to the church he was married in, the cemetery he's buried in and ending at his studio, which remains intact to this day. The old part of Aix-en-Provence is mainly pedestrianised, perfect for wandering the narrow lanes on foot and dipping into artisan chocolate shops. Speaking of food, the city has a rapidly growing food scene, with over 440 dining establishments to choose from.

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What would a trip to the glamorous French Riviera be without a little sailing trip? We highly recommend spending the day sailing between the Îles d'Hyères islands. The largest, Porquerolles, is car-free and ideal for cycling or walking through vineyards and pine forests and swimming on the north coast. Meanwhile, Port-Cros is a national park, so there are strict rules about visitor numbers and what you can do. It's a fantastic place for hiking, with several trails winding through the island's interior. You won't find many beaches here as the coastline is mainly cliffs. The French Navy uses the Ile de Levant, but you can find lovely beaches on the west coast.

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Ever dreamed of meeting Angelina Jolie or Lady Gaga in real life? They say you should never meet your heroes, but they might be unavoidable if you visit in May. Each year, A-list celebrities gather in the chic resort town of Cannes for the famous film festival. Although the main premieres are by invitation only, you can still enjoy screenings at Cinéma de la Plage, which take place each night. While in Cannes, walk down La Croisette, France's most established and famous street and a prime destination to eat, shop and play.

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If you need a break from all the glitz and glamour, there's nothing better than spending some downtime at the beach. And what better place for it than the Côte d'Azur? This coastline stretches over 100 kilometres, so naturally, there is a huge range of beaches to choose from. While you may have to fight for space on many of them (especially during peak season), you can still find quiet beaches to escape the crowds. Plage de l'Escalet in Saint Tropez is a lovely spot off the beaten path, which requires a short walk through a picturesque trail to get to it. Plage Petite Afrique is another secluded beach located at the eastern end of the village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

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Any outdoor lover can't miss a trip to the Gorges du Verdon, Europe's largest canyon. This is where you'll find limestone cliffs topped with vegetation soaring over a winding, shimmering, turquoise river below—it's unsurprisingly one of the main highlights when it comes to things to do in the French Riviera. There are all kinds of activities waiting for you in this natural wonder—take in the scenery by kayaking down the river before relaxing on the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix. Those seeking something more adrenaline-pumping are in for a treat, as you can go rock climbing up the cliffs, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, highlining and paragliding.

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