Paris

The D93 leads straight to RAMATUELLE, old village hooked to a hill, surrounded by vineyards. Pretty place, tile-roofed, flower-bedecked village of narrow, winding streets which houses are used as a wall around the city. Of course very restored and very touristy in the high season. In the arched streets a lot of antique and craftsman shops try to sell their merchandise. The village has a 17th century small church, a square with a giant 15th century elm and a city portal where the inhabitants resisted to the Saracens attacks. In 1592 the citizens used an ingenious stratagem to repel a Royalists siege: they threw well-filled beehives upon the attacking troops. An early example of biologic warfare!! ;-
Visit the grave of Gerard Philippe, French actor you can compare in fame in France with James Dean. His grave is easy to find: the most beautiful, the simplest. The village is also noted for its summer annual jazz festival, and its theatre festival dedicated to Gerard Philippe.
Now up to our next village: GASSIN. Driving on a winding road, here is a typical Cote d’Azur perched village (220 meters), restored and well preserved. From the belvedere you have of course a splendid view on the whole region. Well protected behind its 12th century rampart remains, narrow streets, charming passages, fountain and a 16th century Renaissance church. Inside a holy-water basin in white marble. When it's too hot on the Cote, people come over to cool off in Gassin.
From Gassin to LA CROIX VALMER is a very short distance. Looking down across vineyards, reed beds and pine groves, the village contains a few remains from its Roman past. But for the most part dating late 19th century, it contains also striking modern buildings, including a Parrish church. Known as a wine producing area, you can spend a day following a wine tour.
The D 559 continues now to CAVALAIRE-SUR-MER. Besides its villa area, it is a less attractive city, built for the convenience of yacht and boat owners, mooring 1200 yachts. One of the largest fine sand beaches is invaded and destroyed by an all-invading building rage. But on Wednesdays there is a market on the place Jean Moulin where you can savor an abundance of regional products: honey, olives and olive oil.
You can catch the ferry to the Hyères islands here, a subject for another essay.

Bibliography:

Mary Blume, "Cote d'Azur. Inventing the French Riviera" (Thames and Hudson, London 1982), Stephen Liégeard, "La Cote d'Azur" (Ed.Serre, Nice 1988 a reprint), " Roman remains of southern France ", by James Bromwich (Routledge London 1993, "Guide du Routard 1999",(ed.Hachette), "Dorpjes rond het St.Tropez schiereiland", by J. Helperszoon (Alk 1996), Calvin Tomkins, “Living well is the best revenge” (E.P.Dutton- “St. Tropez baai and hinterland », by Joop van Nieuwenhuizen (ed. Hansma, Maastricht 1995)

From Nice to Saint-Tropez (suite)

Cap d'Antibes

Juan les
Pins-Golfe-Juan-Vallauris

Cannes

Iles de Lerins

La Napoule and Henry Clews

Esterel cornice to Frejus

Frejus

Sainte Maxime to Port Grimaud

Old Grimaud and Cogolin

Saint-Tropez

From Saint Tropez to Cassis

Ramatuelle-Gassin-Croix Valmer-Cavalaire sur mer

Le Lavandou-Bormes les Mimosas