With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Provence is a fabulous region to visit year-round. Encompassing lush vineyards, stunning mountains and glorious Mediterranean beaches – there really is something for everyone. Driving from the ferry port at Cherbourg to the south of France probably isn’t a trip you want to undertake in one go, so give yourself a couple of days to explore this beautiful country along the route, perhaps spending a night in the Loire Valley, making a pitstop in Lyon and then making your way to the glorious Côte d'Azur as your final destination.

Known for being a playground for the rich and famous – not to mention hosting a highly-regarded film festival every year – the area around St. Tropez and Cannes is worth visiting for a glimpse of the high life. Even if your budget doesn’t stretch to superyacht levels, you’ll still be able to enjoy a bit of the jet set glamour that infuses the entire place.

If fashion is your passion, a stroll down the boutique-lined Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes is the perfect way to spend a few hours window shopping some of the world’s top luxury brands. Whether you’re interested in international brands or local treasures, Cannes is a must-visit for shopping addicts. In nearby Nice, you won’t want to miss out on a leisurely stroll down the famous Promenade des Anglais – so-called because it was a favourite spot of English aristocrats who visited the area in the 18th century.

This seven-kilometre stre.