Beaches, Boats and Charming Villages in France: A French Riviera Road Trip

This morning your French Riviera road trip continues as you drive south for around six-and-a-half-hours, ending in the multicultural port city of Marseille, where you'll head to the Old Port area, and your hotel for the next two nights. After your long drive, enjoy a relaxing afternoon, perhaps sunbathing on the hotel's private beach, before getting ready for dinner. If you fancy a more active afternoon, wander to the Mucem, in the Old Port - it's a museum dedicated to the Mediterranean. Here you can learn about the incredible civilisations and cultures that have shaped the Mediterranean over the years.

This morning on your French Riviera road trip, your day begins in the city's Old Port - the vibrant heart of the city. You'll be heading out with an expert guide to visit the local markets, starting with the traditional fish market. Here you'll choose from the catch of the day - depending on the menu you have chosen for lunch (and of course what's been caught). Continue your stroll through the city, wandering through the markets, choosing fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as fragrant spices, dates and Turkish delight. With all of your ingredients gathered it's time to cook! Under the watchful eye of your expert teacher, spend the next few hours cooking up a storm in this small cookery class. You'll be rewarded for your efforts by lunch, of your own making, which will be served on the sunny terrace. Full up on delicious food, you'll probably want to take it easy this afternoon, but be sure to wander down to the sea, to watch the sun sink in the sky, painting the horizon as it falls.

This evening you will be taking to the waves for an evening at sea. Your skipper will handle the boat, so you can sit back and enjoy a local aperitif, accompanied by some local Provencal produce, for a magical end to the day.

After a leisurely breakfast, it's time to jump in your car and head south west, for a 40-minute drive through the gorgeous Calanques National Park to reach the charming little village of Cassis. Tucked away at the bottom of Anse de la Grande Mer, just between Pointe des Lombards and Cap Cable, Cassis oozes easy charm. Its sun-drenched streets are a world away from the buzz of Marseille, making it the perfect base for the next two days of your French Riviera road trip.

You'll be staying in a stylish mansion with Art Deco elements and an inviting swimming pool. Framed by the sea to one side and pine forest to the other, enjoy stunning views of the Cap Canaille - which is one of Europe's tallest cliffs. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the area. You'll have plenty of opportunities for relaxing today, as you have the rest of the day to yourself.

Today on your French Riviera road trip itinerary, you'll be heading down to the jetty to climb aboard your pointu - a small fishing boat and iconic symbol of the area - ready to set sail for a day's adventure on the sea. Your skipper will plot a course through the waters that surround the wild and rugged landscapes of the Calanques (calanque meaning inlet). As you navigate the coastline, you'll be able to stop at the Ile Verte (Green island), which is part of the Calanques National Park, for some island exploration, as well as stopping along the coastline for swimming and some offshore picnicking in the rocky inlets.

After a long day at sea, it's time to head back to your hotel for a delicious dinner and an early night.

After a delicious breakfast, it's time to pack up your bags and hop in the car, heading east to Ramatuelle. The drive takes just under two hours and will take you along the beautiful coastline of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region. Overlooking the chic streets of Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne Bay, the medieval village of Ramatuelle has managed to preserve its authentic charm, creating a welcome alternative to the glitz of its well-known neighbour, Saint-Tropez.

Framed by hills and vineyards, this walled village will be your home for the next two days. You'll be staying on Pampelonne beach for a quiet slice of the French Riviera's chic Mediterranean way of life. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a slow afternoon by the pool or play a game of tennis, before a relaxing evening appreciating the sunset.

Today on your French Riviera road trip, you have the day to yourself, to enjoy and explore Ramatuelle and its surroundings. You'll want to make sure you have room for some delicious food because today you have a reservation at Club 55. This legendary restaurant on Pampelonne beach is a short walk from your hotel, so you can enjoy the delights of this bohemian, family-owned restaurant, without having to travel. Enjoy a long, lazy lunch of grilled artichokes, fresh fish and chilled rose, with a healthy dash of people watching. Alternatively, spend today on the island of Porquerolles, discovering the Fondation Carmignac. Home to an impressive collection of contemporary art, the garden is dotted with sculptures, and you can enjoy the temporary exhibitions on display.

Today it's time to bid farewell to Ramatuelle and travel east along the coast, towards Saint-Raphael. It's takes around an hour to reach this charming seaside village, which is close to the town of Frejus. You'll be staying here for two nights, in a hotel that overlooks the Bay of Ile d'Or. Staying slightly outside of the town means you can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the area, as well as the slopes of the Massif de l'Esterel and the hotel's private beach. You have two days to spend as you wish, exploring the winding streets of Saint-Raphael and it's numerous beaches, as well as travelling further afield, exploring the stunning coastline of the French Riviera.

Sadly, today marks the end of your French Riviera road trip itinerary. It's time for the road trip back to the UK, travelling north through France. It's a long journey, so make sure you pack plenty of snacks and take regular breaks on your way. To break up your trip we've arranged a stopover in Reims - the capital of the Champagne region - for the night.