Côte d'Azur

Ever since Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly appeared on the scene, the Côte d'Azur has been associated with expensive yachts, fashionable hotels and film festivals. But blockbuster wave spots like Beauvallon and Gigaro can be enjoyed here too. Of course, the region has a special charm in spring with the yellow of the mimosas, white and pink of the almond blossom, and a smell of eucalyptus and lavender all assaulting the senses. From Saint-Tropez to Saint-Raphaël, right around the Esterel Massif, a south-westerly thermal (Le Ponant) regularly builds from March to October. Whereas wave fiends will be well rewarded in easterly storms – the weather might be wet, but conditions on many beaches will be excellent.