My husband and I are spending 10 days in France in the middle of April (4 nights in Cannes with a rental car...and 6 nights in Paris). Can anyone help with "things to do" in the South of France. Which towns are a must see and why??? and What can we do at night in Cannes? Any ideas?

My French professor recommended using the Routard books (I believe you can find them in English) for accurate, budget travel.<BR><BR>Saint Tropez is a beautiful place and once visited by Matisse, Coco Chanel, Isador Duncan.<BR><BR>If you like art:<BR><BR>Antibes has a Picasso museum in a chateau overlooking the water.<BR><BR>St-Paul-de-Vence was a popular spot for the impressionists and surrealists.<BR><BR>In Beaulieu there is the Villa Rothschild, once owned by Baroness de Rothschild, where you can view her gardens and fine furniture collections.<BR><BR>In Nice there is a Matisse museum.<BR><BR>Also if you want to venture to Monaco, I hear it is quite a site -- very ritzy.

Go to the book store and take a look at several travel books for France. Read a few pages see if the authors perspective is in line with your travel ideas. I prefer Rick Steves, he is opinionated and I like that. His France book has a whole section on Provence, the Riviera and Paris. He tells you the minimum number of days for things, scenic spots, market days, historical spots, picnics, etc. Once you see the multitude of things to do and see, then start zeroing on what you really would like to do.

You've gotten excellent advice so far. The Rothschild Villa is actually in Cap Ferrat &amp; is fabulous both inside &amp; the gardens (17 acres!)outside. Villa Kerylos in the neighboring town of Beaulieu is also nice. Both these places are closed on Mondays &amp; have guided tours in afternoons. I'd suggest getting a guide that has this kind of info. I use the Michelin.<BR><BR>St Paul De Vence, Eze &amp; Mougins are all beautiful towns with very famous restaurants. Dining &amp; walking are the evening activities unless you want to go to Monaco for some gambling at the casinos. There is a train that runs along the coast for getting from town to town without driving. This is a good option for getting to Nice or Monaco from Cannes as the coast road can be congested &amp; parking can be difficult. Use the car to go to the hill towns. Biot is another charming town known for it's pottery &amp; glass making. There is a glassworks just outside the town where you can watch them blow glass.

Thank you so much for your insight.<BR>Taking the train along the coast is a great idea!<BR>Where is the train station located?<BR>Thanks again!

he Cannes train station is at place Pierre Semard and place Jean-Jaur�s. Here's a website with some more info for you.<BR>http://www.cityguide.travel-guides.com/cities/cae/GettingThereByRail.asp<BR><BR>The website for the French trains is scnf.com &amp; the area you're interested in is called provence/alpes-maritimes. There is no need to buy tickets ahead of time for this local train.