The French Riviera Guide With towering cliffs that tumble straight down into the Mediterranean and old, Italianate towns that manage to trap coolness within their narrow streets, the French Riviera remains a favoured playground for the rich and famous. Offering everything from watercolour scenery to the most exotic elegance, this is a corner of France that remains in love with its mansions and secret hideaways, its many gardens of Eden by the sea. Five ideas for discovering another side of the area -  Pay a visit to the Kérylos villa in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a triumph of the arts of architecture and interior decoration, inspired by the houses of ancient Greece. -  Discover the hidden beauties of Cap Ferrat as you stroll along the 11-km path that encircles this semi-island. -  Let your mind wander as you discover the one hundred antique models in Monaco's National Museum of Dolls and Automatons - watch out, they sometimes come to life! -  Take a walk through the Madone conservatory in Menton: not only is it cool and exotic, it's also one of France's most beautiful gardens, guaranteed to bring out the romantic in you. -  Wander the picturesque back streets of Eze, a clifftop village that offers a wide range of handicraft shops and stunning panoramic views over the Mediterranean. Time difference In France, summer time is set at GMT + two hours, and runs from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October. To call the French Riviera Dial the international code followed by 33 for France, then 4 for French Riviera and the 8 digits of the person you are calling. Climate Average temperatures by season: - Spring: 17° C - Summer: 25° C - Autumn: 18° C - Winter: 13° C Holidays These holidays are celebrated throughout France: - 1 January: New Year - Easter Monday (date varies) - 1 May: Labour Day - 8 May: 1945 Victory Day - Ascension (date varies) - Pentecost Monday (date varies) - 14 July: National Day - 15 August: Assumption - 1 November: All Saints Day - 11 November: Armistice Day - 25 December: Christmas Don't miss the Carnaval de Menton and of Nice, which runs annually from 8 to 27 February. Getting around Renting a car is the best way to discover the French Riviera. The regional trains usually connect the various cities of the coast. French Riviera Tourism Office French Riviera Tourism Office 55, Promenade des Anglais BP 1602 06011 Nice Cedex 1, France Tel.: (international n° +33) 4 93 37 78 78 The French Riviera on the Web http://www.ifrance.com/riviera-tour See our Cultural calendar Back