From Canet to the Cote d’Azur, from the Spanish border to the Italian border; this delightful area of France is gently lapped by the Mediterranean Sea.

A little known piece of France by the Brits, the Languedoc Roussillon region covers from the Spanish border to Provence, and if you’ve not been here before, you really are missing a treat! There are miles upon miles of long sandy beaches, some wild, some developed and with the towns so close to Spain, there is quite a Catalan atmosphere in the sea side resorts.

There are tonnes of low cost carriers flying into airports in the south of France around the “Languedoc” including Perpignan, Bezier, Carcassonne and Montpellier, and you really do need to hire a car to explore the area. Fly into medieval Perpignan the capital of the Pyrenees-Orientales in southern France and drive to Canet for bustling excitement, but if you fancy something a little quieter and picturesque then the fantastic long Espiguette Beach complete with hilly sand dunes, or go to Beziers beaches, Portiragnes and Serignan, may be for you. Naturists should head to the purpose built resort of Cap d’Agde although there are plenty of beach areas for those who prefer to wear a little on the beach!

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, do head into the Pyrenees mountain range and explore the mountain side towns and villages, or inland to the spectacular fortified town of Carcassonne, a real fairy tale castle dating back to Roman times.

Heading to the centre of France’s Mediterranean cost, is the region of Provence, and fly into Nice or Toulon. How about popping on the ferry at Giens near Toulon and sailing to Iles d’Hyeres where white sandy beaches follow the whole circumference of the island?

As you travel onto the area popularly known as the Cote d’Azur or French Riviera, you will come across the well known and popular, upmarket town of St Tropez. Plage de Tahiti (Tahiti Beach) is as well known as the town and popular with topless and nude bathers. Not far away is the long sandy beach at Port Gimaud which is also where actress Joan Collins owns a home. Sailing enthusiasts will love this area of France as many expensive yachts are tied up in the bustling harbours.

As you approach Cannes Mandelieu to the west of Cannes, the beaches are stunning long stretches of golden sand dotted with palm trees and great for families and groups; however, as you reach Cannes Beach in front of La Croisette and the delightful promenade, you’ll find the beach divided into “private” sections particularly during the summer, and the rich and famous taking in the rays!

Nice beach is great for people watching although this pebbly beach is not for sand lovers, but following the coast east, Monte Carlo Beach is by far the most fashionable although the sand is imported.