The southern, azure-blue coast of France (Côte d'Azur) - home to some of the great painters and writers of the 20th century from Picasso and Matisse to Hemingway and Colette - saw its first tourists arrive in 1864 with the extension of the PLM (Paris - Lyon - Mediterranean) railway line to Nice. The area soon became a holiday retreat for royalty, politicians, the generally rich and the famous. (The geographical boundaries of the region are a matter of some debate; traditionally the Côte extends from Menton to Cannes but the Riviera itself could include the whole coastline and hinterland from Marseilles to the Italian border.)

Today, the celebrated centers retain their glamour, from Cannes to Nice to Monte Carlo to St-Tropez, but apart from an abundance of sun-bronzed film stars and high-priced hotels, there is so much to see behind the surface glitter of outrageous wealth. Glorious cerulean sea, ever-present sunshine, palm trees, the luxury yacht culture, film and music festivals, architecture(both French and Italian), wine, food and the beautiful old inland villages set in spectacular scenery, all combine to make the temperate French Riviera a fascinating earthly paradise without equal.

The Insight FlexiMap of The French Riviera is a great travel addition. Here is an innovative laminated folding map that marries durability and convenience with accuracy, utility, and readability.

Produced with state-of-the-art technology, FlexiMaps feature detailed city street and road maps clearly marked with all the sites and services of particular interest to travelers.

Text and photographs offer a wealth of valuable tourist information including "10 sights you shouldn't miss," plus information on transportation, visas, currency, important telephone numbers, emergency services, and more.

Price: $7.95