Arriving in Marseille can be slightly disappointing; being a port-town there’s none of that ‘south of France’ glamour one expects. It’s steeped in history, you just have to look in the right places. Le Petit Train is a perhaps cliché, but worthwhile place to start. The biggest benefit being the miniature train saves your legs as it climbs the steep ascent to the Notre Dame – not the Notre Dame, of course, but Marseilles own miniature version. Perched at the highest point of Marseille, topped with a golden virgin, you can see the church for miles, and the view once up there is spectacular.

The highlight for any literature and/or film buff is the island of Château d’If, where Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 novel The Count of Monte Christo was set. Take a tour over the island and through the cells of one of the world’s most famous prisons. One of Marseille’s highlights; the macaroons are some of the best you’ll ever have.

Take a bus or a train to Cannes – unless you’re Brangelina, then charter a helicopter. For sight-seeing, you really don’t need more than a day in Cannes, a city that comes to life once a year for the international film festival. Visit the main auditorium, it’s none too exciting however, when not surrounded by a plethora of celebs and beautiful people. Just wandering around Cannes is a treat – the quiche is spectacular, and there’s a lovely assortment of boutique shops and restaurants to explore. A short ferry ride away is the south of France’s other infamous prison island Sainte Marguerite, of The Man in The Iron Mask fame. Legend has it that the King Louis XIV had an illegitimate brother whom he kept locked up in prison for the entirety of his life hidden behind an iron mask. The identity of the prisoner has never been proven, but it is the subject of many a film and novel, the most famous being Alexandre Dumas’ 1847 novel of the same name (or for Leo Dicaprio lovers such as myself, the 1998 film).  Sainte Marguerite also has a lovely little beach if you fancy a paddle; so bring your swimmers.

For some culture, and a bit of a party, there’s no place like Nice. Museums a ‘plenty, and some great night spots, it’s hard to have a bad time in Nice. Aussies beware – the beaches are pebbles, but there’s so much to do you probably won’t have time to laze on the beach anyway! The museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a must-see where Warhol isn’t even the star attraction, and visit one of Nice’s amazing perfume factories for a   lovely (albeit expensive) souvenir, famous of the region. The fresh fruit and flower market which runs every day is a concoction of scents and colours to tantilise your senses. The berries will be the best you’ve ever tasted – guaranteed, and there’s cheese and marzipan galore, so have yourself a picnic! Also keep an eye out for ice-cream vendors on the waterfront; if you’re lucky they serve you your frozen sweet as a carefully carved rose. Wayne’s and Bulldog are great nightspots for some good music and some table-top dancing, and you can’t go past Villa St Exupery for accommodation, with beachside and garden locations, this was one of the best hostel groups I experienced in Europe.

Hop a train to the autonomous region of Monaco, and visit Monte Carlo, famous for the casino, and the Grand Prix. Make sure you’re looking sharp to enter the most famous casino in the world, where cars that aren’t Ferraris and real noses are few and far between.  Entrance to the floor of the casino is 10 euro, but worth it just for a peek, and I’d hate to even ask what the minimum bet would be at one of the tables.  Grab a brie baguette and wander around to marvel at the wealth in Monte Carlo.  The boats are spectacular, as are the villas complete with rooftop soiree gardens – how the other half live!

Not far along the Riviera are a couple of lovely little beach spots definitely worth a look; Cap d’Ail and Ville Franche, where you’ll find sand, and few tourists. Keep an eye out for the beautiful naturally occurring coloured glass in the sand at these spots!

Alexandra Hansen is a Monash University Journalism Graduate and Global Adventurer. Follow her on Twitter @allyhan6, check out her travel blog at backpacksandsewingmachines.blogspot.com.au