Travel is intensified living—maximum thrills per minute and one of the last great sources of legal adventure. Travel is freedom. It’s recess, and we need it.
I discovered a passion for European travel as a teen and have been sharing it ever since—through my tours, public television and radio shows, and travel guidebooks. Over the years, I’ve taught thousands of travelers how to best enjoy Europe’s blockbuster sights—and experience “Back Door” discoveries that most tourists miss.
Written with my talented co-author, Steve Smith, this book offers you a balanced mix of Provence and the Riviera’s lively cities and cozy towns, from happening Nice to the romantic hill towns of the Luberon. It’s selective: Rather than listing dozens of beach towns, we recommend only the best three (Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, and Cassis). And it’s in-depth: Our self-guided museum tours, city walks, and driving tours give insight into the region’s vibrant history and today’s living, breathing culture.
We advocate traveling simply and smartly. Take advantage of our money- and time-saving tips on sightseeing, transportation, and more. Try local, characteristic alternatives to expensive hotels and restaurants. In many ways, spending more money only builds a thicker wall between you and what you traveled so far to see.
We visit Provence and the Riviera to experience them—to become temporary locals. Thoughtful travel engages us with the world, as we learn to appreciate other cultures and new ways to measure quality of life.
Judging by the positive feedback we receive from our readers, this book will help you enjoy a fun, affordable, and rewarding vacation—whether it’s your first trip or your tenth.
Bon voyage! Happy travels!
