PLACES TO STAY

BARCELONETTE

Easily reached in the Urbaye valley in heart of the mountains, the perfect base for exploring the high mountains.

Hotel tip: Le Grand Hotel (www. grand-hotel-barcelonnette.fr)

SOSPEL

A quiet town one pass inland from the coast on the Route des Grandes Alpes – half as busy as the Riviera and twice as nice.

Hotel tip: Auberge Provençale (www.aubergeprovencale.fr)

CASTELLANE

Where Route Napoleon meets the end of the Gorges du Verdon the French built the quaint town of Castellane – very considerate of them!

Hotel tip: Nouvel Hotel du Commerce (www.hotel-du-commerceverdon.com)