If you have unlimited time, one of Europe's greatest pleasures is getting "lost" in Provence and the Riviera, wandering about at random, making new discoveries every day off the beaten path, finding charming towns you may never find on a typical itinerary.
But few of us have a generous amount of time. Vacations are getting shorter, and a "lean-and-mean" schedule is called for if you want to experience the best of any area in a short amount of time.
The south of France ranks with Germany in offering Europe's fastest and best-maintained superhighways, which help cut down on travel times. But part of the fun is to wander the secondary roads that take you into the hill towns overlooking the Riviera.
Provence also has one of the fastest and most efficient public transportation systems in the world, especially the links along the national train system. For example, you can travel by rail from Paris to Nice in just 6 1/2 hours -- or fly much quicker, of course.
The itineraries that follow take you to such major attractions as the museums and beaches of Nice but also direct you to quaint hill towns such as St-Paul-de-Vence. The pace may be a bit brisk for some visitors, so skip a town or sight occasionally to enjoy some downtime -- after all, you're on vacation.
