A little information about the French Riviera, where it actually is, and the camping holiday resources which are available there.

Some clever clogs will know exactly who it was that christened it the French Riviera (please don't mail in - I don't wanna know really), and at a guess I would think it was before camping took hold as form of holiday. More to the point is: where exactly is the French Riviera? Well basically it is pretty much the same area as the Cote d'Azur, and we have linked to a map of the area so that you can get your bearings.

It is in the south of France and faces the mediterannean Sea between a place called St Maxime in the Golfe dr St Tropez and extending eastwards to the French/Italian border. The French Riviera contains such famous camping names as Frejus, St Raphael, Cannes, Juan les Pins, Nice and Villefranche. Don't assocaite Monaco as part of the French Riviera because that little place if far, far too upmarket for camping holidays.

It is easy to get to, even though I almost always say that, but at just over 700 miles it is a longish trek from Calais, so we always recommend that you have a night's rest somewhere along the route.

We don't wish to sound condescending about this but for drivers who haven't travelled much in France the golden rule is to follow signs for the next major town or city, and from there you will pick up signs for the next one on your route.

The route we recommend is nearly all on various autoroutes which means that this journey will cost you - both ways, so take the A26 outside Calais and head for Reims and then Troyes. After that head for Dijon of the mustard fame, Lyon and then Valance, by which time you are pretty well south. Then follow signs for Orange and Aix-en-Provence which is well worth taking a serious look at, then follow the A8 to St Raphael, Cannes, Nice etc.

You could equally well take another route from Lyon but we believe that even though it is slightly less miles it is slower.

When you get into the swing of things camping on the French Riviera what can you expect? Well, we have to say that even though your holiday won't cost you any more in that region there are some things that will, like eating and drinking out for starters., and that could cost you an arm and a leg if you aren't very careful.

There are camping sites dotted about all over, and in the present economic climate they will snatch your arm off for your business. Most of these sites will accept campers who want to take their own equipment and just hire a pitch, but there are companies in the area who specialise in hiring out pre-erected tents containing all the necessities you need for a good tent camping holiday like cooker, fridge/freezer, all crocks and utensils, and of course, they all have pristine clean toilet and shower blocks.

If you want to have a little more comfort on your camping holiday then why not hire a mobile home, most of which have loads of space and all mod cons including showers etc.

Sadly there is no surfing in the Med as the tides aren't that high, but all along the coast you will find long sandy beaches and the promise of blue skies and a scorching hot sun.