For a Half Day

Grasse: The world capital of the perfume industry for over three centuries, Grasse is situated just 16km (10 miles) from Cannes. Four of its 300 perfume factories and the Musée International de la Parfumerie, 8 place du Cours (tel: (04) 9705 5800; website: www.museesdegrasse.com), are open to the public. August brings the Fête du Jasmin, with a carnival atmosphere and floats of flowers. Other attractions include the fascinating Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence, 2 rue Mirabeau (tel: (04) 9336 8020), Amiral de Grasse Museum and the 12th- century cathedral, which contains three Rubens. Rapide-Côte d'Azur buses to Grasse depart from the Cannes train station. The Grasse Tourist Office, cours Honoré-Cresp (tel: (04) 9336 6666; website: www.grasse-riviera.com), provides further information.

For a Whole Day

Nice: Just 32km (20 miles) east along the coast, Nice is a museum mecca. The Musée Matisse, 164 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez (tel: (04) 9381 0808; website: www.musee-matisse-nice.org), displays a rich collection of paintings and sculptures in the artist's former home. The Musée National Message Biblique, avenue du Dr Ménard (tel: (04) 9353 8720; website: www.musee-chagall.fr), houses the enormous dreamscapes of Marc Chagall. The prestigious Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC), promenade des Arts (tel: (04) 9713 4201; website: www.mamac-nice.org), displays French and American works from the 1960s to the present day.