http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13766
The rooms are quiet, spacious and very well decorated in a modern minimalist style and the breakfasts keep you going all day.

The hotel was an ideal location for non-car users, being a stone's throw from Avignon Centre railway station (not Avignon TGV).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13766 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13730
You can wander the narrow streets, ponder the meaning of life in a seafront café or march into the rugged hills and vineyards behind, where you’ll get a great panoramic view of the town below.

Seafood lovers should sample the famous Collioure anchovies. For foodies generally, Café le Vauban serves a never-ending platter of regional delicacies that redefines the term "bargain".

Collioure can be a great base to explore up and down the coast too. A train line runs through several towns, but be aware that all trains cease between around 1pm and 3pm, as is the Mediterranean way.

Where to stay: a good value hotel is Le Triton. Breakfast by the sea …]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13730 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13723
Easily accessible by train from Nice and surrounded by beautiful hills perfect for exploring by foot or cycle.

Great entry point to the Mercantour National Park.

The town has its share of interesting buildings including an ancient bridge and the baroque Saint Michel cathedral set in an impressive town square.

With plenty of places to eat well Sospel is a peaceful haven away from the hectic coastal area.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13723 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13722
Further, she was delighted to recommend superb wines for €25/bottle.

Food was also first class.

Book in advance.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13722 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13720
In the summer you eat on the terrace beneath linden trees.

Elegant without being pompous.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13720 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13719 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13719 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13718
Blag your way into one of the town’s big three beach clubs — La Voile Rouge, Club 55 or Nikki Beach — or as a last resort pay.

This is the jetset at play — Russian millionaires swigging Crystal and tons of beautiful, famous people you haven’t quite heard of.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13718 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13710
This isn't a particularly posh restaurant, it would probably be best described as rustic. However, the food speaks for itself and I always visit whenever I am in the area.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13710 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13696
Today I had the plat du jour: two lamb chops, ratatouille, potatoes and salad, all wonderfully fresh and €10.

Delicious French cooking at its best.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13696 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13675
Always packed, this is a restaurant without menus or, perhaps worryingly, fixed prices.

Expect delicious traditional food: lamb with rosemary, beef, squid, pizza au feu de bois and fresh fish.

For tourists, prices tend to come out at about €25 a head for two courses and wine.

The atmosphere is warm and noisy: go on a Saturday night for maximum fun.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13675 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13674
The track runs along the side of the mountain looking over the bay of Marseille.

Get off when you want for a swim and a drink and be back in Marseille for the evening. Or you could continue to Montpellier to see a totally different side of the south of France.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13674 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13673
The atmosphere is relaxed: think Schanzenviertel, Hamburg or Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin in July/August.

Enjoy the view over the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde at the end of 'Cours Ju' with a pression and some olives or browse the markets and boutiques during the day.

It's calm, yet cool, and a different side of Provence for those who want to experience the buzz in France's second city.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13673 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13670
The views over Menton, Monaco and the surrounding valleys are truly fabulous and there are at least a couple of restaurants to admire them from.

The town is only 20 minutes drive from Menton, or less from the corniche roads and motorway, but feels off the beaten track.

For the adventurous, try climing to the old XII fort and medieval garden at the top of the town which are in a shambolic state of disrepair.

The town contains numerous vaulted passageways and you can admire beautiful houses dating back to the XV century, with their magnificently restored doorways.

For those looking for more recent history, the town is the entry point for a tour into what remains of the Maginot Line fortress.

The restaurant with the best views in town is Le Righi, 1 place du fort, 06500 Sainte-Agnès. Reservations are recommended and can be made on: 04 92 10 90 88.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13670 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13665
From the rolling Basque hills in the west up into the Haute Pyrenees, there are some absolutely stunning views along this trail.

You can do the lot in one go (500 miles) if you have the time, or do as I'm doing and do a little bit each year: I'm hoping to dip my toe in the Mediterranean in 2010...

Alternatively, pick one of the many towns near the route as a base and discover some of the circular walks.

You'll get to see some views that you'd never see from a car.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13665 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13663
Buses are frequent and run to timetables.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13663 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13652 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13652 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13645
You will encounter the Gorges du Verdon and end up in a little village of Moustiers Sainte Marie. Try the Restaurant Les Santons. It has the most wonderful food, a chef who cares about what he cooks and is very romantic. It is much better than Alain Ducasse's La Bastide.

Take a day trip to Gigondas from Avignon. Everyone raves about Chateauneuf du Pape. This is much better. They have a tasting room in the village. Try their wines from 1999 to 2003 for the best. You will not resist taking a few bottles back.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13645 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13644
Particularly recommended for off-peak camping, the site also hires out "mini-chateaux". Very warm staff, great location with nearby watersports, medieval villages and superb local cuisine.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13644 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13643
The B&B is separate from the owner's house and has own lounge(s), spa, and use of a kitchen, which helps cut costs if you're on a budget.

Easy to get to Avignon, Pont du Gard etc.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13643 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13642 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13642