Historic Toulon, on the Provence coast of the Mediterranean, has been a principal naval base of France for three centuries. Despite post war reconstruction, a sense of its traditional charm survives amid the old town's narrow winding streets behind the waterfront and Vieux Port. Places of interest include the Romanesque church of St Marie Majeure (11th century), the church of St Louis, and a vast military hospital. In the hills surrounding Toulon are forts dating from the 17th century. Enjoy the fine views from Mont Faron and the colours of the flower market - or head east for the glamour of the Riviera, where St Tropez, Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Monte Carlo are now the glittering haunts of the beau monde of the Cote d'Azur.