Take a trip out to the Jardin Albert Kahn and immerse yourself in orchards, rose gardens and forests that combine French, Japanese and English garden design. They were originally created by banker Albert Kahn before the Wall Street Crash, after which he lost his bank and his fortunes – including this garden.

You'll find Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg as it's often called), housed in a striking building covered in pipes and scaffolding. Inside, you'll find temporary exhibitions alongside the permanent collection that includes masterpieces like Duchamp's Fountain, and recognisable works by Frida Kahlo, Robert Delaunay and Wassily Kandinsky.

Paris has no shortage of tempting shops, from independent clothing boutiques to sprawling department stores. Don't miss the opportunity to browse the bouquinistes, open-air booksellers on the banks of the Seine, or indulge at the Galeries Lafayette, the luxurious French department store.

Stroll through Vieux Nice, the city's old town and beating heart and admire 16th-century terracotta buildings and narrow streets. Stop for a drink at the Place du Palais de Justice and watch the world go by.

Wander the many fantastic museums and galleries – don't miss the Matisse museum (closed Tuesday) or the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (closed Monday).

Wander along the seafront to choose your favourite beach, you could stop for a picnic at Coco Beach or indulge in a seaside lunch at Castel Plage.

Pick up local produce at the covered market Les Halles – there are over 40 stalls selling everything from fruit and veg and herbs to wine and freshly baked bread.

Avignon was home to seven successive popes in the 1300s and is still known as the City of Popes today. Their former residence is also the largest Gothic palace in the world.