Leave Antibes on the N7 following signs to Cannes and Golfe-Juan. After a while, Vallauris is signposted. Drive through Golfe-Juan and up the D135 to Vallauris.

Vallauris is one of Provence's main pottery centres, made famous by Picasso, who lived here between 1946 and 1955. With over 200 potters working here, the town's streets are crammed with touristy ceramics shops, but the Musée Municipal and the Musée National Picasso (in a deconsecrated chapel) are worth a visit.

Continue up the D135 towards Grasse. Cross over the autoroute past Mougins' Musée de l'Automobile and through a forest (Parc Forestier Départemental de la Valmasque). Turn left at the T-junction on to the D35 to Mougins.

Mougins is one of the Riviera's smartest villages, brimming with renowned restaurants

Leave Mougins following signs to Mouans-Sartoux.

Mouans-Sartoux is designed on a grid pattern with the residential streets running north to south and the commercial streets east to west. Its main attraction is the 19th-century château, which houses an unusual permanent exhibition of concrete art.

Continue on the D85 to Grasse. Leave Grasse on the D2085 (direction Nice). After 6km, take the first exit (D3) to Valbonne.

This charming village fans out from the place des Arcades, a beautiful arcaded square and scene of an annual olive and grape festival in February, and an ideal venue for coffee or lunch.

From Valbonne, take the D4 to Biot then return to Antibes on the D4 and the N7.