With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, you are almost guaranteed some sunshine when holidaying in Provence.

Combine that with a visit in the spring time and you will find that the beaches on the French Riviera are almost empty, the sun is warm and the welcome is friendly.

The pretty hill town of Bormes-Les-Mimosa typifies what is just so perfect about France in the spring. The Mimosa trees are in full bloom with a perfect yellow blossom. The pavement cafes are open and you can take a seat and enjoy a view out across the hills to the Mediterranean sea in the distance. Browsing around the village shops youll find jewellery stores, stores selling limoncello (a local drink made from lemons), fresh olives, olive oil flavoured with basilic and cushions filled with fragrant lavender.

At this time of year not only are the road and beaches empty but the restaurant owners are pleased to see you and have plenty of time to serve you and make your time there enjoyable.

Even the renowned St Tropez wakes up quiet and sleepy on a spring morning and you can find a waterfront seat in one of the cafes overlooking the harbour. If you get there early enough you can browse the designer shops in the little backstreets before enjoying your croissant or petit pain with a hot chocolate or coffee in one of the many pavement cafes.

If you have children, theyll relish the opportunity to dig alone in the clean sand whilst you lie back and enjoy the sight of the sun glittering on the sea.

With little competition you can also enjoy the delicacies created by the local bakeries, in particular the gateau and confectioneries that are often snapped up quickly during the summer months.

With the arrival of Easter, the French are on vacation but there is still plenty of room for everyone. You have time to visit the shores of La Lavandou, the wide beaches at La Cavaliere, the delightful shops at Le Rayol.

With access from Nice Airport direct on to the autoroute (motorway) you can be at your holiday destination within an hour or two of landing on the runway.

Vacation Rentals are often cheaper than their counterparts in the U.K. and combined with the very cheap airfares now available to all European locations, you could treat yourself to a week in the warm French sun for about the same as a week in Padstow in the drizzle.

Out of season, villas are fairly reasonable, but if you are on a budget then renting an apartment can be very well priced.

Of course, you'll also be the envy of all your friends and work colleagues when you return looking slightly bronzed and very relaxed from your holiday in the Cote d'Azur!