Where better to learn how to cook than in France, the culinary capital of the world? And where better to learn to cook in France than the beautiful, exquisite and inspirational region of Provence?

If you fancy creating top-notch food similar to that produced in a region that is world-renowned for its sensational food, then why not embark on a gourmet cooking class at La Bastide des Saveurs, the kitchen of Hostellerie Bérard, located in picture-perfect surroundings in the heart of olive groves and vines.

The magnificent Hostellerie Bérard is typical of the Provencal countryside ambiance. A rustic kitchen is at the heart of this 19^th century house, whilst in the house’s extensive grounds an herb and vegetable garden take centre stage, producing delicious smelling hints of the culinary geniuses that are created in this stunning country home.

Over the four-day course students learn how to make various Provencal recipes, using only the freshest and finest ingredients and local produce. Asides making early morning visits to the country market in Sanary-sur-Mer, where students await the return of the fishing boats to pick up some fresh fish to prepare for lunch, guests will also discover local wine appellations, well you couldn’t complete a cooking course in France without being exposed to French wine in some day, could you?

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For decades ballet has been an important artistic expression in Monte Carlo. In 1985, Les Ballets de Monte Carlo was founded, a classical ballet company, which is the official national dance company of the Principality of Monaco, that was established by Her Royal Highness the Princess of Hanover in accordance with the wishes of her mother, Princess Grace of Monaco.

Since its inauguration, Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, has attracted some of the biggest and most highly-esteemed names in the world of ballet, with its opening performance in 1985 casting several of the Paris Opera as guest stars.

In 1992 the world-renowned and highly influential French dancer and choreographer, Jean-Christophe Maillot, joined Les Ballets de Monte Carlo as an artistic consultant, and was quickly promoted to director of choreography. Because of Maillot’s passion, creative vision and energy, Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, helped to create an increased demand and popularity, moved to a much bigger and glamorous location at the new congress centre in Monaco, known as the Grimaldi Forum.

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If you fancy taking a break from the shimmering beaches, chic bars and exclusive boutiques that adorn the coastline, pay a visit to Place des Lices to discover the rustic charm of St. Tropez.

Located in the heart of St. Tropez, the town’s open air market provides a treasure trove of items that you wouldn’t find in the luxury stores dotted around the area. There is also a historical side to the market, with 100 year old trees dividing the area into 7 long arcades.

This creates the perfect set up for the rows of market stalls that fill Place des Lices every Tuesday and Saturday. Without the stalls, the view down the tree-lined arcade today is exactly the same as it was when it was captured in 1936.

On non-market days boule players take over Place des Lices in the morning, forming small groups that play until the early hours of the next morning.

The trees form the backbone of the market’s shopping arcades, but these are usually left hidden by the canopies of the branches, which also overlap the umbrellas that the vendors set up around their stalls.

Place des Lices began to take shape in the early 1800s when 12 plane trees were planted, and it is thought that the area dates back to the 9^th or 10^th century when it was most likely used as a jousting ground (the definition of “lices”).

The St. Tropez market can’t really be defined as a typical ‘Farmers market’ as not all of the vendors grow the produce that they sell. The majority of them buy fruits and veg from major regional wholesalers, such as Draguignan – about 50km North from St. Tropez. However, you are able to find some local farmers, as well as vendors who make their own produce and sell prepared items such as olives and breads.

With the mixture of local wholesale and farm produce, the market is a great place to find some Provenҫal specialities.

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Chanel showcased their Pre-Fall collection at their annual event, with an India-themed luxury show.

The collection was premiered in the Galerie Courbe at Paris’s Grand Palais on 6^th December. Models were bejewelled with accessories including turbans, head jewellery and jewel-encrusted Chanel bags – male models included.

The guests sat at banquet tables which outlined the runway and set the luxury mood with chandeliers and candlesticks. They also dined using gold-plated cutlery and were served by waiters throughout the show, a definite upgrade from the usual champagne and canapés at fashion shows.

The Metiers d’Art Show was launched in 2003 as a homage to French craftsmanship and Chanel’s seven workshops and despite the high prices, the Metiers d’Art lines are always a success amidst the economic crisis.

Previous shows have followed themes including Paris-Byzance, Paris-Shanghai and Paris Moscow, and the Paris-Bombay collection will be available in Chanel boutiques from May 2012.

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The city of Nice is world-renowned for its glamour, cosmopolitanism and wealth, yet is significantly less well-known for being an environmentally conscious city. Although this may be about to be changed as Nice is on the fast track to become one of the ‘greenest’ cities in Europe.

Nice’s race to a more environmentally-friendly existence is led by a host of new transport initiatives, which will eventually provide some of the greenest forms of transport in Europe.

The plan is to inaugurate a central station in Saint Augustin by 2016. The station will operate a multi-functional tram, train and bus network for Nice and its vicinity. The station, which will provide extensive public transport to both the north and south of Nice, as well as along the coast to the west  to the Var Valley and the Nice Cote d’Azur airport – France’s second biggest airport – to a predicted 10 million passengers each year by 2023, and 17 million travellers annually by 2030.

Eventually the Saint Augustin site will be connected to the LGV, France’s high speed train network which was introduced in 2009.

The boom in infrastructure on the Cote d’Azur will help to develop business in the area, with both Nice and the surrounding areas predicted to receive an economic boost, as the new Saint Augustin station will provide links to all the major cities in France and therefore create masses of new commuters and revenue.

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