Book excerpt: With its fabulous artistic heritage, glorious light, glitzy resorts and mouth-watering food, it's little wonder that the Provence-French Riviera region is the second most-visited in France after Paris. And Marseille, the rejuvenated 2013 European Capital of Culture, can now claim to be one of the Mediterranean's most vibrant cities. Be inspired by the new, extended edition of Insight Guide Provence and the French Riviera, a detailed full-colour guide to this glamorous region. Insight Guides' unrivalled coverage of history and culture provides an essential introduction to what makes the south of France unique, including its wealth of artistic treasures and enchanting Provenal cuisine. Consult the Best of Provence and French Riviera selection for an at-a-glance guide to the region's most evocative attractions, such as the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard and myriad of bountiful markets, and the editor's choice of recommendations for the best art galleries and perched villages, and much more. Descriptive accounts of where to go in the Provence and Riviera region, from glamorous Cannes and Monaco to the desolate beauty of the Camargue, are enhanced by beautiful photographs, while all major sights are cross-referenced with full-colour maps. The travel tips section provides a wealth of information on how to plan your trip, plus our selection of the best hotels.