Farnborough to Cannes

The Estérel Mountains glow red against the Côte d'Azur coastline - they are made up of volcanic porphyry which gives them their distinctive colour.

The bright yellow blossoms of the mimosa carpet the hillsides of the Estérel Mountains, blooming from December until February.

Red porphyry rock pierced by the sea on the beach at Figueirette (Cap Roux rocks on the right).

The conical shape of the Estérel Mountains is clearly visible from off shore, hinting at their volcanic origin 300 million years ago.

The Estérel Mountains are a famous feature of the Côte d'Azur coastline, with red peaks protruding from the heavily forested areas along the coast.

The northern, shady side of the Estérel Massif is cooler and more humid than the arid south, and home to an incredible range of flora, including this pokeweed plant.

Sunset over the Estérel Mountains across the bay near Cannes.

Theoule, puddingstone and red sandstone (Cannes in the background), Alpes Maritimes.

Rosemary and thyme are typical garrigue vegetation: low, scrubby bushes happy to thrive in the arid Mediterranean conditions on the warm slopes of the Estérel Massif.

Mimosas in bloom in Mandelieu-La Napoule - throughout late winter and early spring they bring colour and life to the countryside, and an important source of income.

A satellite view of France's Southern Coast, as the land rolls down from the inland peaks to the curved coastline. Cannes can be seen bottom right.

The Cap d' Estérel runs along the coast from Mandelieu and Cannes in the east to Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus in the west.

Rock sculptured out by the sea on the beach at La Napoule (Cannes in the background).

An aerial view of the Lérins Islands, a kilometre off the coast of Cannes, where Fort Royal once housed the Man in the Iron Mask.

The ancient ramparts of Fort Royal on the Île Sainte-Marguerite look out over modern Cannes.

An etching from 1872 depicting the famous and mysterious "Man in the Iron Mask", imprisoned on the Île Sainte-Marguerite off the coast of Cannes.

Roman ruins on the road between Cannes and St. Tropez are a reminder of the significance of the route during this period.

Watchtowers and buildings in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, north of Cannes, a site of many Roman and Saracen battles with locals due to its high defensive position.

The cloisters within the monastery on Saint-Honoré Island, which has been home to communities of monks for hundreds of years.

The monastery and fortifications on Saint-Honoré Island - the island was heavily fortified by the monks to ward off attacks from everyone from Saracens to the British and Spanish navies.

Fragments of Roman amphorae, similar to these intact versions, were found beneath Cannes during building work - an important Roman waypoint between Italy and France.

The monastery of Saint-Honoré, on an island a kilometre offshore from Cannes - monks have lived in solitude and reflection within this incredible building for generations.

A hand-coloured etching from 1789 depicting the "Man in the Iron Mask", an unknown prisoner thought to be an illegitimate brother of Louis XIV.

1637 - A formal report of the recovery of the Lérins Islands by the French from the Spaniards to Monseigneur le Comte de Harcourt.

The church of Notre-Dame de l'Espérance and the château and tower of Castre atop Le Suquet, an ancient defensive position in Cannes.

1890 - A picture depicting a Saracen army on the march with musicians and standard-bearers: Cannes was the site of fierce battles with the Saracens for nearly a hundred years.

A traditional poster postcard celebrates the glamour and beauty of Cannes, its luxury hotels and casinos an important draw for tourists.

The Miramar Hotel in Cannes, a luxury hotel built in the early 20th century to serve a new wave of wealthy summer tourists.

The glamour of the Film Festival and the hundreds of stars it attracts has made Cannes famous throughout the world.

The perfectly manicured sand and meticulously arranged sun loungers of a private hotel beach in Cannes.

The beautiful and imposing Villa Rothschild in Cannes, one of many villas build by the famous and wealthy as a getaway.

The historic Hotel Carlton, located on the Promenade de la Croisette, was built in 1909 and has featured in many films and photoshoots.

Sculptures in the beautiful gardens of the Villa Fiésole, once home to the French artist Jean-Gabriel Domergue.

Cannes; sun setting behind the clouds, the Estérel and La Napoule Gulf in the background.

The art-deco style Martinez Hotel was built in 1929 and is often host to film stars and celebrities during the Cannes Festival and throughout the summer.

The beachfront at Cannes in 1932 - already a popular holiday destination with lavish hotels and casinos for visitors and guests.

The beachfront at Cannes today - a hectic scene of sun-worshippers and swimmers covering every inch of sand.

1910 - A picture postcard depicting the famous Promenade de la Croisette along Cannes waterfront.

Henry Peter Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux is credited with initiating the growth of Cannes as an exclusive winter holiday destination for European aristocrats.