The Alpes Maritimes has a wide variety of activities, everything from airsports to art galleries, from skiing to steam trains and lots of gorges with folded limestone layers for the geologists.

Steam Trains. A narrow-gauge railway runs from Nice to Digne through the Gorges du Var, taking in some of the best scenery on the way. For steam enthusiasts, a steam train operates on the section between Puget Theniers and Annot. Further information can be found on the Chemins de Fer de Provence website or on the Provence Beyond website.

Geology. There are lots of fossils to be found locally, just a ten minute walk up behind Les Basses Beaumettes is usually far enough to find something interesting. In Castellane the Musee Sirènes et Fossiles is interesting to visit. It is open from May to September from 10 to 12 and from 3 to 6, closed Sunday afternoon and all day Tuesday. Price 4E. It is worth visiting in conjunction with the Col de Leque fossil fields,  which are a thirty minute walk north of Col de Leque on the N85 going towards Digne. The Sirenian International website written by Dr. Daryl P. Domning about the history of this unique outdoor museum also provides a helpful explanation.

Astronomy. With its clear skies and absence of pollution, star-gazing is excellent at Les Beaumettes. We have a smallish telescope here, and astronomical binoculars. For those interested in something a little larger, check out Nice Observatory on the Caussols Plateau. In addition the Mont Chiran Observatory offers the excellent opportunity to stay overnight at the observatory situated above the Verdon Gorge from June to September.

Art Galleries. St Paul de Vence is composed almost entirely of art galleries, and can require a full day or more to explore. There are many others too, in the region around the coast. Check out:

• Fondation Maeght, St Paul

• Picasso Museum, Antibes

Horse riding. Available at: La Grande Bastide, Centre Equestre, 2305, Route de la Rivière, 04120 Peyroules. Tel: 04 92 83 07 22    

For other holiday ideas have a look at InfoHub Speciality Travel Guide  A travel guide containing unique speciality interest tour packages and anything associated with speciality travel.