These two brand-new guide mark a departure for Frommer's, and tap into a market of sophisticated travelers seeking in-depth regional guides to Europe. These regions draw repeat visitors to Italy and France, who have already seen the major tourist centers and are now interested in soaking up the flavor of a smaller region in the countryside.
From the beaches of St-Tropez to the Cannes Film Festival, the Riviera has long been a chic destination, and we've combined it with the rustic pleasures and rich artistic heritage of Provence, which has grown in popularity ever since the publication of Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence.
Travelers to Italy often concentrate on Tuscany alone, since it's rich in artistic treasures, Renaissance architecture, unspoiled villages, wineries, and terrific shopping buys. Renting a villa in Tuscany or Umbria is becoming increasingly popular, and Florence ranked #4 on the list of favorite international cities in the Conde Nast Traveler 1996 Readers' Choice Awards.
