smart travels is a grand tour of the old world the people, places, sights, and distinctly european flavors. our host is travel writer and columnist rudy maxa, public radio s original savvy traveler. now, tips, trips, and secret places on smart travels. maxa: in the morning, it charms. in the afternoon, it sizzles. and at night, it seduces. there s nothing quite like this 80-mile stretch of coastline anywhere else in the world, and all the world knows it. they come on yachts, in cars, on the train. they come for the myth of the riviera, for the celebrities, the food, the wine. they come for the leisure and for the pure pleasure. and they come in droves in the summer months. crowded? you bet. but that s when the riviera dazzles. i ve got tips for best beaches, chic spots, and hill town getaways, with lots of art and culture, too. you don t have to be in the jet set or fabulously wealthy to experience the riviera scene. of course, it won t hurt that you re with me. from our bas