Napoleon ("Nabulio") himself was a Southerner, originally from the island of Corsica. And it was in the Mediterranean where he first rose to prominence. First he threw an Anglo-Spanish occupying force out of Toulon. His first campaign was in Italy, against the Austrians. In Egypt he occupied Mameluke territory. And near Cap D'Antibes in the South, he staged his return at the beginning of The Hundred Days.

The South of France today is a perfect vacation spot. The azure seacoast lies nearby the tranquil inland countryside and behind that, the rugged villages on the sides of the high Maritime Alps. Driving along Les Corniches, the seacoast highways, you rise along dizzying cliffs for breathtaking views leading through Monaco and the Italian border.

Interesting local stops include Cannes, Nice, Antibes (with its yacht harbor, Picasso Museum, and excellent seafood pizza), and Monte Carlo with its famous palace, casino, and the Jacques Cousteau museum. Besides Napoleon's Trail for the historical minded visitor is a visit to inland De Grasse, home to the perfume industry, with its museum honoring Admiral Count De Grasse, who gave us a little help during the American Revolution. WWII bunkers lookout to sea amidst rusting barbed wire where the ANVIL landings took place.

A great French comic series available in hard cover collections is Les Tunics Bleu (The Blue Coats), about US Cavalry in the American West. I of course purchased the Civil War collection, where the rather low class heroes manage to meet both Lee and Grant in the same adventure. "Regardez--c'est Les Sudists!"

TODAY'S MILITARY TOY GEMS OF FRANCE

During my visit to the South of France, I surprised my family by entering local toy shops with that famous phrase "Avez-vous les soldats fabrique par Starlux?" Although not usually displayed, each store owner would open drawers full of the beautiful 54mm hard plastic figures from many historical periods in basic "choc" or deluxe "luxe" painted levels by the STARLUX company. Like the old Britain's metal figures, many have seperate arms, which are glued in different positions to vary the poses available. I first collected American Civil War both mounted and dismounted. The Union line is varied with men in light blue militia type uniforms (or they could be Invalid Corps). I now have other periods from Ancient Gauls to Canadian Mounties and WWII.

Another French company making toys today is SOLIDO a small family outfit who make the most amazing 45mm WWII vehicles. These are beautiful metal models in various colors including camoflage schemes with rotating turrents, elevating guns, revolving wheels or treads, and accurate decals. These are sold at collectors prices of about $25 per soft or smaller vehicle and $50 per AFV. Their German and American lines are extensive, and you can get the USA vehicles painted up as French. There is also a camoflaged Citroen for the Resistance to use, and two early war French tanks. They also produce under the name VEREEM. These vehicles are often available at US military toy shows.