Long ago the Mediterranean was the centre of the old world, the wellspring of civilisation and home of the gods.  During the last century the area was transformed into a modern mecca for the rich and famous, with the likes of Greta Garbo, Noel Coward, Cole Porter, Somerset Maugham and Picasso setting the style. Today the the French Riviera remains the destination of choice for elite vacationers and for those who choose to do a power yacht charter these cruising grounds has few equals; from classic cruising conditions, sophistication, myriad distractions and a reputation for unbridled hedonism.  In this stretch of coastline paradise, the most extravagant 100 miles of waterfront in the world, there are 30 harbours and more than 3,000 restaurants.  Just reel off a list of names and let your imagination run.  The Cote d'Azur is lipped with beaches that lie beneath hillsides heavy in yellow mimosa and which climb inland to the snow-capped peaks of the Alpes Maritimes.