We are staying between Arles and Avignon for a week. We'd like to take a day trip to spend some time at a beach. We'd prefer something not touristy if at all possible. And beautiful of course :) Any ideas?
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
"Non-touristy" is not really a possibility for a beach on the Mediterranean coast of France. All the decent beaches will be pretty heavily developed for international, national, and local visitors.
Posted by
OP
36 posts
I understand, that's why I put "if at all possible". So maybe I should have said "the least touristy"??? Like if we go to St. Maries de le mer, are there beaches there that are less crowded than others?
Posted by
Somerville, MA
612 posts
Jill,
I spent one very hot early July day in St. Maries de le mer with the family and we all loved it. It was market day and the beach was lovely and not very crowded (we got a parking spot right away and there was no traffic en route). That was probably July 6th or so - so early for the Europeans to get to the beach (from what I've heard). Based how it is described in the RS guide, St. Maries de le mer exceeded our expectations. I've not been anywhere else or there at any other time.
-Matt
Posted by
OP
36 posts
Thanks Matt! We will be there in mid June, so hopefully it will be fairly tame then as well. Good to know :)
Posted by
St. Saturnin-Les-Apt, Provence, France
44 posts
Been to the beach in Saintes-Maries many times and in mid-June, you'll be fine as far as the crowds go. Good choice. Enjoy !
- Kevin