Local Living - Cote d'Azur

Will you have a car? If not, I'd try to find one of the towns along the main coastal rail line. Try Antibes or Menton, perhaps, or a less known place like Beaulieu-sur-mer. Cannes may feel a bit too touristed too get a local feel. Villefranche-sur-mer will also be relatively touristy but is well located (but a bit hilly, so be aware if you intend to take the train). Vence (and st. paul de vence) are best visited with a car, let alone Valbonne or Mougins. .

Thanks for your feedback - will have a car.

Of the places you mentioned, the only one I've visited is Vence, but I would happily spend a week there.

Be sure you're clear on Vence vs. St.-Paul-de-Vence. It's SPdV where everyone seems to go. That's the small town perched on the side of a hill. I don't think many Americans get to Vence; it has a nice historic area but not the in-your-face picturesqueness of SPdV.

For exactly the reasons acraven mentions, I preferred Vence. Grasse is also pretty relaxed. SPdV was much much too busy for me to enjoy.

I would not stay as far as Grasse, it's too much added time to get to the places most people want to visit, unless your goals is solely to stay among the hills. In your choice, consider out your access to the A8 tollway and the challenges of coastal routes in late August with traffic. It's why even with a car the train can be a better option to travel along the coast.

Vence could be an option -- St. Paul de Vence is so crowded in the summer. The access road down to A8 does get a bit of traffic.

Another option could be Biot, a small hill town known for glass but also near the A8 and with a train stop, but Mougins may better suit you.

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. We have booked a beautiful apartment in Mougins for the week.