Hi! My family of six (kids15-12) have 8 days to enjoy the French Riveria late in June. We are beginning our stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer (4days) and would like to end over near St. Tropez. We don't know where to stay yet. Does anyone have any ideas of what we should do and what beaches not to miss? We love the beach, but also want to be sure to soak in the culture and adventures that we can experience. Thank you for all your help/thoughts/advice.
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
713 posts
Were you planning on a car, I assume? I'd focus your four days in the Villefrance-sur-Mer area on the culture, sites and activities. There is the beach there, although the beaches on the Gulf side of Antibes and Juan Les Pins are nicer (the latter is easily reachable by train).
If you want to end in the Saint Tropez area, what month are you going? It will be very crowded getting in and out of the peninsula, so once there, don't plan to do extensive day trips outside of the coastal region (you will need a car). The best beach is Pampelonne (officially near Ramatuelle). Hyeres is a nice alternative as a location. Between Hyeres and Ramatuelle are a series of low key beach towns, most with nice, but smaller sandy beaches. Just off the coast is Porquerolles island, with pristine beaches and walks. You could base somewhere in the area and do day trips.
You could head all the way out of the Cote d'Azur to the calanques (Cassis) but it seems like you may have limited time.
Posted by
Gulf Coast, usa
1191 posts
It will be crazy busy in the French Riveria in late June. We just left, and I was amazed at how busy it was already. It is beautiful, no doubt. The beaches of Nice have no sand. All pebbles, so beach time may not be the same as you are thinking.
We opted not to have a car, so we had to rule out St. Tropez. The four days in Villefranche-sur-Mer sounds great. If you are going to have a car, did you consider doing a few days in the Provence region? Where are you flying in and out of?