Scenic coastal Drive from Aix-en-Provence to Nice in August

I found the following at France-today

Looking at it now while waiting for your replies.

The main highway from Cannes to Aix-en-Provence is the Autoroute A8, and the trip, without stopping, takes about 2 hours. However, taking the more rural route DN7, which runs parallel to A8, offers a more scenic drive past fields of sunflowers and lavender, groves of dark, twisted olive trees, and vineyards growing the grapes that made the wine you savored at last night’s dinner. Both A8 and DN7 pass Saint Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume where the 13th century basilica is an outstanding example of gothic architecture. If you did not from the start at Cannes, it is from here that you may want to abandon Autoroute A8 and pick up the rural national route DN7. It is from DN7 that you can more easily find your way to one of the most famous natural attractions in the south of France – that of Mont Sainte-Victoire. Painted several times by Cézanne, it can be viewed close up by taking DN7 to route D56C, and following D56C to route D17. All along D17 there are spectacular views of the southern face of Mont Sainte-Victoire (hikers may want to return another time for a climb onto the mountain to Croix de Provence, which can be reached from the Notre Dame de Sainte-Victoire priory). Auto tourists may leisurely seek more views of the mountain from the road by following route D17 east, then D23 north until you reach route D223, which becomes route D10, from which, travelling back west on D10 (direction now once again toward Aix-en-Provence), you can view the northern side of the mountain Cézanne seemed to never tire of portraying in his own unique and influential ways.

Frankly, I'm not sure about that article you found... DN7 and the fast A8 motorway parallel each other, therefore the scenery is quite similar. Also, DN7 is quite a schlep, crossing many towns.
Now, there is a good suggestion in there: do leave Aix by D17, via Le Tholonet and Puyloubier at the foot of Sainte Victoire. Beautiful views of that mountain.
Then head to Pourrieres where you catch the A8 at junction 33.
Stay on it until junction 37 (Frejus) and head toward the coast road at Saint Raphaël, then follow the spectacular road (D559 and D6098) to Mandelieu, where you go back to the A8 at junction 40, all the way to Nice.
If you have a bit more time, worthwhile détours include
- Saint Maximin basilica as the article mentions (never been)
- le ThoRonet Abbey (do not confuse with le ThoLonet), close to Le Luc. Beautiful old monastery in the countryside, very peaceful

I agree with Balso’s selections from your article. Because you are traveling in the August peak holiday season, do allow extra time for the Frejus to Mandelieu section along the coast. The road attracts a lot of traffic, including many camper cars.

@balso and @Barbara, thank you.

@balso, I added your route to Google maps. Coastal roads D559 and D6098 look spectacular.

Appreciate if you have any suggestion for kids activities like beach and good places to eat.

The beaches at Frejus and Saint Raphael are the biggest, with casual food options for beach picnics as well as seafood restaurants. Given the crowds, availability of parking may guide you in choosing your beach and restaurant.

@balso and @Barbara

It was a fantastic scenic route and we enjoyed the drive. Thank you for your tips.