Hello, we’re traveling in the Nice area in late April. We’re looking for recommendations of villages to stay in for 4-5 days at a time, with access to hikes in the Esterel, along the coast, and the Alpes-Maritimes. We like small villages with a few restaurants, weekly market, boulangeries, traiteur, etc. Will have a car. For reference, other villages in southern France we love include St. Martin-Vesubie, Sablet, Caunes-Minervois, and Bouzigues. We want to stay away from the bustle of the coast. Many thanks in advance!
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
825 posts
Are you looking inland? Like Fayence or Seillans in the Var? Or something small along the coast like Theole-sur-Mer? Or something a larger but not as touristed, like St. Raphael (on the edge of the Esterel Massif).
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you, Gooster, yes, we are looking at those towns inland, do you know them? We have stayed in the Boulouris section of St Raphael and enjoyed it and our preferred place there is not available this time. Thank you!
Posted by
9890 posts
A wonderful medieval walled village is Saint Paul de Vence.
Posted by
Washington DC
30487 posts
But St-Paul-de-Vence is overwhelmingly touristy during daytripping hours. I think the larger town of Vence (farther from Nice) would be reliably quieter--at least it was on the day I visited in May 2017. But I think Vence is larger than what you're looking for--population of 20,000.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for these ideas. Yes, both Vence and St-Paul-de-Vence are bigger/busier than we prefer. I think this time we’ll try Fayence. Thanks again!
Posted by
Michigan
75 posts
We loved Uzes....technically speaking not Provence. It's near the Pont du Gard, Nimes. Good wine, markets, scenery. We've also love L'Isle Sur la Sorgue and Aix. And La Garde Frenet.