We are traveling to the south of France for the first time at the end of May and would like some advice on where to stay. We would like to see both the beach and a winery in the three nights we are there. We will be relying on public transportation. Anyone have any suggestions?
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
You say: "Beach and winery." Beach suggests the French Riviera, but wine suggests one of the Provencal wine regions. However, 2 problems: 1) the Provence wine country (Cote du Rhone, for example) will be difficult to see using public transport and 2) it would be difficult to see both Provence and the Riviera with only 3 nights. You may have to pick one or the other and using public transport that would suggest the Riviera would be your choice: beaches, the winery may have to wait.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
You will need to choose. Realize beaches are small and mostly quite rocky or pebbly in S. France but reacheable by busses or trains in general. Not like our Californian or hawaiian beaches. Wine tasting can sometimes be available at wine/liquor stores. To reach wineries I have always needed a car in France.
Posted by
Reseda, CA, USA
196 posts
I love the South of France, wine, and the beaches. I understand your desire to see the wine regions but like the others have said, I would save the wine for the next time. It would be impossible with public transport and within your time frame. Make a beeline to Nice (I love the pebble beach) Get a lounge chair, parasol, and service at the Beaurivage beach access (approx 18 euro) ask Vincent for une verre de vin blanc and enjoy the scene... Say hi to Vincent for me.... and the model that walks by every 15 minutes with a different bikini on. She runs the boutique by the beaurivage hotel.
Have a great time!
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
There is a very small wine area in the suburbs of Nice called Bellet. The wine is decent and you may be able to visit a winery. http://www.vinsdebellet.com
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
Jeff -- "South of France" is one of "those" phrases. I live a lot further south in France than Nice/Cannes/Marseilles etc etc. It's an area that most people in France don't even know, let alone the rest of the world. It is the Bearn region, and my place is nearer Madrid than Paris. From my desk, I can see the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees (today is May 11th) and the Spanish border. The view from here starts with rolling hills covered in Jurancon vines which make some of the most interesting wine you have ever tasted. The longest beach in Europe with fabulous golden sands and spectacular surfing is an hour from here. Keep the Cote d'Azure!
Roger Bruton
http://www.fermedecandeloup.fr
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
oh ..... I forgot to mention .... you can do wine tasting any day of the week around here. The TGV from Paris gets here in about 5 or six hours and the TGV from here gets you to the coast (Biarritz / St Jean de Luz) in about 90 minutes.
Roger