emjharts

We have decided to leave Spain alone this year and for the first time go on holiday to France. We have only ever stayed for the odd night when on a 'wine' run in Calais but this time want to drive down to the South of France.

We will be looking for a private rental as we usually do but before we do that we really would appreciate any help from anyone with towns that would suit us to stay in.

Obviously, we love the idea of the Cote D'Azur but is it all really expensive or are there some less touristy towns on the coast that would suit our pockets better? If all of this area is expensive when it comes to eating out etc then what about other areas in the South?

For example, what about around more towards Spain around Perpigon? Or, what is the Atlantic coast side like Biarritz like?

We would like to go somewhere where it gets really warm and sunny in July, where we can enjoy beautiful beaches as well as pleasant drives inland. We are also happy to stay either coastal or up to 45 mins inland from any coast. We are looking for a typically french town with a lively but not crazy atmosphere as we are both in our mid thirties now!! We love to eat local food so plenty of restaurants and bars are a must but we are also looking for somewhere that doesn't have the tourist prices as we want to go for as long as possible so want to make our money last as long as we can!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

loy loy

The basque region is really nice apparantly, and you can pop over into Spain to San Sebastian.
We keep meaning to go there as it's only an hour away. Everyone recommends it.
But even when we holiday'd here we only went inland to villa's with pools. Never to the sea so I can't comment really on the coastal area's.

We used to love Albi so mainly got places around there, but no where near the sea.

Novocastrian

Please keep in mind that in July and especially in August a 45 min drive from a beautiful beach in many areas of the south can be less than a kilometre.

Chatter Static

Im fond of Banyuls sur mer, Collioure or Port Vendres which are well located for visiting Figueres, Port Lligat and Púbol in Spain which are the locations for the Dali Museum his house and the Dali Gala Castle. Each worth a day to stroll around and picnic visiting his house is by appointment only and switch your flash off. There is lots of other stuff to do as well. The D914 coast road can be a bit of a nightmare when driving down on the A9 it pays to take the last exit "43" in Le Boulou before Spain and not follow the sign posted roads that lead you to the coast in Perpignan as it can add a good hour to the journey.

grannybunz

As Novocastrian says stay away from most of the coast!

We now consider ourselves natives in these parts and wouldn't dream of going anywhere near the sea in July or August.

If you really really must then try places like Cassis or if you are into scuba try Carry le Rouet.

I suggest you go inland to the Louberon where there are lakes and plenty of places with pools.

Up to you really. i can provide further details if you want.

Chti Anglais

Are driving down or flying/hiring car?
If driving you could try the Atlantic coast from la Rochelle to the Vendee it used to have the reputation of most sunshine and normally is very warm in july and August and a good few hours less on the road (including toll roads)

dmu

Agree, you've got the Atlantic in front and the mountains not far behind.
At the other end of the Pyrénées, the whole area around Perpignan is beautiful. You've got the Med in front and the mountains not far behind.