In these magical resort towns, you can avoid annoying crowds of vacationers.
The Mediterranean resort of Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera was recently recognized as one of the most spoiled tourist destinations for holidays. On a hot summer day, 80 thousand tourists can flock to this town with a population of just over 3.5 thousand people – it got to the point that the mayor’s office even called on guests to come there in the spring, not in the summer.
However, Saint-Tropez is far from the only resort on the French Cote d’Azur. There are still plenty of other magical places where holidays are much cheaper and there are no crowds.
Travel publication Travel Off Path named four resorts on the French Riviera where you can relax comfortably this summer.
1. Menton. This resort on the border with Italy is often called the most colorful city in France, with its brightly colored waterfront houses, iconic yellow bell tower and many Franco-Italian eateries. Although this place is quite popular, especially as a day trip for residents of Nice and Italians from Liguria, it is still much less crowded than in crowded Saint-Tropez.
In addition to the beautiful city landscape, tourists are attracted to the famous lemon gelato, which can be found for less than 3 euros in any gelateria on the marina (they say that local lemons have a unique taste, for which Menton is even called the lemon capital of Europe). Meanwhile, the local restaurant Le Petit Port, which serves juicy octopus salads and other fresh seafood, offers delicious food for 20-25 euros.
2. Villefranche-sur-Mer. Although this town is very close to Monaco, one of the most expensive places on the French Riviera, it has a much more relaxed atmosphere – with a modern promenade lined with beer bars and shops. Meanwhile, its Old Town retains much of the vintage vibe of the 1950s: muted tones, floral arches, and all that, except that there are no Monaco crowds or arrogant attitudes.
When it comes to prices, the 3-star La Citadelle Hotel costs just over 150 euros per night for two people in May, and is just a few steps from the picturesque sandy and pebble beach of Plage de la Darse. For dinner, La Baleine Joyeuse is available for around 20 euros.
3. Antibes. Founded by the Greeks in ancient times, this ancient spa town is known for its walled historic center, which has remained virtually untouched since the 16th century, and the bustling port of Vauban, where luxury yachts usually dock all day.
Antibes is the quintessence of the French Riviera: narrow buildings with green shutters, painted in every imaginable pastel shade, lined with bougainvillea alleys and artisan ice cream shops specializing in unique tastes.
Antibes is also incredibly well located on the coast, midway between Nice and Cannes, but it may seem relatively quiet as it hasn’t achieved the same level of fame on Instagram, let alone its relative cheapness: renting a private room in a beachfront apartment will cost around 80 euros for two people.
4. Porquerolles. Most tourists don’t really know that there is a group of Hyeres Islands lying just off the south of France, and if you crave absolute peace and escape from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera, Porquerolles is the place for you. Covering an area of only 12.5 square kilometers, with a permanent population of about 200 inhabitants (multiplied by 50 in summer), it is a natural oasis offering secluded sandy beaches washed by crystal clear sea and authentic culture.
It is worth noting that since Porquerolles is a tiny island, there are a limited number of accommodation options, with prices ranging from 250 to 350 euros per night. However, it is often visited as a day trip from Yera, a city on the mainland where studio rentals start at the much cheaper 85 euros per night.
