Planning a two week trip to Europe in June. Have not been to the South of France in over 25 years, but is on my list I am considering. Would like to rent a house/villa/cottage.

Any S&R would be greatly appreciated.

We spent a little time on the Cote D'Azur in 2011, but not nearly as much as you are contemplating. However, it sounds like a wonderful idea. Deciding where to base could be tricky as I think a lot of that will depend upon where you want to go during your stay and how you plan to get there. We stayed in Nice and dropped our rental car upon arrival (we had used it to tour the Dordogne and Provence). We used mass transit to go to Monaco and Eze, but didn't get up to some of the hill towns like St. Paul de Vence. I don't know what the transportation options are like as you go in from the coast, but I would be tempted to look in those towns. If you want to stay closer to the coast, Villefranche would be nice, and give you good access to public transportation.

Thanks so much. Would like to rent a car to travel to Provence and surrounding areas.

Danger Mouse said:

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Thanks so much. Would like to rent a car to travel to Provence and surrounding areas.

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OK, so you will want multiple bases, and will only be spending part of your time on the Cote d'Azur. Rental car is definitely the way to go in Provence, but I'm still not sure if you will want or need one on the Riviera, as I just haven't looked into getting around the area beyond the coast around Nice-Monaco (which can all be done by public transit, and is difficult to do by private car).

When we were in Provence, we used St-Remy-de-Provence as a base and quite liked it, but there are any number of interesting towns that you can base in.

Saint-Tropez and its surrounding areas are truly magnificent. There's an abundance of things to do and places to explore, making it an ideal destination for a memorable getaway. Whether you're interested in exploring the town's rich history, lounging on pristine beaches, or indulging in delicious cuisine, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, if you're looking for insider tips or recommendations on hidden gems in the area, reaching out to beachbound customer service could be a great idea. They might be able to provide valuable insights to help you make the most of your time in this stunning coastal paradise.

Many thanks.

We are now considering traveling to Bordeaux instead. Due to the time of year there may be more tourist in the Cote d'Azur than we are willing to deal with at this stage. Will keep you guys updated for sure.

Danger Mouse said:

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Many thanks.

We are now considering traveling to Bordeaux instead. Due to the time of year there may be more tourist in the Cote d'Azur than we are willing to deal with at this stage. Will keep you guys updated for sure.

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If you do Bordeaux, look at doing that in combination with the Dordogne, which is nearby. June is a busy month, but not as busy as July and August as European schools are still in session in June.

Thanks. Purchased flight tix this evening. Will catch the train to Bordeaux. Spend about 5 nights on the beach and then head back to the wine region for another 5 nights. Spend the final two nights in Paris.

We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in Aix and enjoyed it. We had a car and it was a good base for that side of the French Riviera.

The Cte d'Azur is a fantastic choice, especially in June, when the weather is perfect but the peak summer crowds haven't fully arrived. Since you're considering a two-week stay and renting a house or villa, I'd recommend thinking about how much you want to explore versus relax.

If you're leaning toward charm and quiet elegance, areas like Mougins or Biot (just inland from Cannes and Antibes) offer beautiful villas, stunning views, and a more relaxed pace, plus easy access to the coast when you want it. On the other hand, if you'd like to be in the heart of things with easy transit connections, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a gem. It's got a gorgeous harbor, a walkable old town, and quick train access to Nice, Monaco, and even into Italy.

To get a feel for current rental options, local events, and lifestyle insights, this website is a great resource. They often feature curated properties and helpful tips about living and vacationing in the region, which might give you a clearer sense of which town or village best fits your style.

Whatever you decide, the Cte d'Azur is full of hidden treasures, whether it's a quiet morning market in Menton or a sunset dinner in Antibes. Happy planning, and feel free to share more about your travel interests, there are plenty of us here who'd love to help refine your itinerary.

Many thanks for the great info!!!!! Last year we decided to stay in SW France.

Took a few side trips to San Sebastien and Cognac for a tour of Remy Martin. The last few days were spent in Reims and Paris.

We are leaving in June for SW France for a five week trip. Intend to take some small trips to Switzerland, Lyon, the Spanish Basque Region (likely Bilbao this time).

Spent time in Nice 30 years ago, going back this summer.
The RivieraGo! channel on youtube was helpful in a lot of areas.