frenchaucoeur

Taking off from advice I received in this forum, I've booked a place in Cotignac for our trip to the Var next June. So now I could use some advice for the second leg of our stay.

We're deciding between staying in Aix, which we know and love, and opting for somewhere along the coast. We really don't want to be between Nice and Menton: been there, done that several times and we're allergic to crowds and traffic jams (get enough of that at home in Manhattan).

So we've been thinking about Bandol or Sanary, which may be quiet but should be pretty and appealing.I looked at Hyeres, but it's a lot bigger and not on the Mediterranean, so I've just about ruled it out.

So my questions are: is it hard getting into and out of these towns? We love Cassis, but find it a pain to drive in and out. Will we have the same problem in Bandol or Sanary? Or can anyone suggest another quiet and charming place to base for four days? (Have begun to look into Bormes-les-Mimosa also.) Our plan is to spend the days wandering around, perhaps a boat ride, a visit to Porquerolles, and some visits to neighboring towns and countryside; then on to Cotignac and more of the same!

Thanks again.

Odin

Bormes les Mimosas is a very charming village and a good option, have stayed there a couple of times. You can get a hotel which offers beautiful views down to the coast. We also like Le Rayol Canadel.

frenchaucoeur

I'm having trouble finding a place in Bormes that we would like to stay at. We tend to like pretty upscale b&bs or hotels and really want air conditioning, since we'll be there in June. So far I haven't been having much luck in Bormes (or most places). I've inquired at a couple of lovely b&bs in Cassis, which wasn't my first choice, and am continuing my search!

StuDudley

We're not big fans of Bandol. The inland vineyards area was scenic - but the beachfront was kinda "low end". We've only visited it once.

Bormes would be a good choice - although it is a bit touristy.

How about Antibes???

Stu Dudley

frenchaucoeur

I was avoiding Antibes because I wanted to be away from the Nice orbit and because I"ve always founded it a bit crowded and hassling, although I know others love it.

Thanks for the tip about Bandol. Any thoughts about Sanary? There's an egregiously expensive hotel there that's kind of been my fallback, although it makes even the Negresco look cheap.

StuDudley

Never been to Sanary.

Stu Dudley

Sassafrass

Bookmarking. Sounds like a lovely trip.

Christina

They don't have any real high end hotels in Bormes. I think this one is about the top one, but may only be about a 3*. It looks pretty nice, I think. It does have AC.

http://www.chateauxhotels.com/hostel...u-cigalou-2669

I think this is the closest upscale hotel, in Lavandou https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/fr...ndou-cavaliere

frenchaucoeur

Thanks for all your advice. The more I thought about it, the more I leaned toward staying in Uzes, a town I love and which we've visited several times but always as a day trip, rather than somewhere on the coast, since we're not beach people and love mainly the ambiance of ancient buildings and streets. We've reserved a room at a gorgeous b&b in the town for five nights, and I am thrilled.

http://www.albiousse.com/eng/Welcome...-provence.html