Reven

We (two adults, two boys aged 8 and 12) are traveling tp Paris in the beginning of July. I think we will stay in an apartment at Ils-St. Louis. After 4-5 days we have 5 days to fill before we meet up with two other families in Lavagna, Italy (near Portofino) and stay there for a week.

We wanted to stay at the French rivera, Villefranche/Antibes or something, but I would like other suggestions. We want AC and a pool (or beach side). I understand that it depends on what we want, but trouble is I don't really know. I went to St. Raphael as a teenager and would like to show the kids Eze. Maybe we should stay in San Remo? Or the countryside? Avignon? Or something completely different?

traveller1959

Côte d'Azur is certainly a good idea. I just checked www.homeaway.com for vacation rentals in Côte d'Azur/Riviera and still found a good choice of villas with pool at affordable rates (I understand you are not on a tight budget). Villas with pools are usually in the hinterland.

Select a beautiful villa and than look at the location. I does not matter too much where you are, since you will go on daytrips in all directions. Vence, Valbonne, Puget-sur-Argens, Mougins - all are fine.

Or, for a lower price level, maybe this one appeals to you:

http://www.pierreetvacances.com/gb-e...esterel-resort

Reven

Thanks, forgot to mention we would like to manage without a car.

traveller1959

Without a car, you can forget Provence completely, also a beautiful villa in the hinterland of the Côte d'Azur. Your choice of accomodation will be limited to hotels and apartment houses near the train and bus stations.

In this case, I would start looking for accomodation in Antibes, Juan-les-Pins and Cannes. In any case, avoid Villeneuve-Loubet and Cro de Cagnes!

The Côte has fairly good public transport, but you will miss these incredibly scenic drives on the coastal roads and have only views through dirty windows of public buses.

But you may think twice.

Mimar

It does look like the French Riviera is your best bet. Since you're also staying on the Ligurian coast. Happily the bus windows are not always dirty and you can take trains for some trips. And, with city buses and taxis, you don't always need to stay near the bus and train stations. Looks like you prefer smaller towns, however.

For us to make specific suggestions, how much do you want to spend per night for a hotel? And do you want one family room or 2 rooms?

Underhill

Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer would do nicely for someone without a car, as there are excellent rail connections for going all along the coast. There are a number of hotels with pools in Nice that are also near the beach; have a look at La Pérouse for starters. It's a lovely small hotel in real Provençal style, close to Vieux Nice.

Reven

I think perhaps Cannes is good, not to big? We get the big city done in Paris, but would like restaurants and some shops. Love old towns. Can of course have a car, but enjoy a glass of wine while dining and I thought trains/bus was pretty good in the area? I need one or interconnecting rooms. Will check out la Perouse, thanks!
I'd rather not spend more than 300 euros a night (but might if the location is worth it).

Tulips

If you like old towns, then Antibes would be perfect. Good rail connections, and plenty of restaurants.
Only thing is that there are no good hotels (at least that I know of) in the old town. The Royal Antibes is just outside the old town (walking distance) and right on the beach. Don't know if it has a pool though.

Nice is good too - but a large city. Cannes is quite a big town, but has more of a 'resort' feel. Plenty of good hotels with pools, and it does have an old town with some great restaurants. Good public transport links from all of these places.