French Riviera -- Suggestions? Rex, are you out there??
 

We are going to France for 2 weeks in late August - early September, and would like to book a 3 or 4 star hotel. Any ideas? We are sort of leaning towards St. Tropez, but are not bound to any one city. We would also really appreciate any suggestions as to restaurants or activities (particularly any activities for children). Thanks!

Of course REX is out here...he's like chicken man ...he's everywhere , he's everywhere<BR><BR>or is that chicken S**t

I'm not an expert, but I think perhaps Beaulieu or Villefranche-sur-Mer might be better because it seems to me that St. Tropez is very difficult to get in and out of. Try doing a search on those two places while you're waiting for expert answers.

Absolutely go to St. Tropez, it's FABULOUS. Much more to do and see and eat and play than Beaulieu AND Villefranche sur mer. I went to all three and Cap d'Antibes, Cannes and Nice last summer. St. Tropez isn't any harder than the other above cities to get in/out of. They are all poplular. Villefranche is on the way to Monaco and very crowded.The port is cute and tiny. St. Tropez has a neater one with much more from which to choose. Hotels will cost you.

My experience(s) staying on the frech Reivera would have to be called pretty limited - - Antibes (solo) and Cavalaire-sur-Mer, with kids. Neither was a 3- or 4- star hotel. I suppose Antibes has such hotels at the beach. Cavalaire-sur-mer is very family-oriented, but I'm not sure it has ANY hotels right ON the beach. I think that Sue's comments about St. Tropez seem right on the money. Cavalaire-usr-mer is similarly located (in fact a little further west, I seem to recall).<BR><BR>Nice might not be high on any one's list because of the lack of sandy beaches. Cannes seems like it might be nice, and there certainly are upscale hotels there. And then the other suggestions probably have merit. And Eze?<BR><BR>This happens often when people write private e-mails to me. They thnink I have been everywhere and know everything. Remember that I get to pick and choose the questions I answer here. So I know a lot about the things I know about.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Hi CJ! We visited the area in October one year. Stayed in Cannes for 5 nights at the Grand Hotel. I have to say Cannes is the ONLY place in Europe (so far) that I didn't like. The old town part is nice, but the rest is lots of traffic, high rise hotels & condos. <BR><BR>The island off the coast is nice to visit however. If I remember, it's called Isle St. Margherite.<BR><BR>We really liked all the rest of the towns, Grasse, St. Paul du Vence, St. Tropez, Antibes. I'm sure hotel prices & traffic in the summer are outrageous, but St. Tropez is pretty fantastic!<BR><BR>Bon voyage!

to the top<BR>

Rex - can you elaborate on how Cavalaire-sur-mer is more "family oriented?" I have never been to the French Riviera and was also wondering whether this part of France might have activities to interest pre-teens. I notice CJ also asked about activities for children. Thank you very much.

Just a very subjective assessment on my part. Lots of families with kids there. Tons of stores selling rafts, paddleboats for rent, etc. Reminded me a bit of Ocean City NJ (I think) - - no boardwalk though, or salt water taffy! <BR><BR>:(<BR><BR>

Cast my vote for some place east of Cannes. St. Tropez is very nice, but heavy traffic getting in and out may make you feel trapped there. If you want to be on the beach, Cap d'Antibes or Cap Ferrat (a bit older crowd) are the nicest. Cannes has more to do, but may seem a bit honky-tonk. Personally, I would stay inland, where the towns and area have their own charm too, (say in St. Paul de Vence - Mas d'Artigny is beautiful hotel), and make a day trip or two to the beaches. Have fun.

Thanks to everyone for responding. I really appreciate the advice. And yes, I named you personally, Rex, since you are SO knowledgeable, and always so friendly and polite in your e-mails. :)

Very flattered.<BR><BR>And appreciative of your kind remarks.<BR>

Another vote for Cavalaire-sur-mer, for kids. Such a simple thing those rental paddleboats. Such a welcome relief from cathedral overload!<BR>

We stayed in St. Maxime (across the bay from St. Tropez. Rented a house so I can't help with hotels, but we loved the area. We were 3 families with 6 kids ranging from age 2 to 17. Nice central market area, great for shopping and strolling in the evening. Nice park, right on the bay, perfect for the younger kids. And, a beach with sand! We took the ferry across to St. Tropez - easy and fun to do. I thought this town was more family-oriented than St. Tropez.

Deb, this is exactly what I am looking for!!<BR><BR>How did you find the house you rented??<BR><BR>Hopefully you will still see this message.<BR><BR>Thanks, Marcia

Marcia, I'm bringing this to the top for you. Hope you will be able to reach Deb so she can tell you how she found the house she rented. If not Deb, then I'm sure someone here will be able to help you. <BR><BR>Best wishes for a great family vacation!