We're looking for a pretty place on or near the coast to pass the couple of days of our June 2016 visit to the south of France (bases in Uzes and Cotignac), We have no desire to stay in Nice or anywhere east of Nice. I've been thinking about Hyeres but am afraid it may be too big and too modern except for the old section, so I've started to look elsewhere. I'm thinking Grimaud maybe. I love Cassis but we'll have to catch a flight out of Nice to return home and I'd like a shorter drive--but may reconsider. We're not interested in beaches or sports, just a lovely, atmospheric place to stroll where we can find a cafe in a beautiful place and contemplate. Also thinking Bormes.

In 2014 we spent the last day in Biot. That's the kind of thing I'm looking for. Other ideas? Thanks for your suggestions.

Grimaud is indeed quite nice.
We stayed at a very nice place. La Bastide de something.

Hyeres is as you describe but worth a visit. Bormes or ramatuelle or Gassin.
Gassin is on top of a hill and full of restaurants. Our favorite is the Micocoulier

Thanks, What. I just checked the flight schedule for Delta's one nonstop to New York and it leaves in the morning (I could have sworn the last few times we made this flight it left midafternoon). Anyway, this changes my thinking--I'm definitely not signing up for a two-hour drive to Nice when I have to make an 11.30 flight. So now I'm thinking maybe Mougins or Vence? We really liked Biot but want to try someplace different.

We visited Mougins (for the second time) last June and were underwhelmed. Vence will place you in an area with lots of interesting villages to explore (St Paul, Tourrettes, Vence itself & many more) and scenic drives to take into the beautiful Nice Hinterlands.

Stu Dudley

I like Mougins - we've got a good friend there.

But for once I fully agree with Stu : Mougins is simply not worth a stop. Ugly may be too much, charmless is a minimum.

How about the island of Porquerolles?

The island of Porquerolles looks like paradise.
Notre-Dame beach has been elected as the best beach of Europe 2015 (http://www.europeanbestdestinations....n-europe-2015/).
Some photos there : http://www.hyeres-tourism.co.uk/arti...ropean-beach-1

We spent a week in Hyères near the Port last month. I found the centre ville to be quite and not at all touristy-the lack of lavender shops and tablecloths was refreshing.

My children were sailing so we were near the port- quiet this time of year but probably really picks up in the summer months.

If you end up there- we enjoyed the Route du Sel and the ferry to Port Cros national park(again, quiet this time of year).
http://provenanceal.blogspot.fr/2016...nd-island.html

Other suggestions might be Theole-sur-mer or St. Remy.

Bon Voyage!