Recommendations France

[Travellingwomble]

I want to go to France for a week. I want some sun/heat markets and nice coffee shops/ eateries . Going on my own and just want to potter. All the better if there is a pool. Any recommendations for an area that's not to remote would be appreciated. I'm UK so can fly into somewhere central and train from there. No driving though. Thinking Nantes/Nice but not sure about markets in these areas. It will be a last minute thing and in the next few weeks . Any suggestions welcome? Thanks in advance.

Chamonix is known as a ski resort but imo its much more beautiful in the Summer. Perfect to just wander around. There's a market every Saturday in the square. Lovely food. There's the town swimming pool which is outdoor with sun loungers and slides.

Also, despite being lovely and warm, there are always snow capped mountains in the distance.

Also, you fly into Geneva and catch the bus to Chamonix Town centre.

Most towns have a market, so you should be able to find something suitable quite easily. It's rainy season here (Mediterranean/Cevennes) at the moment, so maybe avoid areas such as Montpellier (it can also be lovely so it's hit and miss).

Thanks for the recommendations.

Antibes.

Sarlat in the Dorgogne has a huge market although can be quite touristy. Also not sure how feasible it is to get to on public transport.
a better/ alternative bet might be Annecy. Can’t say for sure it’s got a market but it’s absolutely gorgeous town for wandering round, on a beautiful lake. Plus is v easy to get to from airport ( Geneva)

Fly to Nice but stay in Vence

I would also recommend Annecy. Maybe stay a bit away from the town centre itself as it's heaving but there's a bus that runs frequently around one side of the lake. Lots of rentals and hotels. Fly into Geneva.

Nantes is a really pretty town, there is a castle that is free to walk round, a very good art gallery, isle des machines is just bonkers. And it has an airport so it's easy to get to. It also has an excellent biscuit making history, both BN and Lu are/were Nantes companies.

Aix en Provence is gorgeous and a good base to discover hill villages in the Luberon region. Fly to Marseille.

I agree about Aix-en-Provence and would also add Arles.

Lots of excellent Roman ruins and markets to enjoy.