costa brava or cote d'azur??

[newdaynewname]

Trying to decide between areas: thinking about round Begur - calella Palafrugell/Tamariu etc.
Or that stretch between Hyeres and St Tropez (around Lavandou/Bormes/L Londes etc)
Has anyone been to both and can compare?
Ideally looking for lovely beaches with soft sand, gently shelving beaches, more bay/cove style (not big roads, buildings behind the beach).
I know both areas are expensive but how do they compare costs wise?
Which would be less hideously busy in peak season?
Or any general recommendations?
Thank you so much in advance - I've been doing loads of internet research but think I'm losing the plot and fancy a human recommendation now!

The beaches near Calella have quite dark coarse sand but the area is cheaper than the South of France.

Thanks fluffy! Dark coarse sand? Really? That might be a deal breaker. I want to pretend I've flown in to an exotic location with powder white sand!

I did think spain is generally supposed to be cheaper than france but wondered if that more upmarket stretch of costa brava was on a par with south of france?

We go to that part of the costa brava regularly. It is beautiful, but not pure white sand. We go in the October half term when it is nice and quiet. I imagine it could be very busy in August though as the beaches are quite small and the villages are at the bottom of valleys so not much space for big carparks.

Le Lavandou is lovely and would tick your boxes for soft sand, gently shelving beaches etc. There are lots of different ones to choose from. We were there in late July/early August last year and the smaller beaches were packed like sardines, but the main resort beach is more spacious.

If you can, go last 2 weeks of August when it's less busy, and choose accommodation within walking distance of the beach, as traffic/parking can be difficult.

Agree that Le Lavandou is lovely. And a short drive to Gigaro plage, which is one of my faves. Also Cavaliere and Cabasson.

Thanks for all of this. Am honing in on Lavandou region... just need to find a decent self catering place - any tips welcome!

Is Le Lavandou town itself worth staying in, as I think there may be more accommodation there, or is it better to be based somewher else?

I have this place bookmarked.