Cote D'Azure

[JaJaDingaling]

Calling all South of France experts - can anyone give me some advice as I'm finding it difficult to make a decision between staying at Saint Paul de Vence, Cassis, or Merton. I'm going to hire a SC villa/gite with a pool. It will be me, DS16 and DD18, DD18 will bring her 2 friends (as it's their last year before Uni so thought that would be nice for them). Beach close by would be great, (but not essential as we'll have a pool), and also I thought an area where the girls would be able to head to Nice, Cannes for the day/evening. I've never driven in Europe, but happy to hire a car, do you think I need one? I've found a villa in St Paul de Vence which has everything and also a separate cottage in the garden so ideal for the girls to have a bit of independence. But is St Paul de Vence a bit too sleepy? Can someone advise about Saint Paul de Vence? Or if anyone has any other advice I'd be really grateful. I've even been looking past Merton -into Liguria - but just so overwhelmed and could do with a bit of help. TIA

Would you consider Antibes?

I got married in St Paul de Venice and we’re just back from a trip to the S of F.

PdeV is beautiful but it is quiet. Vence nearby is also lovely. Not close to the beach though so you would definitely need a car.

With a car it is a good place to stay, shortish drive from Nice, Cannes, Antibes, St Jean Cap Ferrat and also able to take in a day in Monaco and even Italy if you choose. But definitely need a car! Also bear in mind that inland, away from the sea, was very very hot this summer.

If you want something more lively for teens Antibes or Nice may be better.

St Jean Cap Ferrat is quieter than either and upmarket but right on the sea and with better bus services to the other coastal towns.

Ah thank you @Thereisnolight hope you had a lovely time! I did fear PauldeVence might be a bit too quiet (great for me - not for the teens!) @GrazingSheep I'm going to look at Antibes as you've both recommended it, so I'll head over and look and also St Jean Cap Farrat sounds lovely too, so I'll pop that on the search! Thank you so much both of you, massive help!

Also there is a great local train service along the coast.