France/Italy borders or France/Spain borders?

[MangosteenSoda]

I’m struggling to find the right place for this summer. First couple of weeks of August (no flexibility unfortunately).

I’m looking at places in Cap d’Ail (just east of Monaco) or in Ospedaletti just over the Italian border, west of San Remo. Need a 2 bed, 2 bathroom place with parking and a bit of comfortable outdoor space. I think I’ve found a couple of good options here, but I’m unsure about the area. Any thoughts?

I’d originally been looking at the coast from Bilbao up to Biarritz but was really finding it difficult to find a coastal place, in budget that suits what we want. Again, any words of wisdom much appreciated!

Liguria is lovely and the train line runs along the whole coast.

St Jean de Luz is lovely - on the coast not far from Biarritz

Both are lovely but San Remo will be busier.

Thanks for the replies. Has anyone been to either Cap d’Ail or Ospedaletti? I like a nice walkable town/village with a few shops, nice restaurants/cafes and a beach. I’m a bit unsure about the regimented Italian beaches… but probably prefer Italian restaurants!

Usually alternate beachy/pottering days with sightseeing days which is why we will have a car but I do also like the option of public transport so the railway sounds good. I’d love to hear any day trip recommendations!

I just can’t seem to find anywhere affordable to stay on the Basque coastline. I’ve looked at all the towns and think my wish list (in part to suit the requirements of an ASD DC) is just a bit too aspirational

Hi, I know the area between Monaco and the Italian border pretty well (essentially Roquebrune and Menton along the coast, plus all the mountain villages behind). If you can give us an idea of where you‘ve found good holiday lets, I might well have been to that specific area.
Generally I really love it there, it has a unique vibe, but there are some issues.

We‘ve also been on holiday close to the Spanish border, in Gruissan. Also loved it, we had some great day trips (Carcassonne, Narbonne, rafting in the mountains, a vineyard tour, horse riding). We loved the Occitane history in particular.

In both places the French rule of thumb held true: great food, whether restaurants or self-catering from food markets, but dreadful, dreadful bathrooms with 1970s tiling - perhaps it’s better if you go more upmarket than we did, but during the school holidays the prices are horrendous even for places that are practically falling apart.

I can let you know more about Menton in a DM, if you like.

St Jean de Luz is gorgeous as@BiggerBoat1 has already said. Beautiful restaurant’s and beaches.

Also have a look at Bayonne?

Thanks all. I have ended up booking a place in Cap D’Ail, quite close to Nice. The combination of proximity to beach and restaurants, view, accommodation and price were the deciding factors in the end.