When I say the South of France, I bet you instantly think of sunning yourself on a yacht in Cannes, Nice or St Tropez. Well I say it’s nice if you can afford it! But you don’t have to have a budget as big a super yacht to experience life in the South of France; you just have to be savvy about where to stay!
La Ciotat and the neighbouring towns of Cassis and Bandol are not only quaint and charming but they are the more affordable options if you are looking for some sunshine on the southern French coast. Admittedly further away from the likes of Nice or Cannes and not strictly on the Côte d’Azur, La Ciotat is a bit of a wildcard but good rail links connect you with neighbouring tourist spots in the matter of an hour or two depending on how far along the coast you want to travel.
If you’re looking for a more secluded relaxing stay where you can experience exceptional French cuisine, watch the fisherman go about their daily activities, swim and drink local rose wine in the sunshine then there is no better place. I’d also recommend staying and/or eating at the family run guest house Figuerolles. The place is really magical and it’s really true when they say – if you like the calm, the quietness, the sea and the sun, you will find your happiness to Figuerolle. They don’t have a TV or allow cell phones because they say it interferes with the calm of the place and the beautiful noise the cigales make (grasshoppers).
Ever been to the South of France? Where was your favourite spot?
.
This post was written by Lorna Stokes, part of the travelettes team from 2009 to 2013. Originally from the UK but currently based in Brussels after stints in Canada, Peru, Italy and a job for the French military, she’s always had an unquenchable thirst for exploring new places! She’s still traveling the world with her family so catch up with her adventures on Instagram &Twitter.
1 Comment