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Patou's avatar

I've visited Provence, Cannes, St.Tropez, Frejus, Cagnes Sur Mer (Renoir's home), Nice and other gorgeous places in the South of France. Renting a car is suggested-you can easily drive from one place to another, including the gorgeous St. Remy and Les Beaux region. Another great experience is taking a boat trip through the Calanques in Cassis, and spending some time on the beach there. I usually prefer to stay in a rental apt,. when I travel (I have an apt. that I rent yearly in Paris) because you can live more as a local than when staying in a hotel. But that's a personal preference. Favorite restaurants are Maison Bacon in Antibes, and La Mere Besson in Cannes...but there are incredible places throughout the South.Passez un bon vacance!

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Heidi's avatar

Would you be williing to share the apartment you stay in?

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Patou's avatar

Do you mean the apt. That I rent in Paris? If so, I’ve been renting directly from the owner for 13 years- we’ve become very friendly..

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Patou's avatar

I’ve ben to the South of France- Provence, Cannes et Nice many times. It’s worth it to rent a car abd drive to the gorgeous towns of St. Remy, Les Beaux, Arles, Cagney sur Mer , Cap D’Antibes, Ftejus, and St. Tropez. We’d stayed in a great hotel in Cannes, Hotel Cristal, and another in Aix- Roi Rene. I rent an apt yearly in Paris and prefer apt. renting to hotels- more of a local feel( for me, at least). If you’ve time , a boat trip through the Calanques, in Cassis, is highly recommended. Passez un Bon voyage!

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lyndabiggs3's avatar

Dear Rebecca, you will have a wonderful trip.

St Paul de Vence, Grasse, perfume experiences Antibes...Cocteau's painted Chapel?...Cagnes sur Mer...Renoir's studio...many years since we visited...I am 80 now but fervently hope to fit in 1 more visit to this magical region..

Profites bien ma cherie.

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Wanda Sobran's avatar

Cocteau’s painted chapel is in Villefranche sue mer !

Go to Mere Germaine in Villefranche , wonderful restaurant on waterfront with incredible view of Cap Ferrat !

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Wendy's avatar

I am so jealous! Have a wonderful time.

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Melissa's avatar

Take the train between cities if you can, even just once. I love visiting this area. The train is easy and you see such beautiful views, the beaches.

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John M. Canteberry's avatar

About 20 minutes from Nice.

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Sacha Cohen's avatar

Sounds like a fantastic itinerary and good call on going to Grasse instead of Cannes. I spent a few summers in Juan le Pins near Antibes as a kid. I want to go back and hear it’s still lovely.

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Daniel Gremillion's avatar

I wish you had time to stay at the Hotel Welcome in Villefranche Sur Mer. Much fun! While on your trip be sure to visit the museum of the great chef, Auguste Escoffier in Villeneuve Loubet.

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Heather Thompson's avatar

We visited Antibes two years in a row, staying at Belles Rives, because we loved it. On the recommendation of the concierge the first year, we had supper at Le Perroquet. We loved it and returned the second year! It’s a nice walk from the Belles Rives. I also had one of my most favorite salad nicoise ever at the Fitzgerald Piano Bar in the Belles Rives. My top tip is don’t attempt to drive in Eze if you go!

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John M. Canteberry's avatar

And if going to EZE wear the appropriate shoes!!! No high heels, quel domage!

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Claudine stadelmann's avatar

This sounds like an amazing trip and I'm happy to have read you switched Cannes, as amazing as it is for Grasse. My parents built a home in Grasse in the 70s when I was a young teenager and had some of the best summers there! The town of Grasse is the perfume capital and walking in the village you will smell the flowers. I will be heading to Provence next month with one of my sisters and we have a dinner planned at Clover Gordes, which I am so excited for. We had some friends that ate/stayed there last month and thoroughly enjoyed it. I cannot wait to hear about your travels!

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Laura Draudt's avatar

I really enjoyed my stay at Hotel Cantemerle in Vence (the property is beautiful). Had a wonderful dinner at ONICE in Nice.

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Ebru's avatar

Hi,

It would be nice to have your hotel recommendations for Nice

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Rosa's avatar

I concur about the boat cruise in the Calenques in Cassis! I did that at sunset and it was gorgeous! The whole town looked golden.

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Rosa's avatar

I concur about the boat cruise in the Calenques in Cassis! I did that at sunset and it was gorgeous! The whole town looked golden.

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Marybeth kenny's avatar

Enjoy your trip! Seems wonderful!!!

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John M. Canteberry's avatar

Been to Menton a number of times. Last town in France before crossing the Italian border. A great municipal market, walkable, sandy beaches, casino, a Jean Cocteau museum, and even a small Galerie Layfayette. A world class restaurant, Mirazur, just outside of the ville. The city really is a little jewel but then again it's France!!!

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