Where should I go in the south of France?

June 2, 2009 10:01 AM

Can you recommend a great place to stay in the south of France in early september?

Thanks for reading. Myself and my partner are going to have about two weeks in France in early september. We're spending the first week in Paris. The second week is still open though. The only requirement is that we'd have to get out to Marseilles once, and that's it. Looking at weather charts, it seem that early september might still be nice and warm, so possibly somewhere near the beach? I really don't know what south of france is like, so any advice is most welcome. I'd like to relax and explore the local area. That's about it.

Thanks again.

posted by aeighty to travel & transportation (5 comments total)

Villefranche, Beaulieu or St Jean Cap Ferrat. All are magnificent, and it's not hard to stay cheaply. Around 100 miles from Marseille though, so you may want something closer. If distance is not a problem, then Collioure by the Spanish border is also lovely.
posted by fire&wings at 10:17 AM on June 2

A very specific recommendation, but I stayed at Les Olivettes in Lourmarin a couple of years ago and it was really lovely. They have a pool, which sort of stands in for the beach, and it's about and hour away from Marseilles. It's in the Luberon, and phenomenally gorgeous.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 10:40 AM on June 2

Anywhere on the SNCF costal trackline, should put you in easy access of Marseilles. Villefranche sur la Mer is delightful and allows for easy access to Nice/Monaco/Cannes.
posted by stratastar at 12:15 PM on June 2

One of the wonderful towns in the Luberon region. I spent a few weeks in a tiny town called Joucas. It's an absolutely magical region WAY off the beaten path. Most likely to find accommodations in Roussillon or Gordes, or try Arles if you want something more mainstream.
posted by nax at 3:33 PM on June 2

Carcassonne is nice, around 45 minutes (on the autoroute) from the coast but a fair old drive to Marseilles.

As for the time of year, yep, early September is normally fine, most people don't close outdoor pool for winter until early October. Lots of historic sites and places to visit, I have done the trip down to Barcelona for the day from Carcassonne for the day and also been up into the Pyrenees and to Andorra.
posted by Z303 at 4:15 AM on June 3