Provence & the Côte d’Azur on a shoestring

Aug 3, 2009 4:58:06 AM

Caroline Sieg
Lonely Planet Author

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Glittery Cannes film festival, the celeb-filled resorts of St-Tropez and Antibes-Juan-les-Pins…when you think of Provence & the Côte d’Azur, you hardly think budget. But don’t fret - you can indulge in France’s jet-set playground without breaking the bank. All it takes is a little advance planning and a few tips.

July and August are off limits. Just don’t do it (unless you fancy being stuck in traffic in the agonising heat). Instead, go in May, June, September or October – when the weather is still warm, the traffic subsides and prices drop.

Pretend you’re living here for the week and rent a gîte (self-catering accommodation) - they range from charming villas to simple apartments. Check out Gîtes de France for the best selection of properties.

You came here for the food, right? Whether you rent a gîte or not, the market is your best source of local specialities - you’ll find everything you need for that perfect picnic or simple dinner. Market days vary by town, but most only last until mid-afternoon - make sure you ask about the closest food market (and its schedule) when you book your accommodation.

If you’ve just gotta stay in a hotel, base yourself in Marseille or Nice. In Marseille, hit the tourist office for one of their free walking-tour maps - the best one covers Le Panier, Marseille’s boho district. In Nice, hit the curvy lanes of Vieux (Old) Nice and take in the spectacular baroque architecture before going for a stroll along the famed Promenade des Anglais - come at sunset for unbeatable views of the sea and free people-watching entertainment.

Where would you rather be? Reading this article or lolling on a golden beach in the south of France? Thought so. Grab a copy of Lonely Planet’s Provence & the Côte d’Azur guidebook and make it happen!

Already planning your next trip? Do it the budget-stretching way with our Travel on a shoestring resource page.

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Comments

4 January 2010 4:49AM lestuff Report this comment
Thanks for the good advice! With a little effort travelers can eat, sleep, and live very well on a tight budget in the south of France.
For more great tips check out lestuff.wordpress.com
21 April 2010 5:57PM rebeccamar Report this comment
Especially in the summer months, there are always festivals or cultural events - generally on a music or food theme - put on at weekends by the mairies in the villages and towns across Provence. These are free to go along to and give a good dip into French life. Check Nice Matin or at the tourist office for what's on when you're there
Rebecca -- www.rebecca-marshall.com
22 November 2010 10:04PM kaceyrai Report this comment
*sigh* one of my best experiences was staying at an International School in Antibes, during august, learning french and spending the afternoons in the surrounding areas. Walking down Juan-les-pins at night is something not to be missed, with stalls lining the beach and a festive atmosphere in the air.
20 February 2011 7:47PM dreamsailing Report this comment
There's so much more to the Cote d'Azur than the tiresome celebrity stuff. Even St Tropez has hidden charm away from the huge motor yachts at the quayside. Follow the back streets to the old fishermen's beach where you can dine very well for a sensible price at La Ponche, the original fishermen's bar where Picasso used to sit and watch the bay. If it's lunch at the beach that you want, steer clear of the Plage de Pampelonne and go to Les Graniers at the Plage des Graniers, a short walk from St Tropez centre. Say that you'd like to sit at the water's edge when you book and you'll pretty much have your toes in the sea!
15 March 2012 11:29PM samuian Report this comment
sure "off the beaten track" has always been the backpackers target... anywhere, anytime and not to be mistaken for "cause it's cheaper", no way; more to experience and to discover, then with the plastic fantastic disney world arrays in the tourism arena hot spots!
something rather special is an event in April ind Camargue @ Marie St. la Mer when the gypsie's traditonally celebrate the festival of their patroness "black sarah"... fantastic cultural event, be there!