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Antony Boomer, House of Travel Otago Q. What are the best, budget-friendly and less touristy spots along the French Riviera? Or should I look beyond France?
The more secluded, less touristy spots along the French Riviera do tend to be the domain of well-heeled hotels and multi-million dollar real estate.
Cannes can be expensive but a smaller town such as Antibes may be a better bet. If you use local transport and eat from the magnificent French supermarkets, your money will go further.
Just north of the Riviera lies Provence, one of the most beautiful areas in France, with an appealing climate, picture postcard villages and top wines and cuisine. In this area there are villas to meet most budgets and with a car you would have access to the Riviera.
For something different, have a think about Greece. Seaside towns like Nafplio, Monemvassia, Koroni and Methoni attract tourists but nothing like the numbers on the Riviera and the costs are very manageable.
Less well-known Greek islands can offer seaside locations at a reasonable cost. Somewhere like Naxos, from where you can do a day trip to Santorini.
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