Looking for a good place to stay off the beaten track

Previously we%26#39;ve stayed in gites in rural French villages, which we love, and would now like to visit Provence in September, and do likewise. Is this possible in such a popular tourist area? We really would like the best of both worlds - to stay away from the crowds, but still to visit all the main attractions and beaches. (We%26#39;ll be hiring a car to get around) Would also like to know about bicycle hire, is anyone can advise.

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Hello Capie,

Provence is a vast area, most of which is anything but crowded. Only the coastal strip is really busy and then only in summer. Go ten kilometres inland and, even in August, things are pretty quiet. I go cycling from Villefranche and see very little traffic after I have left the coast. Even the Haute Corniche, a famous road with magnificent coastal views, is almost traffic free.

I suggest you do a search for Provence rental property. There are thousands of places to rent and price drops dramatically as you get away from the coast.

I have my own bike so don%26#39;t rent but there are plenty of places renting cheap bikes suitable for short rides. Three or four places in Nice, for example, although riding a bike in Nice is not much fun.

Bob

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