These Saint-Tropez alternatives offer the same French Riviera charm at a fraction of the price. In these magical resort towns, you can avoid annoying crowds of vacationers.
The Mediterranean resort of Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera was recently recognized as one of the most spoiled tourist destinations for holidays. On a hot summer day, 80 thousand tourists can flock to this town with a population of just over 3.5 thousand people – it got to the point that the mayor’s office even called on guests to come there in the spring, not in the summer.
However, Saint-Tropez is far from the only resort on the French Cote d’Azur. There are still plenty of other magical places where holidays are much cheaper and there are no crowds.
Travel publication Travel Off Path named four resorts on the French Riviera where you can relax comfortably this summer.
Menton
1. Menton. This resort on the border with Italy is often called the most colorful city in France, with its brightly colored waterfront houses, iconic yellow bell tower and many Franco-Italian eateries. Although this place is quite popular, especially as a day trip for residents of Nice and Italians from Liguria, it is still much less crowded than in crowded Saint-Tropez.
In addition to the beautiful city landscape, tourists are attracted to the famous lemon gelato, which can be found for less than 3 euros in any gelateria on the marina (they say that local lemons have a unique taste, for which Menton is even called the lemon capital of Europe). Meanwhile, the local restaurant Le Petit Port, which serves juicy octopus salads and other fresh seafood, offers delicious food for 20-25 euros.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
2. Villefranche-sur-Mer. Although this town is very close to Monaco, one of the most expensive places on the French Riviera, it has a much more relaxed atmosphere – with a modern promenade lined with beer bars and shops. Meanwhile, its Old Town retains much of the vintage vibe of the 1950s: muted tones, floral arches, and all that, except that there are no Monaco crowds or arrogant attitudes.
When it comes to prices, the 3-star La Citadelle Hotel costs just over 150 euros per night for two people in May, and is just a few steps from the picturesque sandy and pebble beach of Plage de la Darse. For dinner, La Baleine Joyeuse is available for around 20 euros.
Antibes
3. Antibes. Founded by the Greeks in ancient times, this ancient spa town is known for its walled historic center, which has remained virtually untouched since the 16th century, and the bustling port of Vauban, where luxury yachts usually dock all day.
Antibes is the quintessence of the French Riviera: narrow buildings with green shutters, painted in every imaginable pastel shade, lined with bougainvillea alleys and artisan ice cream shops specializing in unique tastes.
Antibes is also incredibly well located on the coast, midway between Nice and Cannes, but it may seem relatively quiet as it hasn’t achieved the same level of fame on Instagram, let alone its relative cheapness: renting a private room in a beachfront apartment will cost around 80 euros for two people.
Porquerolles
4. Porquerolles. Most tourists don’t really know that there is a group of Hyeres Islands lying just off the south of France, and if you crave absolute peace and escape from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera, Porquerolles is the place for you. Covering an area of only 12.5 square kilometers, with a permanent population of about 200 inhabitants (multiplied by 50 in summer), it is a natural oasis offering secluded sandy beaches washed by crystal clear sea and authentic culture.
It is worth noting that since Porquerolles is a tiny island, there are a limited number of accommodation options, with prices ranging from 250 to 350 euros per night. However, it is often visited as a day trip from Hyères, a city on the mainland where studio rentals start at the much cheaper 85 euros per night.
Note: prices in this article were collected when it was written and may have changed. Please confirm current prices on the official websites before your trip.
Looking for more Saint-Tropez alternatives along the Riviera? Browse our roundup of 18 best resorts on the Côte d’Azur and the short-break favorite in Nice as a perfect Côte d’Azur city break. Official France planning for the coast starts at France.fr’s French Riviera page.
Saint-Tropez alternatives at a glance
- Menton: colorful town on the Italian border, famous for lemons
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: bay-side town next to Nice and Monaco
- Antibes: old Greek-founded town between Nice and Cannes
- Porquerolles: car-free island in the Hyères archipelago
Saint-tropez alternatives: frequently asked questions
Why look beyond Saint-Tropez?
Travel Off Path notes Saint-Tropez was recently recognized as one of the most spoiled tourist destinations. On a hot summer day, about 80 thousand tourists can flock to a town with just over 3.5 thousand residents — so much that the mayor’s office called on guests to come in spring instead of summer.
Which four Riviera resorts does the article recommend?
Menton (colorful waterfront near Italy, lemon gelato under €3, seafood around €20–25 at Le Petit Port), Villefranche-sur-Mer (relaxed near Monaco; La Citadelle Hotel just over €150 for two in May; dinner around €20 at La Baleine Joyeuse), Antibes (walled historic center and Port Vauban; beachfront private room around €80 for two), and Porquerolles (Hyères Islands oasis of about 12.5 km² with ~200 permanent residents; island stays €250–350, or day-trip from mainland studios from about €85).
What stands out in Menton and Antibes?
Menton is often called France’s most colorful city and the lemon capital of Europe thanks to local citrus. Antibes was founded by the Greeks, keeps a historic center largely unchanged since the 16th century, sits midway between Nice and Cannes, and is framed as quieter and relatively cheaper than Instagram-famous peers.
Which of these Saint-Tropez alternatives is best for a first trip?
Antibes is the easiest all-rounder: it sits between Nice and Cannes, has a historic old town and beaches, and is well connected by train.
Can you visit Porquerolles as a day trip?
Yes. Porquerolles is a small island reached by ferry, and with limited accommodation many visitors come for the day.
Related guides on Enjoy The Trip: France Coastal Gems: 20 Best Resorts by the Sea, Collioure: The Colorful French Seaside Town Near Spain You’ll Love, Verdon Gorge: How to Explore France’s Spectacular Canyon.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
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