The French riviera off the beaten path

The French riviera off the beaten pathThe French riviera off the beaten pathPristine beaches, charming villages, mouth-watering food, and deep blue Mediterranean waters - the Cote dAzur is a destination that many dream about visiting. Aroundfive million tourists visit the areaevery year making it the 2nd most popular destination in France after Paris. If its on your bucket list too, and youre starting to plan, no doubt youre considering the super popular destinations like Cannes, St. Tropez and Nice. But stop right there.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreAdding a few of the ultra-charming out of the way towns to the itinerary will ensure an escape from the crowds and provide some cultural insight. Plus, an off-the-beaten-path French Riviera experience will add a little of the magic that youve always imagined was at the core of the luxurious south of France.crme de cassisCassis is a fishing port flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs and overlooked by an age-old chteau (where you can actually stay). But the real reason to visit is for the many trails that lead to Calanque Den Vau, a national park boasting dramatic views of the Mediterranean and secluded beaches that can only be accessed by hiking to them.After a day on the trails, enjoy the lovely white wine made by local wineries situated near the narrow streets and pastel-colored buildings of this tiny town close to Marseilles. Cafes and restaurants lining the streets create the perfect end of the day setting for a true French meal and the casual atmosphere and seaside locale are ideal for sunsets.Where to StayChteau de Cassisibis La Ciotat HotelLe Jardin dEmileMentonBordering Italy, this village is a wonderful juxtaposition between French and Italian culture, architecture, and cuisine. Menton is a must-see, an oft-overlooked town as picturesque as they come. Its 18th-century bell tower adds an elegant air t o the medieval city with colorful buildings and restaurants lining the marina. Menton boasts a micro-climate that is said to be regularly 3 -degrees Celsius warmer than the rest of France on any given day.When visiting, make sure to enjoy the culinary delights at the 2-Michelin starred Mirazur, which has consistently been ranked inthe Worlds 50 Best. Mirazur is going to be far less crowded than the other fantastic restaurants on the Cote dAzur simply because of its location here. After enjoying the exotic gardens around Menton, be sure to stroll to the edge of the marina to capture the best shot of the charming town.Where to StayPrince of Wales HotelHtel NapoleonGrand Htel des AmbassadeursNiceNice is not exactly off-the-beaten-path. Its the 4th-largest city in France and a prime destination on the French Riviera with one of the largest international airports in the region. Still, this very popular, crowded, and touristy city should still not be missed. The city has the most museums and cultural sites in the south of France. It can be the perfect home base if you prefer to stick to one hotel and enjoy day-trips to the small towns and villages along the coast and in the surrounding hills.The beaches in Nice are the best on the Cote dAzur. Along the sea is a pathway called The Promenade des Anglais that andrangs about 7 km stretching from the Nice airport to Castle Hill. Beginning in the 18th century the English aristocracy chose Nice for their winter residences and convinced the French to construct the path which is still aptly named today. Lining the beautiful walkway are numerous private beach clubs where you can snag a lounge chair on the smooth rocky beach for the day and enjoy the brilliant sun and warm Mediterranean waters.Where to StayMarch aux FleursLa NegresoMercure Nice Centre Notre-DameVencePerched in the mountains off the coast lies the ultra-charming city of Vence. Strolling along its streets youll feel as if youre taking one step after another back in time. The beautiful stone buildings in this market town make it seem like its the most authentic French Riviera escape. While the other towns lining the sea are bursting with French culture, they dont come close to transporting you to the real France like Vence.The Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence boasts some of Matisses last works surrounded by stunning, colorful stained glass. Vence is an art town. As you walk the streets, youll find plenty of galleries with both paintings and sculptures by local artists for an affordable price. Vence is up and away from the coast so its elevation provides dramatic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding area.Where to StayChteau Saint-Martin SpaHtel Les Vergers de Saint-PaulChteau Le Cagnardle Sainte-MargueriteEnjoy island life on the le Sainte-Marguerite, a small island off the coast near Cannes. Regular ferries run from Cannes run every 15-minutes making it convenient to go for the day. There are only about 20 houses on the island in a historic village by the dock, but its still worth adding to the itinerary. It boasts quiet forests and secluded coves that make it easy to escape the commercial side of Cannes to perhaps explore a romantic daydream of your own.The 17th-century fort on the island gained notoriety for housing theMan in the Iron Mask- a prisoner during the time of Louis XIV and immortalized by writers Voltaire Alexander Dumas. The tour is fascinating and the island boasts beautiful beaches and scenic trails where you can lose track of time. le Sainte-Marguerite is a special and very unique addition to your visit to the Cote dAzur.Where to StayInterContinental Carlton CannesJW Marriott CannesHtel Barrire Le Majestic CannesThis article first appeared on TravelSquire.com .