Hidden Gem: St Cyprien-Plage, Affordable French Riviera Paradise

The French Riviera is a place where the rich and famous come to enjoy their wealth. The shiny apartment buildings are lined with palm trees and designer shops. But there’s an alternative to the bling of Cannes or Nice – St Cyprien-Plage and the Languedoc Roussillon- a more affordable French Riviera. It might not be as glamorous, but it has something that many people miss when they visit France: enjoying France like the locals.

The Mediterranean Sea has always carried the exotic sound of a distant land. So, as I grew up far away from these great resorts like Nice, Cannes, etc., hearing about their fantastic amenities was all that French glamour to me. The first time I holidayed at the seaside was in Corsica when travelling via Nice for my ferry across this Holy Grail. Reaching our destination felt magical.

I have never been a big fan of the resorts in the South of Spain; they are too modern and not sophisticated enough for me. But then I moved to Nîmes for ten months…and fell in love with the Languedoc Roussillon region’s authentic charm.

I spent four summers in St Cyprien-plage, and it has always been a favourite destination for me. The people are laid back, the beaches wide with clean water that is safe to swim in without worrying about getting hit by someone else’s feet or waiting an hour to get on your towel! There were no show-offs like you see at many other beach resorts because there was plenty of room for everyone who wanted to enjoy their vacation. I couldn’t recommend this location more if you’re looking for something relaxing, five stars all around!!

With so many one-of-a-kind restaurants, bakeries and shops, you’ll never run out of fantastic dining options or things to buy.

Nearby, the villages of Port Vendres, Port Bou, and Collioure are worth a visit. The beautiful village of Cadaquès (a hot spot for Dali and Picasso) in Spain is only 41 kilometres away. When you go back to St Cyprien, instead of taking the motorway, take a drive via the coast. It’s the scenery that will leave your breath taken!

St Cyprien-Plage, The French Riviera without the bling. If you want to experience a slice of French culture with all the amenities and comforts of home and are looking for an affordable destination that’s surprisingly off the beaten path, look no further than this charming little coastal town in France’s Languedoc region. It is easy to see why people love it here: sandy beaches and pristine nature reserves within walking distance – there is something for everyone!