Tired of big city European sightseeing? Need a little respite from the museums but unsure whether the French Riviera is right for your backpacking budget? Do yourself a favor and stop in Cassis—otherwise known as the poor man’s St. Tropez. I landed here somewhere between the Arc d’ Triumph and the Uffizi and reclaimed my sanity beachside. It’s a bit crowded in the summer (which I think is kind of the only time to visit weather-wise), but the buzz is all part of the Riviera experience.  more...