Travel expert Simon Calder has highlighted one of his preferred choices for an autumn escape, the charming seaside town of Cassis, situated in southern France. Simon noted that numerous affordable flights are on offer from UK airports, with fares beginning at £43 from London, while average temperatures in August climb to 28C.

Cassis is also remarkably tourist-friendly, making it a perfect option for pensioners wanting an affordable yet convenient destination. The town lies 20km east of Marseille, from where visitors can take a 20-25 minute train journey to Cassis, followed by a brief bus transfer. According to TripAdvisor, the top attraction in Cassis is the Parc national des Calanques, which boasts a 4.7 rating, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Entry to the national park is complimentary, with one holidaymaker writing, "I was not familiar with the calanques; there are several of them, and to visit them, there is a lovely walk that leads all the way to the sea."

Another stated, "A creation of breathtaking nature. These sea laces between two cliffs are superb and reveal small hidden beaches, accessible only on foot, by boat or kayak, as well as a very well-known and impressive climbing spot. We visited some coves by boat from the port of Cassis. See if you're passing through the South."

A third remarked, "A must in Cassis. Breathtakingly beautiful to experience the cliffs. An absolute highlight. Combined with a hike, a dream."

Another "beautiful" in the seaside town is the Port de Cassis, which boasts a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor. The harbour serves as an excellent walking destination for visitors catching boats, with numerous bars and restaurants lining the waterfront.

One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: "Always nice, friendly traders, very clean city, beautiful setting."

A second remarked: "Very nice port, with lots of charm and many activities nearby. Restaurants and hotels nearby offering a pleasant stay. A beautiful destination to discover or rediscover."

Finally, a third observed: "We had a cruise excursion here and it was one of our favorite places. We still talk about how adorable this area was. Everything was colorful, and the people were nice."

Simon Calder said: "I just came back from Côte d'Azur on Friday, and it was absolutely magical, particularly the lovely town of Cassis. Beautiful port, very close to St Tropez. It's just a gorgeous place, the food is great!".

"You can even take a bus from Marseille that costs £3 and takes you around one of the greatest drives in the world."

Fellow travel expert Sam noted on her blog theblondescout that Cassis represented "one of the nicest surprises" while living in France.

"This small fishing town is colourful, quaint and next to one of the most extraordinary landscapes I have ever witnessed: the dramatic limestone inlets that make up the Calanques between Cassis and Marseille."

She continued by highlighting that due to its small scale, Cassis is "very walkable and easy to get around".

"All of the streets are picture-perfect and have that colourful French Riviera vibe! Our favourite little square was at the bougainvillaea-filled Place Baragnon."

Other locations recommended by travel expert Simon Calder include the Algarve in southern Portugal, a beautiful and "very affordable" seaside region that stays relatively quiet during late summer and autumn.