We (two couples in our 30s) have a trip planned to the French Riviera (staying in Antibes) for a week this summer. I am hoping to get some restaurant/activity recommendations. With so many beautiful towns in the area it’s hard to prioritize so I’d love some insight into how to make the most of our 7 days. We do not have a car so are relying on public transport to get from point A to point B. What is a must?!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
The train goes along the coast. There are Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat, Monaco--of course you'll have to get ground transportation to get away from the rail line.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7810 posts
I’m heading to Nice for five days late summer. I agree, there are so many options of things to do along the coast! I’ve read the options and recommendations in the RS France guidebook and also looked at TripAdvisor “Things to Do”, plus Googled some of my special interests and the town names. If I gave you my list, it wouldn’t necessarily be to your interests, but here’s my plans beyond just enjoying the area where I will be located:
Take a boat tour from Nice to Monaco. Have lunch, and either take the train back, or go to Menton by train, and then in late afternoon take the train back to Nice.
Take the bus to Villa Rothschild and tour the gardens and villa. Wander a bit and spend the rest of the day in the old center of Nice.
(I usually take a cooking class during travels, but I’m saving that for Paris.). Take a perfume class during the morning, and go to the Markets. See the Chagall Museum.
I’ve contacted a small church to find out info, and I’m taking the bus early Sunday up to St. Paul de Vence to have coffee, take photos and attend their church service. If I meet someone friendly, we could have lunch together before I head back to Nice.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Perfume class--Eze, the Eze on the ridge line, not the one near the beach.
Get off at the train stop and then taxi or Uber to the Eze on the ridge line.
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
713 posts
What are your interests? Art? Outdoors? Beaches? Very popular villages include St. Paul de Vence, Eze le Village, and Villefranche sur Mer. A trip to the Cours Saleya Market and the top of Castle Hill, the walk around Cap Ferrat (and the Villa Ephrussi), a trip to the Lerins Islands (St. Honorat), the train de Merveilles to Tende and/or Saorge, a venture into Italy -- there is much for every interest. The only places that are difficult to get to by public transit is the countryside - the buses in the countryside are very infrequent. As noted, there is a separate RS guide for Provence and the Cote d'Azur.
Besides the train, the bus, tram and ferry systems should get you to most places. The second line of the tram in Nice will open to the center this weekend. Lignes d'Azur is the bus/tram system, and their app is handy. Bus 82 will take you to Eze le Village, bus 400 to St. Paul de Vence. Uber works well, except in certain villages and where it is forbidden, like Monaco. Tip: if heading to points west, like Cannes or Antibes, take the train. The bus gets stuck in the traffic.
There are a whole litany of restaurants -- in the old town of Nice, there is Bar des Oiseux, Comptoir du Marche, Acchiardo, La Merenda, Bistrot Gourmand, Bistrot d'Antoine. But there are good choices in the center/Carre d'Or and the port. Reserve at these popular restaurants in advance, if possible. For the view at lunch, try le Plongeoir in the Port -- a diving platform over the sea or Le Galet or Beau Rivage, the best of the beach restos.