We will be traveling from Venice to Florence by train and then on to the French Riviera. Should we fly or take the train. Looking for a town to base ourselves in for the week along the coast. Antibes, Cannes or where? We won't have a car so we will be relying on buses or trains to explore. Hotel suggestions would also be appreciated.
There is not much in the way of air service between Florence/Pisa and Nice. Train is the best solution. You can go cheap on all 2nd class regional trains or for a bit more money and a tad faster, on intercity reserved trains. You will still have some changes to make and 7 to 9 hours travel time. It will be fairly scenic along the coast through the Cinque Terra and Italian Riviera.