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Is Nice to Cinque Terre Doable?

Posted by on

I am traveling to Nice with my family in early July. Never having been to Nice, or Southern France, I was researching excursions to do and noticed that Cinque Terre is not TOO far from Nice (having been to Cinque Terre two years ago, I think it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and want my family to experience it)...in your opinion, is this a doable day trip? I tried looking at trains, and it seems there is a straight train from SanRemo to La Spezia, which is one end of Cinque Terre. The problem is how to cross the border into Italy, and whether this trip is actually worth it.

If you advise against it, any advice on destinations that are more practical near Nice for a day excursion?

Posted by
211 posts

Just did a search on the DB Bahn rail site and I see the shortest trip time is 5:13 from Nice to La Spezia . So I'd say explore the area around NIce. There are lots of really pretty towns and places to see, like Monaco, Eze, Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, St. Paul de Vence, etc. etc.

Posted by
16893 posts

The French coast has many more lovely towns, so for your first visit there, I would focus on the closer options, such as Antibes or Villefranche. Rick's Provence and the Riviera book is the focused on this region, and covers a few towns that his France book doesn't, but the France book is sufficient if you already have it.

Trains from Nice to Monterosso (on the north end of Cinque Terre) take 5 - 6.5 hours with 1 - 2 connections, so it's not convenient to travel roundtrip in just a day. How to Look Up Train Schedules Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it. Some regional Italian train schedules are currently listed through June 14.

Posted by
32198 posts

cecelie,

That may be feasible as a day trip but not practical, as it wouldn't leave much time for sightseeing in the Cinque Terre. The minimum travel time from Nice to Monterosso (the closest of the C.T. towns) will be about five hours each way, with 1 - 3 changes (there will always be a change at Ventimiglia, as that's the border crossing point). You'd be spending 10 - 12 hours on trains, which wouldn't leave much time for enjoying the beautiful sights of the Cinque Terre (or the incredible food). I doubt there would be enough time to explore the five towns. It would be preferable if you could arrange to stay at least two nights in the Cinque Terre.

For sightseeing from Nice, you could look at Villefranche, Eze (there are two versions) or Monaco & Monte Carlo. The Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace in Monaco takes place every day at about 11:55 (get there early to get a good vantage point). Also in Monaco is the incredible Oceanographic Museum and the Church where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are interred. As I recall, the Bus fare from Nice to Monaco is only €1 PP. You could also visit the Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa & Gardens which are close to Nice, and of course the Chagall and Matisse Museums. You may be able to find day tours that cover a variety of sites.

Posted by
149 posts

How about a day trip to Menton instead? It may not be the Cinque Terre but it does have an Italian influence.

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