Menton, Nice, Antibes...?

Posted by gritz (New Jersey) on 07/06/25 03:24 PM

We will be taking train from Genoa after 12 days in Italy. Have 12 days for south of France and Paris. A little background, have been to Marseille, Aix, Avignon and a few surrounding towns in that area. Planning on car rental at some point. Menton? Maybe better car pickup in Nice? Also, thinking of the following: Menton--2 nts, Aix--6 nts, and Paris--4 nt.--which we have been to before.

Stay in Menton or Nice or Antibes before Aix? Other ideas? I know I am leaving out a lot of details on interests, etc.

Posted by Gooster

Nice, France & San Francisco

07/06/25 06:32 PM

776 posts

the choice really depends on your interests and time of year. Two nights is a relatively short time on the Cote d'Azur relative to the variety of destinations and relative to six in Aix (which means you will be daytripping in the car quite a bit and dealing with the ring road traffic).

i would just note that Menton is the most Italian of all French cities. If that is your goal, that is great. If you are already staying on the Italian Riviera, then you might want to head further west first. Antibes is after the point where the influence shifts to historically French. Getting a car at the Nice airport may given you the biggest variety (and potentially, pricing). It is easy to get to out of Terminal 2, which is connected to the main train line at the St. Augustin stop via the (free at that point) tram. Parking P5 is where the rental counters are located.

Posted by gritz OP

New Jersey

07/07/25 02:21 AM

189 posts

TY Gooster. I like what you said on the car rental and maybe going west a bit from Menton.

Posted by Jean

Idaho, USA

07/07/25 04:28 AM

8632 posts

I like Menton, but I stayed in Nice. It was much handier to explore the Riviera from Nice during the five days I was there. I wouldn’t think you would need a car until you’re finished with Nice. Two days there seems very short.

Posted by gritz OP

New Jersey

07/07/25 06:07 PM

189 posts

TY Jean...Agreed on both points. TY

Posted by veryspecialquilts

07/10/25 03:53 AM

135 posts

I just returned from Provence, including Aix. I was there for 3 nights and felt that was enough. Perhaps 2 would have been plenty, so to me 6 seems rather long unless it is a base for day trips.

What did you think of Marseille? I'm considering a visit but not sure yet how long to plan for it.

Have a great trip!
Lee

Posted by gritz OP

New Jersey

07/11/25 01:16 AM

189 posts

I was in Marseille for 4 nights back in 2022. I loved it! Walked all over the Old Port, actually took bus up to Notre Dame de la Garde with the amazing views of the city, sand then walked back down to the Port. Walked thru La Panier neighborhood, absolutely wonderful, took a half day train to Aix en Provence. Took a boat tour into the Calanques for half day. Superb to be on the water. Went Took another boat excursion to the Fort, right outside the harbor. So many things more to do.

TY for your feedback.