We're returning to the French Riviera in late September for four days before heading to Italy. We fly into Nice and would like to visit Menton, Antibes, Vence, St. Paul de Vence and perhaps Grasse, as well as maybe re-visit Eze. Last time, we had a longer stay and spent several nights in Villefranche sur Mer as several more in Nice. Nice is a good central location for our time there, BUT we'd prefer to stay in a smaller place that still has easy access to trains and buses. Menton and Antibes are priorities in our wishlist. Any recommendations?
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
786 posts
Given your visit list and the desire to base elsewhere, I would select Antibes over Menton. It is more convenient to making the journey to they other places you want to see, especially if you do not have a car. Menton is basically at the end of the line.
Posted by
Franklin, TN
272 posts
If you liked the location if Nice, then you would like Villefrenche-sur-Mer. Right next to Nice but smaller. And easy access to trains and buses.
Posted by
Philadelphia
111 posts
I stayed in Villefranche-sur-Mer and it was lovely sitting on my balcony overlooking the sea and watching the cruise ships and other boats.
I was underwhelmed with Nice.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver Island, BC
18 posts
Thanks for your observations.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver Island, BC
18 posts
Thanks, Gigi8 and Daisy. We certainly enjoyed staying in Villefranche sur Mer last time.
Posted by
Denver, CO
852 posts
Check out Beaulieu sur Mer and see what you think. It has a very convenient train station making it easy to zip to Menton or Antibes. Getting to Vence and St. Paul de Vence could be a little trickier though from Beaulieu. I visited those two towns by bus during my stay in Antibes. If you haven't been to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild yet, it's super easy to do from Beaulieu. And walking the path around Cap Ferrat is spectacular! I stayed at the Hotel Select which I highly recommend.
Posted by
Nova Scotia
13 posts
Back in October '23 we stayed five nights at the Indigo Hotel in Cagnes-sur-Mer. We chose it because it was a good deal on points but it also turned out to be a convenient location, at least in my opinion. Antibes was an easy train ride away. Menton was a longer journey but we had the benefit of boarding before the folks in Nice so we snagged good seats for the view. The bus to Saint-Paul de Vence left from near the train station and the small free bus to Haut-de-Cagnes had a stop near the hotel, as did the bus to the airport. Cagnes-sur-Mer might not have quite the charm of other towns in the area but it was still pleasant with its little covered market and a nice walk down to the beach. I would stay there again if the opportunity arose.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver Island, BC
18 posts
Those are great tips, Dawn and Liz. I hadn't considered those two options, but now I'm looking into them. Thank you.