Nice itinerary help

This looks fine. It could turn out that you will subtract some places if it happens to rain.

The Nice plan looks solid. Perhaps too solid, but I appreciate the commitment to detail ☺️.

From Nice to Moustiers, I would skip Gourdon.

After Saint Paul de Vence, I would drive through the scenic Gorges du Loup (thus passing right below Gourdon) towards Greolieres (just a waypoint), then west towards Comps sur Artuby, and all along the southern rim road of Gorges du Verdon.

Right before Comps sur Artuby, the hilltop village of Bargeme is worth a stop (minor detour off the main road). Virtually abandoned in the 20th century, it has been revived. It is a very tiny place, 30 minutes is all it takes to see it.

Thanks Balso, your suggested route to Moustiers sounds great.

I know I've added over the top detail in Nice, however if I suggest a walk to my husband that is more than 30 mins each way, he grumbles forever. So I had to make sure I incorporated the bus and that all the timing works. 😁

Thanks Balso, your suggested route to Moustiers sounds great.

You're welcome!
Just be aware that the roads are very twisty in those parts, and the south rim road is a bit narrow - not quite single lane, but more like 1.5 lanes. In many places, you have to slow down to pass an incoming car. Best viewpoints are La Mescla and Pont de l'Artuby; if you can stop right after the second tunnel in a series of 2 short tunnels (tunnels du Fayet) do so but there are maybe 4-5 spots. Later on, there are fewer turnouts but it is still scenic all the way to the lake.

If you’re taking the bus, you have an option to buy a ticket for the whole day. Not every stop has a machine to do so, but I think all the tram stops do. I found the journée ticket to be very helpful - I would hop on the bus and tram more often than if I hadn’t.

Also when I went to the Chagall musée there was a huge line at around 3 p.m. (They were closed noon-2 which isn’t uncommon but I don’t know if it’s always the case there; the sign said there had been something unusual but other museums I’ve been to, like the Picasso in Antibes, do it routinely.) You might just plan for the unplanned, as that tends to happen when traveling!

Thanks again Balso, your local knowledge and communication is so helpful! I'll be relying on you again when I work out my next area itinerary haha.

And thanks Sparkcycle, that was actually going to be my next question about best value bus/tram tickets, so now you've answered it!

There is a new system on the bus/tram tickets that will be deployed from July 1st. I believe passes will be still available but the popular 10 ride for 10E ticket is going away (replaced a system that scales based on the number of ride credits purchased. The paper ticket will be replaced by the app or a rechargeable card that can be purchased.

To catch the bus to Eze, I suggest taking the tram 2 to Garibaldi and walking to the Boyer stop or to the start at the bus station at Vauban (a glorified parking lot; take the Palais des Expositions stop -- there is a bunch of construction nearby).

Given your husband's aversion to walking, I would not walk down from the Chagall Museum back to your hotel. It is longer than it looks, although the first part is downhill. Or you can take the bus down the hill and get out near Galeries Lafayette. You can then walk down the pedestrian zone back to your hotel (it turns into Rue de France).

Any reason you chose Chez Mireille? I've not been but there are places that are quite a bit closer to your hotel. BTW, if you need a quick break to recharge, there is a little boulangerie cafe called Bio Brod a block from your hotel (skip the one closest). It is half gluten free but also has well-executed regular organic pastries. There is also two nice cafes down the street, including the very italian Il Caffe dai Ragazzi. Or just walk down to the beach for an apero on the pebbles (or for a nice view before dinner, to the rooftop bar at Le Meridien or Anantara Plaza)

I find the views from Gourdon lovelier than St. Paul but you'll more likely to get a good seat next to the ramparts for your breakfast in St. Paul de Vence.

Are trains and buses better than renting a car? We are staying in Vence and would like to explore all around the Riviera, including Nice. Thanks!

Thanks Gooster for your advice. I've noted your suggested route to Eze which seems straightforward.

As far as restaurants are concerned, I just read other travel forum posts and Chez Mireille was one of the recommendations. I certainly prefer your suggestions!

@jnewmast --- I was just curious as it wasn't one of the typical choices. It is also (mostly) Spanish, I believe. Olive and Artichaut is a good choice. You might consider, for a French bistrot, Bistrot d'Antoine or Comptoir du Marche. Both are owned by the same owner who provides a high standard at a fair price, and you'll have to battle locals for reservations. Closer to your hotel, the new L'Alchimie is a hot new choice and le Sejour is a solid choice for bistrot fare. But if you want more pure Nicois or some specialty choice, just ask.

@rednpeanut --- if you are staying in Vence, the car is your best choice and will be faster to explore village like Eze and Tourettes sur Loup. It is just if you are on the coast, the train can often be faster than even driving, due to traffic. If you head into Nice, it is often easier to just take the tram around town after parking.

Thanks once again Gooster. We are now spoiled for choice of restaurants haha