October stay in Nice, Antibes or Villefranch?

Posted by gaylet4 on 04/01/25 04:07 PM

Traveling with another couple in mid-October. We start with 6 nights in Paris and then take the train to the French Riviera. We have 4 nights to soak in the coastal vibe, relax with a glass of wine overlooking the water and exploring. We are looking for a relaxing location that is centrally located (to allow us a day trip or two) and has access to good food. Walkability would be a plus.

In a recent MNT episode, the recommendations were Villefranch and Antibes, partly to avoid crowds. I am guessing, however, that we won't run into crowds in October and wondering if we should consider Nice?

I would also appreciate any recommendations for a 4-star level hotel. Luxury not needed but we might be willing to spend up to about $400 per night, per couple. Perhaps a flat or vacation rental if we can find a nice one?

Posted by Lulu348

Indiana

04/01/25 04:41 PM

1091 posts

We were there in 2023 in October, doing the same trip at the end of September (this time with our grown adult children).

5 nights Paris, train to Nice 5 nights.

Stay in Nice. It’s not overcrowded at all that time of year! It’s wonderful to walk on the promenade, old Town is so charming! Just a lovely place. We took a few 1/2 day tours. One to Eze, then Monaco. The other to a wine tasting and Saint Paul de Vence.

We visited Antibes and Cannes by train.

We stayed at the Hotel West End, located overlooking the promenade. It’s worth spending just a tad more than $400 and it includes a wonderful complimentary breakfast.

My vote is Nice!

Posted by Gooster

Nice, France & San Francisco

04/01/25 06:39 PM

748 posts

Villefranche-sur-Mer could work, but may still have periodic cruise traffic in mid-October. The beach club will have shut down. Restaurants there can be just OK. But it will have a villagey vibe and places like the Welcome Hotel may have seaview rooms available. The train station is easily accessible from the waterfront (but most buses stop up at the middle of the hill). Take caution when looking at apartments.... the hillside is quite steep and the number of stairs may not be evident from a flat map.

Antibes will be quiet --- but the nicer waterfront hotels are rather far from the old town (except the Royal) and the train station (there is a local bus). Antibes is rather spread out, which is a benefit in the summer when the beach is in full use and other places can be crowded.

In Nice, the new Hotel du Couvent is becoming quite known hotel/resort in the middle of the Old Town. It is a converted monestary redone as a luxury retreat, set amongst courtyeards and gardens. But it is not on the waterfront. There still will be a fair amount of traffic in mid-October, so keep that in mind if you want a seaview. La Perouse and Suisse are on a quieter section of the Prom but are possibly over your budget.

Posted by gaylet4 OP

04/01/25 06:59 PM

14 posts

Thank you, both for your advice. I particularly appreciate the specific suggestions for accommodations..

Posted by LovesEuropeandFood

04/03/25 09:51 PM

11 posts

I was there last year (last week of September and first week of Oct) and stayed at Best Western Plus Hôtel Masséna Nice. It was a very good hotel in a great location. It was within a 10 minute walk to the beach and old town. It was also in a great neighborhood within walking distance (15-20 minutes) to train station.

It is not too crowded at all and I would definitely stay in Nice over Villefranche-sur-Mer and Antibes. They are both lovely towns but on the small side. Nice is also better situated for day trips as it is in the middle of them.

Personally, I would not do more than 1 day trip in 4 nights and I would choose Villefranche-sur-Mer. If 2, I would make the other Antibes. We stayed 8 nights and we did a 3rd day trip to Monaco which was also good and is a good option.