I have a 4 day business trip to Nice in November. After the business part is over, my husband plans to join me in France for 4 more nights. We have 3 young children and rarely get any time to ourselves, so we want to take full advantage of this opportunity. Any itinerary advice is much appreciated! Should he meet me in Nice and stay in the region? Should we rendezvous in Paris? We want to maximize the time with some day trips without too much hopping around. Thanks!
Posted by
Maryland
964 posts
Lyon (as the Rick Steve's Guide says - The Capital Of Roman Gaul) is just to the north and has wine region tours, food tours and a great ambience. Paris is not required. Have fun.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
569 posts
For such a short time, if your husband can fly to Nice easily such as with just one connection from Ohio to JFK to Nice, then Nice or nearby. We have enjoyed Nice and there are lovely and easy day trips by public transporation from there. We had a great few days in Menton near there in similar circumstances. If the better flights for him are to Paris such as direct from Cleveland, then Paris. In Paris you don't really need or want daytrips with such a short time.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
11128 posts
Nice, you are already in a beautiful area with good winter sunshine (40-50 F), a lot to do in Nice and many nearby day trips. Or Paris.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
181 posts
Monaco is an interesting destination about half an hour from Nice on the train. Not my favorite place I ever visited, but if you're into "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" and want to see the Monte Carlo Casino, it might be worth a trip. However, with three young children you MAY find it a little challenging (it is hilly, and you have to walk a lot, and none of the "attractions" are of much interest to children.)
But just stay on the train another half hour and you're in Italy! No, Ventimiglia isn't exactly a destination place, but it is a nice enough little town where you can have lunch, stroll around, get a gelato and say you've "been to Italy." It's easy to walk from the train station right to the seaside and let the kids run around a little bit. It's sleepy little town, so don't expect much more than a quiet, pleasant afternoon.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
996 posts
I understood you were leaving the kids at home. I agree with the advice to stay in Nice. Odds are, you'll have much better weather there than in Paris. The Chagall Museum is beautiful, and when I went on a November weekday, it was basically empty.
I went to the casino in Monte Carlo with my mom back in 2003 when we were there on a cruise. We just went in and had a drink and played some slots. There's a dress code (probably sport coat is adequate for your husband, dress for you, but do check online), which I was happy to comply with. It was fun to get dressed up and go to such a pretty place. More recently, my son and I made a day trip from Nice by bus, and that trip was spectacular. Highly recommended. If you have a day with good weather, I would suggest finding a restaurant with a water view and having a nice date night with a stop in at the casino.
Posted by
OP
Ohio, USA
2 posts
Yes they are staying home so it will be just the two of us. Thank you for all of these great recommendations! Will definitely plan to stay in Nice and explore the region based on these suggestions!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8052 posts
If you want to move out of Nice consider Antibes. Still close with all the same day trip options.
Although you can't go wrong with Paris- if that is the best place for husband to fly in to and depart from.