Already planning next year's trip and have most things figured out but still undecided on where to stay in this location. Figure the knowledge base here would be a good place to ask.
This would be July so I am expecting large crowds on the roads, towns and beaches.
Not my choice of time for this region but is ideal for other stops on this trip.
Plan on arriving via TGV train from Paris to Nice and only giving 3 nights to the Cote D'Azur. Next stop is not far in Provence (town of Moustiers)
I could rent a car once arriving or could wait until after but I do need a car for Moustiers.
Will be traveling with our will be 5 year old daughter so a pool would be a nice benefit but may be able to get away with no pool if there is a close beach. Also staying in a town with a parking lot or town center at the bottom and long walk up to lodging with her may not be a good plan. I can carry her and walk and hike if needed but that gets tiring.
We like scenery, short hikes, picturesque little towns, cobblestone streets, alleyways, anything medieval, usually prefer sea views from higher up than beach level. Wife likes shopping, both small local places and trendy French and luxury brands even if not purchasing, Sometimes I am out after dark or before sunrise to see areas minus the daytime crowds. We can find someplace to eat rather easy, not foodies especially with our daughter will want to eat earlier and faster than most others.
Really not trying to do much in these days, perfectly fine just picking a couple of things to do and leaving other places out of it, save them for another time if we love it enough to return.
Beach is of some interest but I see it as no more than a possibly go once for a half a day activity. If lodging has a pool maybe we completely skip the beach. Views of a nice beach though would be appreciated.
No museums, no history sites just scenery and things that are pleasing to the senses.
Villefranche right now is my top choice but very little lodging seems available in the lower part of town where the train is easy to access as in the beach. Only 1 hotel I think, it looks nice but is pricey and has no pool. I would not rent a car if staying here. Some nice places with pools and free parking high up above town (still in VF) but then I envision issues having to walk up, so would rent a car if staying in one of those places but would driving around be awful in July? Could I drive and park at a beach? drive to Monaco? if bad ideas than we should stick to a place near a train station I think.
The town of Eze looks great for us and was my first thought with it's commanding views but constant inclines could be an issue with my daughter, beach is far and finding a pool likely not going to happen.
Is there a boat type trip that would allow us to see some towns from the coast??? if so might be interested in doing that and in the plans below skipping the half beach day.
Thinking for 3 nights. First night settle in, walk around the town we are staying in. Say VF for example.
2nd day: bus, train or drive to Monaco and visit that country/town ; rest of day maybe spent in Eze and VF.
3rd day: beach for half a day or boat trip, explore Cap Ferrat area and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild gardens there.
4th day: check out
So skipping Nice, Cannes, Saint Tropez, Menton, St Paul De Vence and many of the other tourist hotspots in an effort to keep the plan less hurried but still scenic.
If I include one other place to see, which one should it be?
Our next stay assuming I book the place I am looking at in Moustiers does have the hill town, medieval vibe so maybe we don't need that for this stop and should think of the best place for our daughter?
I looked at Beaulieu Sur Mer, Menton, Antibes and Juan Les Pins as well and would consider those but they didn't jump out to me.
I will be the only one planning in the family (surprise trip)