I will be traveling in the south of France next year Sept/Oct, probably arriving by train from Milan to Nice. I understand the Nice area is not terribly rental car friendly, and that public transportation is the way to go, at least along the coast. Does anyone recommend staying in Nice (Vieille Ville) or another place along the coast, if at all? I'm not even sure of what to see or do while there. I would definitely like to visit Monaco and Eze. I could use some other options of really nice or interesting places to visit. I have often chosen my destinations based upon an accommodation that interested me, so B & B and hotel recommendations are welcome. Off the beaten path is how I roll, and I love to shop for unique items and go to local markets (I like high-end shopping as well). I also plan on renting a car upon departure and staying a couple of days in St. Paul de Vence on my way west through Aix and up towards Avignon. I've driven all over France and Italy on more than a couple of occasions, so driving myself is not an issue.
Posted by
Chatham
68 posts
We stayed for three nights in Nice and loved it. One day was spent at a great beach club enjoying the sun and surf, then partaking in a few cocktails with the tremendous tapas at the outdoor cafes on the way back to our hotel. Everything in Nice is walkable, and there was a terrific bus that ran regularly to Monaco which we enjoyed for a 1/2 day, including a great outdoor market. I do not remember the name of the hotel, will update this if I do.
Posted by
4 posts
Hello Scott,
Your itinerary sounds perfect! Avoiding the tourist spots will give you a more authentic experience of the city and you're off to a good start!
When in Nice, you can visit Old Town which is filled with lots of small, quaint cafes. It's filled with lots of good restaurants and some wineries sell very good wine for a reasonable price. For accommodations, do you want to enjoy waking up to the glorious sight of the sea? The sunrise is spectacular and one of a kind, so if you're up for it, book a hotel along the promenade ahead of time so you can take advantage of the cheaper rates. Make sure you stop for the fountain show in the park, it's best viewed at night!
Hope this helps :)
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Antibes, 20mins by train from Nice, has long been a magnet for artists, and is the preferred base for many visitors to the Cannes Film Festival.