Your favorite village/hotel within an hour drive of Nice?

Villefranche is a winner for sure. We stopped there on the way back from visiting Monaco, and next time I would consider staying there instead of Nice. I think it does get overloaded with cruise ship people at certain times of year, but I doubt that would be an issue in March.

The three are totally different. Tourism won't be in full-swing in March but enough will be open for your overnight. Roquebrune is up on the mountain with fantastic views looking down on Monaco and the sea. It is the least geared for tourism of the three but has some hotels and restaurants. It's the quietest and still the most traditional of the three, since it has been attracting tourists only the last ten years or so. There are plenty of paths for walking, including to a 2,000 year old olive tree and a chapel outside the village. By Vence, do you mean Vence closer to the sea or St. Paul de Vence? The latter is the charming one with many shops and restaurants for visitors. The local cafe at the entrance to the village, with the boule players, was on the cover of a special issue of Bon Appetit devoted to the south of France many years ago. This may be your quiet bistrot--or the Michelin starred restaurant with a lot of art by famous artists across the street. There is a walk around the village ramparts, some walks outside the village. Villefrance is at the sea and is loved by a lot of people. Such an abundance of good choices!

Thanks so much for the descriptions! I decided to go with either Villefranche sur Mer or Roquebrune. I was thinking of the 'less ritzy' Vence, but after thinking about it some more, we are going to be in the hills/mountains for much of the trip so at least one night by the sea will be fun. Although, I think we are going to have to stop in Vence to visit that cafe!

Has anyone stayed at Hotel La Darse (Villefranche sur Mer) or Le Deux Frere (in Roquebrune) recently? I was looking at Tripadvisor and a few of the reviews are mixed, so wanted to find out if anyone recent experience.

Hi riverain

I suggest you have a look at Valbonne. Lovely village with a great atmosphere just 35 minutes from Nice. Big choice of very good, varied restaurants.

Best

Peter

I have stayed at and recommend The Hotel de la Darse. My room had a great view of the water, good breakfast.

Thank you all for being so helpful! I have the imaginary trip in my head of how things will be based on what I have read, and getting advice from someone else who has actually been is a great reality check. :-) I will check out Valbronne too.