My wife and I are looking for 4 slow days in southern France in early June (we are leaving from 5 days in Berlin and want a change of pace). Is Nice and that area a good choice, is it possible to spend quality time there or does it require more time? Can we spend three nights in one location or is it best to move around? This would be a higher-end trip in terms of hotels. Any suggestions of where to spend time would be appreciated.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Spending 4 days in Nice is a very easy way to go, because you can explore Nice, or take one of the MANY day trips available. There's Monaco, Villefranche, Menton, Villa Ephrussi, Eze Village, Antibes, Cannes, Haut de Cagnes, Juan les Pins, St. Paul de Vence...and more, all an hour or less, by bus or train, from Nice. And, the buses in that region are all €1 (yes, one euro per ride). Trains are faster and don't cost much more, but mostly stick to the coast (Eze, Haut de Cagnes, and St. Paul de Vence are inland). So, with 3 nights in Nice, you can see as much or as little of the surrounding area as you'd like (Nice itself has sights too). If you're really taken with the area, of course you'll want more than 4 days, but I think that's a good amount for a starter visit. And it's certainly a change of pace from Berlin. I found Rick Steves Provence And The French Riveria very helpful, particularly with transit details. Note that his general France book has much less detail on this region; get the specific Provence/Riviera book instead.
Posted by
Decorah, Iowa, USA
345 posts
I would add that the DK book Top 10 Provence has lots of lists of things to see and do. Both have been extremely helpful to us.
Posted by
Long Beach, USA
252 posts
I agree with what others wrote. I was in Nice last summer and really enjoyed the old nice. I also took a day trip to Monaco; it is a short train ride away...and beautiful views on the way there. If you like upscale...you may want to stay one night there too I guess. I loved how the vibe was relaxed and people more friendly... I do speak French and agree they can be rude sometimes...but rarely in Nice.
Enjoy!