Our family of 6 couples ranging in age from mid 50's to mid 60's are taking a cruise from Monte Carlo departing in late August. Planning on going to Paris pre and questioning if we should stay 2 or 3nights in Paris? Also, where to overnight enroute to Monte Carlo? Should we route via French or Swiss Alps or do French wine country? Presume train to Monte Carlo with 1or 2nights?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23547 posts
Some will suggest that you cannot spend too many nights in Paris. Given an option I would go for three, but it is really you choice. There is no correct answer to that question. Depending on departure time, there probably is no need to overnight BUT Nice would the the logical place.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
What time of day do you need to check in for your cruise?
Posted by
OP
Appleton, Wisconsin, USA
2 posts
The cruise departs on a Saturday at 5ooPM. We plan on being there the night prior. We hope to leave USA on Sun to arrive Paris on Monday.
We would need to be in Monte Carlo on Friday to leave on cruise on Sat.
That gives us 4 days but if need be we could leave USA on Sat to arrive Paris Sun.
Thank you for any ideas!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23547 posts
The high speed train now goes to Nice and Nice is less than 30 min to MC. You could probably catch an early high speed out of Paris that would get you to MC by mid-afternoon. But I have not checked schedules so I could be wrong. Nice would be a nice place to overnight. In fact could be worth a couple nights and visit the hill towns above Nice.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Unless you definitely want to stay one night somewhere midway between Paris and Monaco, stay three nights in Paris. It deserves all the time you can give it. You'll lose part of day one getting from the airport to your hotel, checking in, and getting your bearings.
I agree with Frank that Nice would be a good place to spend one or two nights. If you choose one night, on Friday you could leave Paris on the 07:46 TGV, arriving in Nice at 13:17. That would give you some exploring time on Friday as well as the first part of the day on Saturday. If you choose two nights, you could leave Paris on Thursday on the 17:42 TGV, arriving in Nice at 23:14. There are several more trains to choose from throughout the day so you can be quite flexible as to when you leave Paris.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
I think that coordinating among 6 couples would make stopping along the way between Paris and Nice more trouble than its worth. Enjoy Paris, take the TGV to Nice as others have recommended for one night and then make your way to the cruise port.
Posted by
Freedonia
16033 posts
I'm guessing if you're taking a cruise you're going to be loaded down with luggage...n'est pas?
If so, you don't want to be running around France. Remember, you are responsible for your luggage on the trains.
My suggestion would be at least 3 mights in Paris, take the train to Nice or a surrounding city, and spend the rest of the time exploring the Riviera.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23547 posts
As !!! Frank Making assumptions. You don't have to be load down with luggage for a cruise. When we cruise, and we have done seven in Europe, we only add one carryon size rolling bag in addition to our regular carry on bags. Not true for our first cruise but we are fast learners.
Posted by
Freedonia
16033 posts
And to the other Frank...you're making assumptions that everyone travels your way. How many people have you really seen on a cruise with just carry on luggage? Not many.
(I've worked many a cruise transfer/check-in to know. It's usually more overpackers than underpackers.)
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23547 posts
How true -- but maybe they are enlightened. Or should be !!!!