Nice & Monte Carlo in January

Any ideas on what is actually open Cote d'Azur in January? I go to Monaco in January or February often. Most things are open but there are several gelaterias that I have never seen open, most beaches are not open for hire although it is possible in many places to walk along the shore. Tranfer imput from Nice to Le Meriden in Monte Carlo Do you mean, how do you get there? If so, I haven't heard that construction previously, I would take the train and then a local Monaco bus. You could also take a taxi, or you could take TAM bus to the Monte Carlo Casino and change to a local Monaco bus, or you could take the TAM bus to the Monte Carlo Casino and then a taxi. Is renting a car in Nice the best way to explore? Not for me - I've seen the parking in Nice and its not "nice". But maybe your hotel has secure underground parking? Not all the roads in the Cote d'Azur are very wide or flat either. Long winter coat, boots, etc?
I now no longer give fashion advice as there are some women on this helpline who are sensitive about that.

Thank you for your reply. Wondering if we should rent a car to explore, due to so many postings of things being closed? As in, buses shut to different areas or have one day runs. Looking for warmth/weather advice that is sensible that time of year for dress. We are used to 1-2 ft. of snow, sleet, wind, some blizzards and we live on a chain of lakes on the water. Not sure how variable the weather is there - All the best for 2013!!

Thank you for your reply and advice. Several things we had looked up were closed until the end of January, even the restaurant in our hotel is closed. That is why I was seeking the expertise of experienced voyagers to the area, such as yourself. I appreceiate the details! All the best to you!

Charme What posts saying everything is closed? Not on this Helpline are they? As I said just above, when I go almost everything is open. Museums, casino, restaurants, shops, buses, Tourist Information, art galleries, gardens, the Palace, the Aquarium are all open. What specific things do you believe may be closed, or that you worry about? Again you ask about renting a car. If you go up in the mountains you will likely run into snow, and if you are there the right week you will run into the Monaco World Rally Championship on the mountain roads. The Corniches, particularly the Moyen Corniche and the Haut Corniche can be a challenge to drive because of the tight corners, blind corners and summits, and steep grades. Driving in Monaco can be a challenge because of very tight corners, some confusing intersections, the one way roads, and especially the changes of elevation. Monaco is riddled with tunnels and bridges and when you look at a map it can be hard to figure out which level you are on and want to be on. Only certain cars are allowed onto the Rocher. If you want to get up to Eze le Village that is easy by bus from either Nice or Monaco. St Paul de Vence can be reached by bus but not quite so easily. Villefranche sur Mer is easy by train or bus but parking can be very difficult particularly due to the very narrow parking spaces (except behind the fort where I have never seen an vacant space), very very narrow streets (really narrow) and very tight corners. ... more

... more... Parking near or at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferrat is easy but quite steep. The bus stops just about at the door and can be caught near the station in Beaulieu sur Mer just a couple of km away. Parking near the walk around Cap Ferrat isn't tough but the road is narrow and steep in spots and becomes one way. While the water is far too cold to enter it is great fun to walk around the peninsula.

Charme, You will need a wool jacket/coat, scarf and perhaps gloves, for part of most days and in the evenings. I find shawls useful there. You might want a band or something to keep your ears warm on the days the wind is blowing out of the Alps, which is about every three or four days. It is much warmer than our winters but not nearly as warm as southern California or Florida. You will need your sun glasses, though, as the air and the light are clear and bright. People wear brighter colors there in winter, compared to our winter blacks, browns, etc. That said, for convenience I wear Chico black travelers pants and jackets there in the winter, changing them out with different tops and scarves. Hope that helps.