We have a month long trip planned in April 2010 beginning in Rome and ending in Paris (yipee!). So for the itinerary is Rome, Venice, Varenna train (or plane) from Milan to Nice (or environs) for 3-4 nights then up to Burgundy for 3-4 nights, finally a week in Paris. I'm inclined towards staying in a small town vs a city like Nice, but not sure which one. Would like to stay somewhere we can enjoy a dinner out, but have a relaxing contrast to the busy-ness of Rome & Paris. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Bronwyn - While Nice, Villefrance, and Monaco are all very nice I believe Venice wins - Hands Down!!! It just doesn't get much better
Whatever your choice you'll have a great time
Greg
Posted by
San Rafael, California, USA
3 posts
My Wife and I spent 2 days and nights in Ville France sur Mer. It is a very nice,quiet,small village with an easy to use train station. It's about 20 minutes to Monaco to the east,and 20 to 25 minutes to Nice, west of the village. We stayed at the Welcome Hotel. It's right on the main street of town just across from the local Beach. Good but not great restaurants line the beach front promenade. A few streets back from the beach up a steep hill are some good local bistros and a great Bakery. The rooms at the Welcome are very nice sized and the view out of the huge doors to a small balcony is spectacular.
Posted by
Reston, Virginia
403 posts
There appears to be some confusion about your plans. As I read your message, you are going to do BOTH Venice and the Nice region. By "Vence", are you referring to the hill town St Paul de Vence near Nice? If so, keep in mind that public transport and hotel choices are limited for St paul de Vence as compared to Nice. My suggestion would be to base in a town on the rail line such as Villefranche...all of the dining & etc options of Nice, Monoco, and Antibes are just a few minutes away. I believe there is a direct bus from Nice Airport to Villefranche.
Posted by
OP
Homer, AK
19 posts
I guess my question wasn't stated very clearly. We're trying to decide on the best homebase for our 3-4 nights in the South of France. I read about a small hill town called Vence (not Venice) and wondered if it might be the sort of place we are looking for: convenient transport, dining out options, etc. Any suggestions about this area of France are most welcome.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1340 posts
I've not been to Vence but can also recommend Villefranche sur Mer. The bus to Nice is very easy.