Nice vs. Antibes vs. Villefranche-sur-Mer - where to stay??

Another vote for Antibes. Very quiet, relaxing, plenty to occupy your time. Plus, its a short train ride over to Monte Carlo if you're wanting a day trip to see where the wildly wealthy live and play.

one good thing about nice is its bus terminal - if you visit the hill towns you have to take the bus. i don't think vsm or antibes has buses to up the hill. you should at least spend 1 day to see the hill towns. antibes is smaller and quiter than nice but there is plenty to see. vsm is even smaller, and there is a small castle by the harbor. other than that it's just a small village on the train line, you'll likely pass by many stops like that along the cost. another option is menton, which is a beautiful city, last big stop before you enter italy.

I know I'm in the minority, but I didn't think Nice was, well, so nice. It was my least favorite town along the Riviera. However, it is centrally located. I liked Antibes much better (cool artsy town, more compact and easier to navigate). Villefranche-sur-Mer is pretty, but harder to get around to the other nearby areas for sightseeing. I really like the vibe at Cannes (nicer beaches than Nice, too) and the low rent of Cannes La Bocca. But, honestly, I don't think you can go wrong anywhere along the coast in that area. (And don't forget to visit Monaco while you're there!)

We stayed in Nice and loved it except for the pickpockets all around the rail station and on the tram line. Otherwise, it was great. Look at http://www.homelidays.co.uk/ for self-catering apartments. Try to get one in downtown Nice or Old town. Easier walking and closer to stuff to do. Also, there is an Ibis right on the water -http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-0749-ibis-nice-promenade-des-anglais/index.shtml 60E per night for up to 3 persons.

I've been to all three and love Villefranche-sur-Mer. Nice would be my last choice

We stayed in Nice and wished that we had stayed in Villefrache, when we stopped there on our way back from Monaco. It is such a beautiful little town.

Thank you. It is overwhelming trying to figure out where to stay.....so many choices. Sounds like Villefranche is the place that suits us. Not sure of it's convenience to other places to visit though. Rick's book has put some fear in us (based on bus schedules, being stranded, etc.), but it is really beautiful here.

We've been there twice once flying into Nice and staying in Villefranche with a day visit to Nice and St Paul de Vence(cute). After we went to Arles(great). Second visit we drove from Aix and stopped in St Tropez. We day tripped to Nice and Antibes driving and took the train to Monaco(check out those yachts!).

Four of us spent 10 days in a 3bed/2bath apartment in Nice last Feb. We rented from Riviera Pebbles which is owned by a British couple. Great experience: 2 blocks to the Sea, short walk to bus station, old town market, bakeries, stores, etc. The agent from Riv. Peb. met us at the bus when we came from the airport. She walked us to the apt & showed us how to operate everything. We ate breakfast & a light supper in the apt everyday and had a big lunch in whatever town we visited.
The best part was riding the bus for ONE EURO each way to Menton, Monaco, Eze Village (you must go) Antibes, St Paul de Vence, Villefranche and all around Nice. We had no problems and loved our visit. The bus is a great deal!

I don't think you can lose with any of these. I stayed in Nice but visited the others. If I were to go back, I would pick Villefranche though. Sooooo beautiful and peaceful.
Granted, Nice is great for transportation connections but still.....I vote for Villefranche. Suggested visits include (of course) Nice, Antibes and Cannes but also Eze village, Grasse and St Paul de Vence. Enjoy!