We've never tried driving ourselves in Europe, but this time have set up a rental (Hertz) out of Nice for 3 days before our river cruise out of Arles. Any special tips/advice from those who have done this? Car is automatic so we won't have to worry about the hills. We both know some French and have Rick's Provence book with some good directions. Thanks for your input.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Just one tip....be prepared if the car is NOT an automatic.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
From Nice it's easier to reach Riviera destinations on the coast, that are on the rail line--like Monaco, Villefranche, Antibes, etc--by train or bus. And driving within the city of Nice itself is not useful or enjoyable. You can walk everywhere or use the new tram. And for Nice make sure you have secure overnight parking arranged for.Where a car is useful in the Riviera is to reach the villages back from the coast, that aren't on rail lines--such as Eze-le-Village, Vence, and St Paul de Vence. And don't be shocked: gas in France is currently about $6.50/gallon and diesel is about $5.75/gallon, and going up.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Get to the Autoroute as quickly as you can and get to Provence. There the rental car will be of value. Read Rick's book to understand how the highway and road signs work.