I will be traveling from Chicago to Cannes in June. Since there are no non-stop flights between the two cities I am debating my best course of action, and would be interested in opinions. Which is better: fly Chicago to Paris to Nice, then cab or train Nice to Cannes; or fly Chicago to Paris, then take the train from Paris to Cannes? Thank you for your input.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
It's definitely easier to fly to Nice (with, as you said, a connection, although it need not be in Paris - Nice airport has flights from all over Europe, as well as JFK). That way, your bags are transferred, and since it's all on one ticket, the airline is responsible if your first leg is delayed. If you go by train from Paris, you have to guess which train you'll make to buy the ticket in advance for a discount. If you guess wrong, you'll have a lot of waiting time, or miss your train. If you don't buy an ticket in advance, you'll pay a lot. Look at www.kayak.com for flights from ORD to NCE to see your options. You may find that this ticket doesn't even cost much more than ORD-CDG (or it may cost more, but you save the cost and hassle of a separate train ride).
Posted by
Paris
10211 posts
I second Bets' input. And a bus from the Nice airport is probably the quickest way to Cannes, I'm guessing.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
From Chicago, check Air France through Paris to Marseille. Good airport and not much more costly than stopping in Paris. Frequent train service east to Cannes.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, USA
7 posts
Thanks to everyone for your feedback! I've booked my ticket -- I'll be flying British Air (booked through American) Chicago to London to Nice. I'll be in Cannes for work a week in June. Hotel is booked and I will not have a car. If you have any tips I'd love to hear them in case I have any free time. Thanks again! Tera
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
If you think you'll have any free time (and I understand that on business trips, one does not always have this), you should get Rick Steves Provence And The French Riviera. This book has MUCH more information on the region than his general France book. In addition to learning about nearby towns (Antibes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Grasse, St. Paul de Vence, and Nice) and farther away towns (all the places east of Nice, like Villefrance, Eze Village, Monaco, and Menton), he has all the details on transit. While the buses from Cannes to Nice are only €1, they take what felt like forever; spring for the train if you're going to Nice or further east (they're still inexpensive, as they're locals; no reservations or advance purchase necessary). If you're taking a late train, be sure you have a round trip ticket or have coins for the machines, as the ticket windows can be closed (I ran into this problem in Monaco). I loved going up to Haut-de-Cagnes, a bus ride above Cagnes-sur-Mer. Renoir's house is there, and was very interesting, but I also liked the little town itself.