We are considering staying in Nice next May to spend a few days sightseeing the French Riviera. I just realized this is the same time as the Cannes Film Festival. How crowded will it be? Will we have difficulty with hotel and restaurant availability? Also, would driving or public transportation be better to see the area? We will be in Provence before this, and if Nice is too congested we may consider another area to visit. Any thoughts?
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4087 posts
I stayed in a small city 65 kms west of Cannes and taxis were in short supply because some of the drivers had migrated to the film festival. Do not at any cost try to go to Cannes itself, and I stress the "cost" part. It's booked up years in advance by rich people or those wanting to be. However, Nice is large and accustomed to tourists and can supply enough faux glitter without noticing the festival. If you want to see facelifts, Monaco is much closer.
Seriously, the weather is pleasantly moderate in the south at that time of year.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Watch out for the Monaco Gran Prix, though - everything left on the Riviera gets booked.
Posted by
Portland
3643 posts
In early October, I started looking for a place to stay near Cassis for a couple of days, so that we could visit the calanques during that same part of May. To my surprise, many were already showing no availability. I'd advise you to get your lodgings pinned down without delay. While it's probably true that you'd always be able to find something in Nice, if you wait too long, you might have to pay more than you wish to, or settle for poorer quality, or both.
Posted by
Portland
3643 posts
In early October, I started looking for a place to stay near Cassis for a couple of days, so that we could visit the calanques during that same part of May. To my surprise, many were already showing no availability. I'd advise you to get your lodgings pinned down without delay. While it's probably true that you'd always be able to find something in Nice, if you wait too long, you might have to pay more than you wish to, or settle for poorer quality, or both.