Paris/Switzerland/Italy/French Riviera - LOTS OF HELP NEEDED !!! Part C

Base yourself in Nice. I took the bus to smaller towns around Nice and it was cheap, clean and very easy to use. The train doesn't save you that much time and it is slightly more expensive (still cheap though). My hotel was pretty close to the bus station so getting there was easier than getting to the train station.

Can you fly home from Nice?

It will save you a day, which is surely worth something, and a train ticket.

Thanks Kate. I was thinking of basing myself in Nice although someone suggested Antibes to me as well. The more I read the more confused that I am getting so thank you for taking the time to reply to my post.

Hi Adam,

Yes I guess we could fly home ex Nice although wouldn't that flight go to Paris anyway ? I was thinking that possibly on the train between Marseille to Paris we would be able to see a bit of country side that we would otherwise miss. Or maybe stop off somewhere for a side trip ?? Do you think that's a plan ?

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

The Paris Visite rarely proves its worth. For transportation within Paris, you have several options:


1. Carnet - set of 10 tickets valid on the metro, bus, tram, and RER within the city limits. Perfect for occasional use of public transport. Cost: 11.40E

2. Passe Navigo Découverte loaded with a Carte Orange Hebdomadaire. In English, it's an electronic card loaded with a weekly pass for public transport. They are used in Monday-Sunday segments. They sell the current week's pass until Wednesday, then sell next week's pass on Friday until the following Wednesday. They are not sold on Thursdays. Thus, if you expect to use the metro frequently and arrive before Thursday, buy the pass. Arrive Thursday or later? Buy a carnet, single tickets (1.60), or Tickets Jeunes (valid on Sat and Sun for people under 26).

3. Mobilis - a day pass. Cost: 5.80. Pays for itself after 4 separate trips. If you need more than a carnet but don't want to bother with a weekly pass, buy 5 of these.


As for transportation around France, I think point-to-point tickets will do just fine. Be sure to reserve the Marseille-Paris train well in advance on Voyages-sncf.com. Fares start at rockbottom rates but increase dramatically as the departure date nears. That train will fill up quickly. You will see plenty of gorgeous countryside during the 3 hour ride. For the local trips around the French Riviera, reservations will most likely not be necessary or available.

Italy also has very affordable rail travel. You won't need a Eurail Pass for that part either. I cannot speak for Switzerland, though.

Thanks Martine, that is a fantastic help.

You ask, "I was thinking that possibly on the train between Marseille to Paris we would be able to see a bit of country side that we would otherwise miss. Or maybe stop off somewhere for a side trip ?? Do you think that's a plan ?"

On timing: The difference between taking the train to Paris and flying home from Nice (even though you will probably fly through Paris) is about a day.

(Question: You are talking about taking the train to Paris from Nice, right? You say Marseilles, which is about 2-1/2 hours west.)

Yes, I'd prefer to sit by the window on such a trip versus reading a book, but is it really the best way to spend that day in Europe? As I recall you are planning a long trip with many destinations. My advice is to take that extra day and spend it in one of the wonderful places you are already going to visit.

Similarly, you could use this trip to squeeze in a quick visit to one more destination enroute. I'm not going to tell you this isn't the best decision for you, but again weigh a couple of hours in Arles or Lyon versus an extra day in Paris or Rome.

That's my approach, but of course no one knows what you like better than you. Have a wonderful time seeing these great places.