My wife and I (both seniors) will be traveling by train from Monaco to Avignon. We would like to visit some seaside towns along the way but do not know what we can temporarily do with our luggage (each a full size suitcase on wheels and a carry-on) while we are visiting. Do stations have storage available for larger articles? Thoughts on what is worth seeing? Thanks for help and suggestions!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
According to the SNCF (French national rail) Gares-en-mouvement site which gives detailed station information, for the route you are taking only Nice, Cannes, and Marseille have left luggage facilities.
If you are art lovers, do not miss the Chagall and Matisse museums in Nice.
You will have to carry your own luggage on and off the trains. Can you pack lighter?
Posted by
San Antonio
4 posts
I was in Nice for 8 months studying the language. I believe that every first and third Monday all (or most) museums are free.
Also, if you can read the website, you could find very cheap rail tickets, unless you've already opted for a rail pass.
I'm not a senior but I think there are some nice discounts for you, too. Make sure you bring proof of your age.
Actually, in looking at the site, there is a strike planned. Watch out for frequent 'greves'. Google has a decent translator that you can copy and paste stuff into to at least get an idea of what the site says.
You must see Eze and the Jardins Exotique.
Have a good time and put your feet in the Med for me! Take sturdy sandles to the beach in Nice, it's very rocky and hard to walk on with bare feet. Lots of neat sea worn pieces of glass, too.
Posted by
OP
Pleasanton, CA, usa
6 posts
Thank you Steve and Tim for info on train travel along Cote d'Azur. We are looking forward especially to visiting Matisse and Chagall museums (any tips on this--discounts, etc.) and seeing the seafronts of these beautiful places. We wondered what kind of transportation is available within Nice and other seacoast towns, preferably inexpensive? Al and Lyn.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You're welcome!
Nice has a good bus system and a quite new tram line. A single ticket costs 1.00 EUR and a one-day pass costs 4.00 EUR. Either a single ticket or a pass will also cover bus rides to several neighboring towns. For details, go here.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
If you like Renoir, you can take the bus from Nice to Cagnes sur Mer and visit the house and property where Renoir lived the last years of his life. It's wonderful.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
I also recommend the Rothschild mansion and gardens in Cap Ferrat which I think you can get to by bus.
Posted by
Bothell, WA, USA
206 posts
Lyn,
When I was 36, I took a full size suitcase to Europe. I will never, ever do it again! It was difficult to get it on/off trains/busses and to maneuver it much of anywhere. If you can't lift it above your head and/or carry it up and down stairs, I highly recommend that you do not take it. Your backs, arms, etc. will thank you if you bring something smaller and lighter.