We will be traveling by train from Paris to Cinque Terra in April, 2003. Would like to travel along French Rivera and spent one night. Suggestins please on route and 1 night sleeping accomodations. Read several good reviews (Graffiti and R. Steves' France) about Hotel Colbert in Avignon. I have sent 3 email request for 3 weeks and have had no response. Website indicates they are closed, but will respond in 24 hrs. Any other sleeping suggestions? And, is Avignon the best place to spend the 1 night?
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
We have stayed at the Hotel Colbert in Avignon. Very nice hotel. No elevator and the breakfast is extra cost. However, very reasonable and very clean. About 3 blocks from the train station (not the Avignon TGV station). Also, we had one of our best French dinners 2 blocks from the hotel at Piedoie. Not cheap but memorable for us. They were very good about responding to us. Note that Avignon is not the French Riviera. You're still a pretty good hike from Monaco and Nice. And then, you are still about 5.0hrs away from the CT by train from Nice.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7161 posts
Personally if it was me I'd break the journey in Nice rather than Avignon, unless you've a desire to see Avignon. Longer trip from paris but shorter trip the next day to CT. Lots of nice hotels not far from the train station and April rates should be good. Where I stayed was closer to the old town and the Promenade des Anglais but that was in July and I was there for 3 nights. For one night you'd probably want to stay near the train station.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Anna, My suggestion would be to stay in Nice rather than Avignon, as that will make the trip to the Cinque Terre a bit easier. I stayed at Hotel Suisse in Nice, which is at one end of the Promenade des Anglais, and would certainly recommend it. The trip from Paris to Nice is very quick and easy via TGV (5H:37M, direct). The trip from Nice Ville to Monterosso (for example) is about 5.5 to 6.5 hours with 2 or 3 changes, depending on which train you choose. There's always a change at Ventimiglia, as that's the border point, and likely also in Genova. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Altamonte Springs, Fl, USA
2 posts
Thank you for your help. As you all suggested, we are staying in Nice rather than Avignon - great advise. We have a room at Hotel Suisse.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10603 posts
Are you time-traveling? You must be, since you are going there in April, 2003. :-)