Nice & Riviera for long weekend

Nice & Riviera for long weekend

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fourstardan

Original Poster:

4,864 posts

150 months

Tuesday 24th January 2023
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Has anyone done Nice as a base for seeing Cote De Azur? Or better to seek somewhere a bit more out of town.

Im thinking Friday to Tuesday and getting a car is a must so ramps up the price, but flights and accom are better priced and we will have far more option to visit up and down the coast.

Better chance of warmer weather than other options of Berlin, Stockholm or Dubbers.

We'll have our toddler with us.

Edited by fourstardan on Tuesday 24th January 11:57

OMITN

2,369 posts

98 months

Tuesday 24th January 2023
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I like Nice - hopefully they’ve now finished digging it up!

It will be a good base to head either way along the coast.

I’ve only ever been in the height of summer, so not sure what will be open to see on the colder weather (eg Marineland in Antibes).

There is plenty within a reasonable drive - Monaco (I don’t care for it) and the other way to Cannes and Antibes. Then slightly inland to Valbonne and up to Grasse.


LimaDelta

6,858 posts

224 months

Tuesday 24th January 2023
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When? It's freezing down here at the moment!

paulwirral

3,317 posts

141 months

Tuesday 24th January 2023
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We did it a few years ago , stayed in nice then Cannes although it was summer.
I preferred Cannes to be honest , but both are well placed for travel to the surrounding areas .
We used public transport to be honest as the car gets parked up and that’s it until we leave . But by public transport it was the unbelievably clean trains and the boats , day trip to st tropez on the boat was good and something different , and the train to Monaco is good as you run along the coastline and they save sitting in traffic , may not be such a problem at the moment.

fourstardan

Original Poster:

4,864 posts

150 months

Tuesday 24th January 2023
quotequote all
Its the end of April.

I've been to a conference in Cannes at the end of feb and I still remember the feeling off the bus with the light levels compared to the UK! And it was nice enough as a seaside resort , I think we could make good use of the rental car as I quite like the idea of seeing somewhere up in the hills like Valbonne.




fourstardan

Original Poster:

4,864 posts

150 months

Tuesday 24th January 2023
quotequote all
Booked! Now to find some decent accommodation.

Out of town probably best to get somewhere a bit more exquisite.

2 sMoKiN bArReLs

30,488 posts

241 months

Tuesday 24th January 2023
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We like Villefranche sur Mer, just around the corner towards Monaco

Deesee

8,509 posts

89 months

Tuesday 24th January 2023
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Use the train when you arrive, I'd also suggest also Menton or Cannes (as an alternative for Nice or a visit for the day) for a base and enjoy!

Thundersports

670 posts

151 months

Tuesday 24th January 2023
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Beaulieu or Villefranche are worth considering in April when it's quiet and if you have a car you won't have the pain of getting out of Nice everyday.

fourstardan

Original Poster:

4,864 posts

150 months

Wednesday 25th January 2023
quotequote all
Thundersports said:
Beaulieu or Villefranche are worth considering in April when it's quiet and if you have a car you won't have the pain of getting out of Nice everyday.
Noted these venues, get a bit of a better option on parking if outside of Nice.

On the train option, it's a consideration but not sure I can deal with the on/off with a buggy etc. Kiddling needs his afternoon nap and it gives a good option here etc.

bridggar1

95 posts

47 months

Wednesday 25th January 2023
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I too have just booked a few nights away in Nice (end of March). Hotel on Promenade des Anglais which seemed quite reasonable. I expect to do Cannes one day, Nice old town another and then Monaco (all by public transport). I'm assuming taxi from airport will be reasonable - just hope the locals don't hate the English as much as I've been told!

2 sMoKiN bArReLs

30,488 posts

241 months

Wednesday 25th January 2023
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We used to go to Villefranche most years. Haven't been since pre COVID, but booked for this May. Yippee!

OMITN

2,369 posts

98 months

Wednesday 25th January 2023
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Also, if you fancy a different sort of day out, hop over the border at Menton into Italy. Ventimiglia is just over the border, or maybe head on to San Remo for lunch.

If you’re there on 18th March you’ll get to see the finish of the first big bike race of the season, Milano-San Remo.

Quickmoose

4,649 posts

129 months

Wednesday 25th January 2023
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Col du Turini is a short drive north from Menton.... scenic and fabulous.

fourstardan

Original Poster:

4,864 posts

150 months

Wednesday 25th January 2023
quotequote all
OMITN said:
Also, if you fancy a different sort of day out, hop over the border at Menton into Italy. Ventimiglia is just over the border, or maybe head on to San Remo for lunch.

If you’re there on 18th March you’ll get to see the finish of the first big bike race of the season, Milano-San Remo.
Whats the Hire Car situation with this on crossing the border? I've never been to Italy.....

I saw Col Du Turini on the Rally last night.....smile

chappj

337 posts

149 months

Wednesday 25th January 2023
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Another vote for Ville Franche. It’s a good base for going in both directions.

fourstardan

Original Poster:

4,864 posts

150 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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Rental cars seem to be rediculous pricing.

200 quid for 4 days with child seat. Half the price in other locations to compare.

Any thoughts on whether waiting is better here for prices to drop?

Bobtherallyfan

1,332 posts

84 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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Another vote for just using the local trains..takes all the hassle out of parking. Highlight for us was the trip along to Monaco. Just watch ‘To catch a thief’ before you go!

Murph7355

38,697 posts

262 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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I prefer Menton - other side of Monaco.

A car's handy IMO for exploring the area.

Quickmoose

4,649 posts

129 months

Thursday 26th January 2023
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Mix it imo
Train from Menton to Monaco for the day.
Car to properly explore the local region.