Cote d'azur or amalfi coast in mid-March?
Jul 19th, 2011, 01:03 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cote d'azur or amalfi coast in mid-March?
I have a 9 day vacation this coming March 14 to the 23rd. I have been to Paris and Rome, Florence and Venice. I would like to visit either the cote d'azur or the amalfi coast since i havent been to either or them. I know, it is not the ideal time and it could be rainy and still cold but this is the only time i have. I will be traveling with my husband and we wont be renting a car. If we go to the Riviera, we will be based in Nice because of easy tranportation connections and if we decide the Amalfi coast, we will be based in Sorrento for same reason. Please advice which is better, esp, weather wise? thanks.
Jul 19th, 2011, 02:44 PM
#3
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Jazz:
Weather wise I cannot give any clue, you already know the basics.
We have been to Cannes,Nice and the Amalfi Coast(there is a report of our trip to the A.C.); and very much prefer the A.C. but this is highly personal.
Make your choice and enjoy your trip!!!
Weather wise I cannot give any clue, you already know the basics.
We have been to Cannes,Nice and the Amalfi Coast(there is a report of our trip to the A.C.); and very much prefer the A.C. but this is highly personal.
Make your choice and enjoy your trip!!!
Jul 19th, 2011, 03:16 PM
#4
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,434
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been to both areas - Cote d'Azur for 16 weeks and the Amalfi Coast for about 2 1/2 weeks (several trips). But neither in March. Realize that Nice is actually north of Milwaukee, WI and the AC is about the same latitude as NYC - so it could be pretty "iffy" weather wise.
We've been in Tuscany in late March, and although it was stunningly beautiful with all the hills covered with green winter wheat - it was quite chilly. Even a few snowflakes at times.
I'm not a big fan of Sorrento (perfer Positano), but I think I would get bored with 9 days on the AC - especially if it was rainy or drizzly. You could go to Napoli or even Rome if the weather turned out to be a problem - but if this was "my" late-March vacation, I would stay in the Tuscany countryside near Pienza with trips to Florence, Siena, Orvieto, Perugia - and rent a car to explore the beautiful countryside. OR I would stay in Nice with options to take the train to Aix, Avignon, or other spots along the Cote d'Azur.
Stu Dudley
We've been in Tuscany in late March, and although it was stunningly beautiful with all the hills covered with green winter wheat - it was quite chilly. Even a few snowflakes at times.
I'm not a big fan of Sorrento (perfer Positano), but I think I would get bored with 9 days on the AC - especially if it was rainy or drizzly. You could go to Napoli or even Rome if the weather turned out to be a problem - but if this was "my" late-March vacation, I would stay in the Tuscany countryside near Pienza with trips to Florence, Siena, Orvieto, Perugia - and rent a car to explore the beautiful countryside. OR I would stay in Nice with options to take the train to Aix, Avignon, or other spots along the Cote d'Azur.
Stu Dudley
Jul 19th, 2011, 04:38 PM
#5
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your choice of bases for each region are good ones, the question I guess that needs to be answered is how active to you want/need to be over those 9 days.
9 day on the French Riviera could easily be filled with day trips, none of them involving the beach (chilly-central!), whereas if you would prefer to spend time relaxing with a book or two, then you could take a few days to do just that in Sorrento, yet still get out and about for sightseeing as well. I, for some reason, feel more relaxed on the AC/Sorrento than I do in Nice/FR, hence the recommendation. Of course, you could fill your time easily on the AC in 9 days, but the desire to slow down just seems to take over there.
9 day on the French Riviera could easily be filled with day trips, none of them involving the beach (chilly-central!), whereas if you would prefer to spend time relaxing with a book or two, then you could take a few days to do just that in Sorrento, yet still get out and about for sightseeing as well. I, for some reason, feel more relaxed on the AC/Sorrento than I do in Nice/FR, hence the recommendation. Of course, you could fill your time easily on the AC in 9 days, but the desire to slow down just seems to take over there.
Jul 19th, 2011, 04:39 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks to both of you! And to Stu, I really appreciated your advice and to your wonderful itineraries. We are leaning towards Nice at this time and renting an apartment for 1 week with Nice Pebbles. We can just take the train or bus to see Cote d'Azur since we don't have a car . I might convince my husband to drive around the Luberon area in Sept.
Jul 19th, 2011, 04:49 PM
#7
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you have no interest in seeing Pompei and Naples, it makes more sense for you to go to Nice -- provided you want what Nice has to offer in terms of cultural attractions. Beyond Nice, you are not going to find a lot to do by using public transportation along the coast. I don't know how much you know about the cote d'azur, but it really does shut down out of season (and even in season it is not necessarily scenic, just trendy). And many people really dislike Monaco (count me as one of them).
Europe is filled with so many fascinating destinations, are you sure you want to tie yourself to one that is so highly dependent on pretty weather to be at its most appealing? You've got a lot of time to browse libraries and guidebooks for Europe. And if you don't have a car, you might want a city more rich in attractions than Nice. Daytripping using trains can get old fast.
Europe is filled with so many fascinating destinations, are you sure you want to tie yourself to one that is so highly dependent on pretty weather to be at its most appealing? You've got a lot of time to browse libraries and guidebooks for Europe. And if you don't have a car, you might want a city more rich in attractions than Nice. Daytripping using trains can get old fast.
Jul 19th, 2011, 05:03 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We've been to both, the Cote d'azur 4 times and the AC once. All trips were between May and early October. And we didn't find enough to do in either place to keep us interested for 9 days.
March is out of season for both destinations and there is nothing gloomier than a seaside resort in grey, chilly rain when there are so many wonderful places to visit in Europe. Give some thought to changing your March plans and visiting the AC and the Cote d'azur in a better season.
March is out of season for both destinations and there is nothing gloomier than a seaside resort in grey, chilly rain when there are so many wonderful places to visit in Europe. Give some thought to changing your March plans and visiting the AC and the Cote d'azur in a better season.
Jul 19th, 2011, 05:47 PM
#9
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sounds likes Nice is going to suit you better this time around (although I will add to the others that you should factor in a holiday on the AC some time warm in the future!).
Some ideas to keep you going over 9 days:
1. express train to Cannes from Nice is only 30mins, but Cannes outside the Film Festival doesn't take long to see; a few hours to stroll La Croisette, check out the pavillion of the Film Festival, have lunch somewhere off the main street, take photos from the Old Town (La Suquet). You could also visit the island of St Margurite (Île Sainte-Marguerite)known for the fortress with the cell of "The Man in the Iron Mask" or the island of St Honore (Île Saint-Honorat) where monks have lived for over 1600 years and continue to produce wine at the monastery. Both are reached from Cannes.
2. Bus to St Paul de Vence from Nice
3. train/bus to Eze village
4. afternoon and evening in Monaco - different times of day mean different things in Monaco, so if you go then make it an afternoon to sightsee and and evening to swan around a little and catch the view from the Palace across to Monte Carlo before you have dinner somewhere (different places for different budgets). Trains back to Nice run until late (last one is 00h24, but I'd take the one just before 22h00) and take around 30mins one way.
5. Lunch in Nice Old Town (Cours Saleya) after a long stroll on the Promenade des Anglais or a walk up to Le Chateau with views along the coastline.
6. In Nice the Museums of Marc Chagall and Matisse, as well as of the Fine Arts, Modern Arts, Antiques, etc.
7. Train to St Tropez and Antibes - both worth a wanders
8. day trip to Aix-en-Provence by train
9. visit to La Turbie for the Roman ruins and views
10. visit Cap d'Ail on the Basse Corniche for sea views (won't be beach weather, but you'll get the idea) and a bit of glamour.
Some ideas to keep you going over 9 days:
1. express train to Cannes from Nice is only 30mins, but Cannes outside the Film Festival doesn't take long to see; a few hours to stroll La Croisette, check out the pavillion of the Film Festival, have lunch somewhere off the main street, take photos from the Old Town (La Suquet). You could also visit the island of St Margurite (Île Sainte-Marguerite)known for the fortress with the cell of "The Man in the Iron Mask" or the island of St Honore (Île Saint-Honorat) where monks have lived for over 1600 years and continue to produce wine at the monastery. Both are reached from Cannes.
2. Bus to St Paul de Vence from Nice
3. train/bus to Eze village
4. afternoon and evening in Monaco - different times of day mean different things in Monaco, so if you go then make it an afternoon to sightsee and and evening to swan around a little and catch the view from the Palace across to Monte Carlo before you have dinner somewhere (different places for different budgets). Trains back to Nice run until late (last one is 00h24, but I'd take the one just before 22h00) and take around 30mins one way.
5. Lunch in Nice Old Town (Cours Saleya) after a long stroll on the Promenade des Anglais or a walk up to Le Chateau with views along the coastline.
6. In Nice the Museums of Marc Chagall and Matisse, as well as of the Fine Arts, Modern Arts, Antiques, etc.
7. Train to St Tropez and Antibes - both worth a wanders
8. day trip to Aix-en-Provence by train
9. visit to La Turbie for the Roman ruins and views
10. visit Cap d'Ail on the Basse Corniche for sea views (won't be beach weather, but you'll get the idea) and a bit of glamour.
Jul 19th, 2011, 09:52 PM
#11
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i dont have insight into the weather, but for what it's worth IMHO,
nine days would not be too much for me in the Sorrento-AC-Napoli area. We had nearly five full days and it wasnt enough.
ANd i actually LIKE seaside areas on gray cool days...a different atmosphere, but just as enjoyable!
Amalfi and Positano were beautful, but we were glad we chose Sorrento as "base." Easy to walk, to see the Bay from the cliffs edge parks and walks (eg at the Foreigners Club Terrace--all invited) the lively crowds during the Passegiata, the church inside lit at night. Positano was New York tourist central--(and i LOVE New Yorkers--) but the loud voices, loud cell ph use, etc--sort of detracted from the Italian atmosphere. MayBE it was just a large tourbus group. Sorrento on the other hand--lot of Italian tourists (didnt see huge numbers of UK tourists we'd expected).
Great train connection from Sorrento for Napoli, Pompeii--great bus connections to AC (and one of the world's most exciting bus rides!)
You mention the Luberon--driving. Is there a reason you can't drive i March, but can in September? Either way, i'd prefer the area around Nice and the hill towns above it, to the Luberon.
Enjoy those precious nine days, wherever you go!!!!!
nine days would not be too much for me in the Sorrento-AC-Napoli area. We had nearly five full days and it wasnt enough.
ANd i actually LIKE seaside areas on gray cool days...a different atmosphere, but just as enjoyable!
Amalfi and Positano were beautful, but we were glad we chose Sorrento as "base." Easy to walk, to see the Bay from the cliffs edge parks and walks (eg at the Foreigners Club Terrace--all invited) the lively crowds during the Passegiata, the church inside lit at night. Positano was New York tourist central--(and i LOVE New Yorkers--) but the loud voices, loud cell ph use, etc--sort of detracted from the Italian atmosphere. MayBE it was just a large tourbus group. Sorrento on the other hand--lot of Italian tourists (didnt see huge numbers of UK tourists we'd expected).
Great train connection from Sorrento for Napoli, Pompeii--great bus connections to AC (and one of the world's most exciting bus rides!)
You mention the Luberon--driving. Is there a reason you can't drive i March, but can in September? Either way, i'd prefer the area around Nice and the hill towns above it, to the Luberon.
Enjoy those precious nine days, wherever you go!!!!!
Jul 20th, 2011, 12:18 PM
#13
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Buongiorno, igpjazz. Have you seen this link which was just "topped"?
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-naples.cfm
sort of validates my own feeling that nine days in the area is NOT too much!
What is your budget for accommodation, if you are ok stating it?
The place we stayed in Sorrento was Villa Elisa Casa Vacanzae. Great location and price, but i do not recommend it nor would use it again. It gets great reviews on TA (the owner and her son each made a point of asking us for a review--perhaps people feel obigated) but IMHO they are overrated. I havent written my own review yet.
If you say your budget, i and others can give some ideas based on places we saw and thought, "Next time..."
If you are there for a week, you could get an apartment or house if desired!!!
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-naples.cfm
sort of validates my own feeling that nine days in the area is NOT too much!
What is your budget for accommodation, if you are ok stating it?
The place we stayed in Sorrento was Villa Elisa Casa Vacanzae. Great location and price, but i do not recommend it nor would use it again. It gets great reviews on TA (the owner and her son each made a point of asking us for a review--perhaps people feel obigated) but IMHO they are overrated. I havent written my own review yet.
If you say your budget, i and others can give some ideas based on places we saw and thought, "Next time..."
If you are there for a week, you could get an apartment or house if desired!!!
Jul 21st, 2011, 12:34 AM
#16
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'jazz, that hotel is in a great location, assuming you want to be in the middle of the action..which we did!!
there are towns where I'd prefer peace adn q uiet at night,but we loved the evening liveliness of Via Corso and the other streets in the area. I'm not sure what it is like in winter, but in June, it is a place to make a night owl's heart sing!!
there are towns where I'd prefer peace adn q uiet at night,but we loved the evening liveliness of Via Corso and the other streets in the area. I'm not sure what it is like in winter, but in June, it is a place to make a night owl's heart sing!!
Jul 21st, 2011, 03:34 AM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You should be aware that in March the daylight hours are still short, until the summer time change kicks in, usually at the end of March. So whichever you choose, your sightseeing time outdoors is restricted.
Nice will have a greater choice of hotels etc as many hotels on the AC close for the winter, typically reopening at Easter. This falls over the weekend of 6th -9th April 2012 and being early(ish), may well be when places opt to reopen. The weather is anyones guess, but if you can persuade him to drive, the roads will not be busy at that time, so driving will be much easier.
Nice will have a greater choice of hotels etc as many hotels on the AC close for the winter, typically reopening at Easter. This falls over the weekend of 6th -9th April 2012 and being early(ish), may well be when places opt to reopen. The weather is anyones guess, but if you can persuade him to drive, the roads will not be busy at that time, so driving will be much easier.
Jul 24th, 2011, 02:15 PM
#19
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,943
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Second half of March, they will have decent amount of daylight, especially after 3/24. Nice appears to have about half hour more of sunset than Naples will.
Of course weather should be better in the AC. I went there in 2009 at the beginning of April, after a week in Rome at the end of March.
It was dry but not a lot of sunbathers. But it was t-shirt and shorts weather. I went on a hike on Capri and didn't expect a lot of vertical paths. Was drenched in sweat.
I don't know if it was typical weather but it was perfect for doing a lot of hiking/walking around.
Culturally though, the Cote d'Azur seems to have more if it does rain. Lot of museums (but maybe because I generally prefer modernist art to antiquities).
If you have a car, the villages in the Maritime Alpes are stunning, especially Gourdon and the area around the "French Grand Canyon." But I've mostly been to France in July and later.
Of course weather should be better in the AC. I went there in 2009 at the beginning of April, after a week in Rome at the end of March.
It was dry but not a lot of sunbathers. But it was t-shirt and shorts weather. I went on a hike on Capri and didn't expect a lot of vertical paths. Was drenched in sweat.
I don't know if it was typical weather but it was perfect for doing a lot of hiking/walking around.
Culturally though, the Cote d'Azur seems to have more if it does rain. Lot of museums (but maybe because I generally prefer modernist art to antiquities).
If you have a car, the villages in the Maritime Alpes are stunning, especially Gourdon and the area around the "French Grand Canyon." But I've mostly been to France in July and later.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Nauhar_Rana
Europe
9
Feb 18th, 2013 01:20 AM
