Amy

Which do you think would make a better base to explore the Riviera--Menton or Antibes? <BR>We'll have a car so I want someplace that parking won't be a problem. We'll be in the Riviera for five nights. Can you give me some hotels in both areas? I'm trying not to spend more than 500FF per night. Thanks in advance for your help.

Diane

I loved staying in old town Antibes. You can easily walk to shops, restaurants, and the morning marketplace. We were there for five nights, and on two days they had huge flea markets right near where we were staying. We stayed at L'Auberge Provencale. I'm not aware of them having a website. They have a lovely restaurant with rooms above. We had a huge room (named Emanuelle, I think) with a large bathroom, somewhat gothic in design. This was an abbey hundreds of years ago. Cost was quite low, about $75. I know they had less expensive rooms and the dollar was not as strong as it is now -- we were there in 1997. We had a car. There is a free parking lot not too far from the hotel. I believe the hotel has some parking space in the square in front of it. The proprietors did not speak much English.

Diane

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Mary

My vote goes to Menton. We stayed at the Princess & Richmond (www.princess-richmond.com) last January. Their room rates go from 345FF to 600FF, and they are just across the street from the sea. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps.

Carol

IMO Menton is a prettier town and I'd choose it over Antibes. It's got lots of grand gardens and villas in town or nearby also. However, I do think age is a factor in this choice. If you're younger and looking for night life--discos, bars, etc., then Antibes is the place to go. It's right next door to Juan les Pins which is the hot spot for youth on the Riviera.