Top 3 Day Trips from Nice - Itinerary Help, Please!
Feb 23rd, 2010, 09:42 AM
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Top 3 Day Trips from Nice - Itinerary Help, Please!
I'm looking for your help here. We will be in Nice for 5 nights beginning 3/29/10. We arrive in Nice around noon on the 29th, so I imagine we'll get settled in and explore the city a bit. The next day will be another day in Nice. We will not have a car and will be relying on the train and bus to get around. We will have 3 days remaining until we leave.
We are in our mid and upper 30s. Not much into art museums... Maybe the Picasso museum.
I'd like to go to Antibes one day (I've heard a lot of great things), my husband would like to see Monoco one day (maybe Menton then Monoco?), and where else should we go?
Also, can you spend an entire day in Antibes? Or should we see other places along the way?
I've heard St. Paul-de-Vence is nice. Can you do that and Antibes in one day?
Where are other ideas for day trips? I'd like to get an itinerary semi-set before we go!
Thanks in advance for your opinions and help!
We are in our mid and upper 30s. Not much into art museums... Maybe the Picasso museum.
I'd like to go to Antibes one day (I've heard a lot of great things), my husband would like to see Monoco one day (maybe Menton then Monoco?), and where else should we go?
Also, can you spend an entire day in Antibes? Or should we see other places along the way?
I've heard St. Paul-de-Vence is nice. Can you do that and Antibes in one day?
Where are other ideas for day trips? I'd like to get an itinerary semi-set before we go!
Thanks in advance for your opinions and help!
Feb 23rd, 2010, 09:51 AM
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Yup can do both Antibes, a compact town with only the Picasso Museum, in an old seaside fort to 'have to see' and then take a bus up to St Paul-du-Vence - may have to take the train from Antibes to a station like Biot to connect with the bus - not sure of that but easily done IMO
Unless you are severely incapacitated here is my favorite day trip and it involves Monaco, which most folks would NOT list as a favorite day trip but i do - if for the novelty if not much else
Anyway take a train to the Cap d'Ail train station, right on the sea in a pristine area of the Riviera that you rarely see today as the coast is really built up in most places
anyway from the station go down to the sea and turn left (east) on the paved footpath that in about two miles leads you smack into Monaco, right by the yacht harbor.
And this flat stroll - perfect for a picnique if weather is nice- takes you by the signature Riviera landscapes etched in your minds' eyes- boulders tumbling down to an azure - yes - deep azure-hued sea - cyrpess trees cling to the rocky inclines and there is no development here - just the path - the rocky coast tumbling into the sea - from Monaco return by train to Nice from the Monte Carlo train station.
Unless you are severely incapacitated here is my favorite day trip and it involves Monaco, which most folks would NOT list as a favorite day trip but i do - if for the novelty if not much else
Anyway take a train to the Cap d'Ail train station, right on the sea in a pristine area of the Riviera that you rarely see today as the coast is really built up in most places
anyway from the station go down to the sea and turn left (east) on the paved footpath that in about two miles leads you smack into Monaco, right by the yacht harbor.
And this flat stroll - perfect for a picnique if weather is nice- takes you by the signature Riviera landscapes etched in your minds' eyes- boulders tumbling down to an azure - yes - deep azure-hued sea - cyrpess trees cling to the rocky inclines and there is no development here - just the path - the rocky coast tumbling into the sea - from Monaco return by train to Nice from the Monte Carlo train station.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 09:55 AM
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Hi kiethanderica,
Did Nice first 2 weeks May last year with no car. Bus is excellent. 1 euro each way for your day trips. Menton and Monaco easy in 1 day trip. Lunch in Menton along the water if temp allows. Depends how long you want, but St Paul was a nice day for us. Antibes and Juan les Pens can be combined. We found it easier to catch bus at main terminal to get nice seating and view along way. Sit opposite side of driver on way to Menton. Enjoy the view.
Did Nice first 2 weeks May last year with no car. Bus is excellent. 1 euro each way for your day trips. Menton and Monaco easy in 1 day trip. Lunch in Menton along the water if temp allows. Depends how long you want, but St Paul was a nice day for us. Antibes and Juan les Pens can be combined. We found it easier to catch bus at main terminal to get nice seating and view along way. Sit opposite side of driver on way to Menton. Enjoy the view.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 10:11 AM
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Palenque, Could you do Antibes, then Biot and then St. Paul-du-Vence in one day? I thought Biot looked interesting, too.
nicerue50, thank you for your post, too. How long is the bus ride from Nice to Menton?
To all of you - Any idea what the temps will be like in late March - Early April? Everything I've seen is around mid-50s. Is that accurate?
nicerue50, thank you for your post, too. How long is the bus ride from Nice to Menton?
To all of you - Any idea what the temps will be like in late March - Early April? Everything I've seen is around mid-50s. Is that accurate?
Feb 23rd, 2010, 10:19 AM
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Since you've mentioned the Picasso Museum, you'll be interested in knowing that the building which houses it is worth seeing for its own sake.
Eze-le-Village would be an obvious choice. It's the most visited hilltop village in France. You can get there by bus from either Nice or Monaco.
Eze-le-Village would be an obvious choice. It's the most visited hilltop village in France. You can get there by bus from either Nice or Monaco.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 10:24 AM
#6
That time of year the temps vary wildly. I was once in Nice in February; it was pissing with rain one day and the next in Menton I was sunbathing on a rock by the harbor.
Palenque's suggestion is exactly what I'd do, and I also like the Antibes/Juan les Pins idea of nicerue50.
I think if you haven't been to Monaco, it's great to spend a few hours there, keeping in mind that except for the free walking, it's not cheap. It is also fun to go into the Casino and play the slot machines, just to say you've done it!
Palenque's suggestion is exactly what I'd do, and I also like the Antibes/Juan les Pins idea of nicerue50.
I think if you haven't been to Monaco, it's great to spend a few hours there, keeping in mind that except for the free walking, it's not cheap. It is also fun to go into the Casino and play the slot machines, just to say you've done it!
Feb 23rd, 2010, 10:38 AM
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If I were going to both Monaco and Menton in one day, I'd prefer the train. It's 20 minutes from Nice to Monaco and another 15 minutes to Menton. If you buy a regional train ticket from Nice to Menton, you can get off in Monaco, pay a visit, and get on another regional train to Menton, all on one ticket. Or do the reverse and stop in Monaco on your way back from Menton.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 10:39 AM
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Palenque, Could you do Antibes, then Biot and then St. Paul-du-Vence in one day? I thought Biot looked interesting, too.>
Yes i think the bus may go thru Biot en route to St-Paul-du-Vence but not sure. Biot is a gem but smaller so even a quick look would be fine - not much to 'have' to see - i'd leave it to after St P d V - on the way back down.
Nice to Menton is fine by bus but it is quicker by train - the Cote d'Azur Metro or shuttle train that trundles along the coast frequently from St Raphael (another possible day trip 0 take a boat or bus from St Raphael to St Tropez) via Cannes, Antibes, Biot (though station is well below the hill town of the same name) Nice, Cap d'Ail, Monte Carlo, Menton, Ventimiglia, Italy - yet another interesting possibility if you want to see an Italian Riviera town - quite nice and so so Italian - border town near Menton.
But the bus one way is nice as you go along one of the high up Corniche drives and can easily also this say stop off at Eze-sur-Mer and take in the raved views and perfume 'factory' tours - factory is Ersatz - for the real deal go to Grasse, by train via Cannes for the Perfume Capital of France and actual factories to tour and not a boutique thing in Eze.
Yes i think the bus may go thru Biot en route to St-Paul-du-Vence but not sure. Biot is a gem but smaller so even a quick look would be fine - not much to 'have' to see - i'd leave it to after St P d V - on the way back down.
Nice to Menton is fine by bus but it is quicker by train - the Cote d'Azur Metro or shuttle train that trundles along the coast frequently from St Raphael (another possible day trip 0 take a boat or bus from St Raphael to St Tropez) via Cannes, Antibes, Biot (though station is well below the hill town of the same name) Nice, Cap d'Ail, Monte Carlo, Menton, Ventimiglia, Italy - yet another interesting possibility if you want to see an Italian Riviera town - quite nice and so so Italian - border town near Menton.
But the bus one way is nice as you go along one of the high up Corniche drives and can easily also this say stop off at Eze-sur-Mer and take in the raved views and perfume 'factory' tours - factory is Ersatz - for the real deal go to Grasse, by train via Cannes for the Perfume Capital of France and actual factories to tour and not a boutique thing in Eze.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 11:01 AM
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Ventigmila and San Remo in Italy are two easy day trips. Big market every Friday in Ventigmila.
Tende is a very beautiful place and getting there is possibly one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe.
http://www.beyond.fr/villages/tende.html
Grasse, the perfume Capital of the world is one hour by bus and has perfume factorys and perfume museums. Nice view of the Med from Grasse.
Tende is a very beautiful place and getting there is possibly one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe.
http://www.beyond.fr/villages/tende.html
Grasse, the perfume Capital of the world is one hour by bus and has perfume factorys and perfume museums. Nice view of the Med from Grasse.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 11:09 AM
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WOW - Keep the suggestions coming! It's so nice to see everyone's input.
Is it easy to buy train tickets and/or bus tickets once we get there? We're staying at the Univers hotel in Nice. They should be able to help us, right?
Is it easy to buy train tickets and/or bus tickets once we get there? We're staying at the Univers hotel in Nice. They should be able to help us, right?
Feb 23rd, 2010, 11:17 AM
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Pal, Eze Village?
Yup Eze the village not the train station Eze-sur-Mer (Eze on the sea) - the village is hundreds of feet above its train station
but if you are into a hardy hike then you can do like the philosopher Nietzsche did - hike up a staircase-like path from sea to cliff top - it is now called the Philosopher's Path - i have done it and the path/stairs goes thru a wild ravine - but it is steep - maybe walking down a better idea.
Yup Eze the village not the train station Eze-sur-Mer (Eze on the sea) - the village is hundreds of feet above its train station
but if you are into a hardy hike then you can do like the philosopher Nietzsche did - hike up a staircase-like path from sea to cliff top - it is now called the Philosopher's Path - i have done it and the path/stairs goes thru a wild ravine - but it is steep - maybe walking down a better idea.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 11:32 AM
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s it easy to buy train tickets and/or bus tickets once we get there? We're staying at the Univers hotel in Nice. They should be able to help us, right>
There are two types of trains that track along the coast - mainline trains like TGV trains that come from say Paris to Nice/Menton - these trains require reservations and cost a ton more - they do not stop only at main towns like Nice and Monte Carlo, Menton, etc.
No reason to take these trains, which do require advance planning and ticket purchase to guarantee a seat
But with what i call the Cote d'Azur Metro - the commuter trains that shuttle along the coast and stop at practically every station - those trains you just buy a ticket at the train station - no big deal and the ticket should be good on any train except mainline trains - there may be some kind of day pass to ask about - hotel desk should know that. buses are also easy to use - just buy ticket at the bus station.
Now about train tickets - be sure to cancel them in the 'Composteur' (sp?) machines at the entrance to the platforms - if you do not cancel your ticket yourself then you are riding without a valid ticket - so do like everyone else and just stick them in the machine and date cancel them before boarding - then the ticket is used and cannot be used again as if you did not cancel it and on these trains it's the honor system often with no ticket checks but with spot checks and imposing fines.
There are two types of trains that track along the coast - mainline trains like TGV trains that come from say Paris to Nice/Menton - these trains require reservations and cost a ton more - they do not stop only at main towns like Nice and Monte Carlo, Menton, etc.
No reason to take these trains, which do require advance planning and ticket purchase to guarantee a seat
But with what i call the Cote d'Azur Metro - the commuter trains that shuttle along the coast and stop at practically every station - those trains you just buy a ticket at the train station - no big deal and the ticket should be good on any train except mainline trains - there may be some kind of day pass to ask about - hotel desk should know that. buses are also easy to use - just buy ticket at the bus station.
Now about train tickets - be sure to cancel them in the 'Composteur' (sp?) machines at the entrance to the platforms - if you do not cancel your ticket yourself then you are riding without a valid ticket - so do like everyone else and just stick them in the machine and date cancel them before boarding - then the ticket is used and cannot be used again as if you did not cancel it and on these trains it's the honor system often with no ticket checks but with spot checks and imposing fines.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 11:50 AM
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I am also looking for information on day trips from Nice but by car instead of bus or train. We will have come up the coast so are interested in the destinations to the East. We will already have the car and enjoy driving. (I wasn't sure if I should start a separate topic for this but the subject is essentially the same.)
I was tentatively thinking that one trip would be to Cap Ferrat (Ephrussi Villa) and Beaulieu and the other would be Monaco and Eze. Should I add Menton to one of these? Any preferred routes or itineraries?
I was tentatively thinking that one trip would be to Cap Ferrat (Ephrussi Villa) and Beaulieu and the other would be Monaco and Eze. Should I add Menton to one of these? Any preferred routes or itineraries?
Feb 23rd, 2010, 12:18 PM
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By car (or train) another neat day trip goes from Nice into the Maritime Alpes and to a Provence of old - roads pretty much follow the tracks of the Train des Peignes (sp?) a nickname of a narrow-gauge train - the Ligne Digne - that follows river valleys high up into the hinterlands - i'd go about an hour or so to a sleepy place like Annot - a Provencal town of old - really sleepy and in an area of nice beauty - hikers love the train and do hikes from one train station to another. By car this would be a whole different world than the coastal area.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 12:21 PM
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This tiny train, officially called Chemins de Fer de Provence, departs from an old train station just north of the main Nice-Ville station - it is very popular with French folk.
Train touristique des Pignes : Chemins de Fer de Provence (liaison ... - [ Translate this page ]
Découvrez la Provence et la Côte d'Azur avec le train touristique des Pignes. Une balade à travers les Alpes Maritimes et de Haute Provence : Nice - Digne ...
Horaires et Tarifs de Nice à Digne - Horaires de la - Plan de la ligne
www.trainprovence.com/
Chemins de Fer de Provence - Interactive map
Logo des Chemins de Fer de Provence. Train en gare de Fugeret. Horaires et Tarifs de Nice à Digne · Commuter service · Nice - Digne-les-Bains ...
http://www.trainprovence.com/pages/e...teractive.html -
Chemins de Fer de Provence. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Jump to: navigation, search. Chemins de Fer de Provence ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemins_de_Fer_de_Provence
Train touristique des Pignes : Chemins de Fer de Provence (liaison ... - [ Translate this page ]
Découvrez la Provence et la Côte d'Azur avec le train touristique des Pignes. Une balade à travers les Alpes Maritimes et de Haute Provence : Nice - Digne ...
Horaires et Tarifs de Nice à Digne - Horaires de la - Plan de la ligne
www.trainprovence.com/
Chemins de Fer de Provence - Interactive map
Logo des Chemins de Fer de Provence. Train en gare de Fugeret. Horaires et Tarifs de Nice à Digne · Commuter service · Nice - Digne-les-Bains ...
http://www.trainprovence.com/pages/e...teractive.html -
Chemins de Fer de Provence. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Jump to: navigation, search. Chemins de Fer de Provence ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemins_de_Fer_de_Provence
Feb 23rd, 2010, 12:47 PM
#18
You might find my TR for Nice of use - I spent six nights there at the beginning of April last year. I included a trip on the Chemins de Fer de Provence and to Ventimiglia. http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ern-france.cfm
Feb 23rd, 2010, 12:48 PM
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We took a one-day bus tour and saw quite a lot then returned by train to places that attracted us. Bus also fine. Don't have my notes but we saw: Old Nice, Monoco, St. Paul de Vence, Eze, Cannes and a perfume factory (not Grasse though). Check with your hotel. Tour picked us up.
Feb 23rd, 2010, 01:40 PM
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Agree with Palenque about the "tiny train," which makes a very pleasant day trip to the old village of Entrevaux and its perched fortifications. There are pictures in our phototravelogue at http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...g&x=0&y=-run25, and of Monte Carlo, Vence, and St Paul also.
