Which area (Rue Fodere near the port, or directly in the old town) would be better for an apartment base for 5 days? Importance on a quaint, pretty area/buildings/street, close-by transportation, more interesting neighborhood to walk (rather than very busy /large hotel/heavy traffic st/etc...).

thanks,
S

I prefer to stay on the Rue de France. Handy for tram and buses, a couple of blocks from the Promenade des Anglais. Slightly less touristy eating places nearby. If you have a balcony, plenty to look at.

Where exactly in Old Town? Because those two areas abut each other, so they could possibly be not that far apart. Personally, I"d probably prefer Old Town and think you could walk to more. I'm not crazy about port areas anywhere, though, but often due to the port activity, there are a lot of restaurants of various types right around them. I guess that area isn't too terribly far from the tram line, which I like, depends how far you want to walk. The tram runs along the edge of the parc/promenade which you must see on a map (I'd be sure to see where this is on a map). And you are near the Nice-Riquier train station, also, although if you aren't going anywhere by train, that's probably not important.

Here is the city transit map, it appears a couple buslines near by (9/10,20). It looks like at least line 9/10 goes towards the center.

I think it would be convenient enough in terms of transportation. It's not entirely modern and large buildings on that street, not at all, if that's a concern. I don't know that I'd call it pretty, but few streets in the old areas of large cities are, by my terms. What's the alternative?

As noted above the two are very close.
I go to Nice every year and always stay in the Old Town.
I would not call the streets pretty but perhaps interesting.
I love the proximity to everything that I am interested in so I always stay there.
The Promenade, the train staion, the bus stops and many good restaurants. I enjoy walking the streets in the Old Town and shopping in the wonderfull market every morning.
I hope you enjoy visiting Nice.

thank you all!...the other option is Carre d'Or (is this where is Rue de France considered?) which came also recommended.

My wife says I over-analyze too much (and she is usually correct), but as it is our first time to South of France I want to be in a location that gives a taste for the flair of Nice (not just overly-touristy spots) and the interesting places to see, eat, watch, experience the feel as we walk around our home base. Rather than just a pretty view, or a not so interesting area...

Yes, the Rue de France is in the Carre d'Or. I'm sorry, but if you want less-touristy Nice you need to go a good bit further inland. Toursim is pretty much the town's raison d'etre near the waterfront.

but of course...i understand what you are saying.

Do Carre d'Or and Veille ville have different 'feels'?

.... my wife would prefer the more old provencal, mediterranean flavor rather than elegant shopping or beach views per se.

IMO, Rue Fodere would be a better choice for someone not wanting to in a too touristy part of Nice (like Rue de France or the Old Town).

In addition you have some very nice restaurants nearby: Jan's Vinivore as well as all the port restaurants.

The Old Town is only around 10 -15 minutes walk.

Neither of those two areas rather head a little east, near Rue France, and the neighborhood behind the Hotel Negresco.

We also found what looks like a very interesting place here in Old Town:

Rue de la Prefecture/Rue de la Poissonerie (across from Church, l'eglise de l'Annonciation de Nice)

would it be completely hot, loud, crowded here?...

You would certainly be in the heart of the action there. It is very close to myfavourite bar in Nice : Distillerie Ideale.

It would be a buzzy, interesting area to walk in; however, quite touristy. I would prefer it to Rue de France area.

All depends what time of the year you are going: anytime outside July and August and it would be great.