Cote D'Azur: which cities and towns are worth a visit?
Jan 16th, 2007, 08:18 PM
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Cote D'Azur: which cities and towns are worth a visit?
I will be traveling through the south of France this summer along the Cote D'Azur. Which towns do you recommend I visit? From my own research, I've determined that Monaco and Nice are definitely going to be part of my itinerary.
However, I would also like to hit one or two small coastal towns before moving into Provence. Cassis and St. Tropez seem to be options I would be happy with, but I was wondering if all of you could share what you feel would be among my BEST options. Thanks for your help.
P.S. - if you recommend a city that isn't directly accessible by train, could you please tell me how much traveling is involved to get there from the nearest train station? I'll be perfectly happy with just the destination suggestions, though.
However, I would also like to hit one or two small coastal towns before moving into Provence. Cassis and St. Tropez seem to be options I would be happy with, but I was wondering if all of you could share what you feel would be among my BEST options. Thanks for your help.
P.S. - if you recommend a city that isn't directly accessible by train, could you please tell me how much traveling is involved to get there from the nearest train station? I'll be perfectly happy with just the destination suggestions, though.
Jan 17th, 2007, 09:24 AM
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Base yourself in Nice for a few days, and do Monaco and Eze (the best way to get there is by public bus from Nice; it takes about half an hour) as day trips.
If you want something utterly beautiful and off the beaten path, you can take this secret train that no one seems to talk about. There's a narrow-gague railway called Les Chemins de Provence, that goes to slightly random places up the the mountains directly north of Nice. My favorite town was a perfectly preserved medieval gem of a town called Entrevaux, where you can climb an amazing citadel and do a little bit of hiking even beyond it (look it up on the internet, because it's sort of hard to describe). The way this weird train thing works, you'll have time to visit Entrevaux and another town on the list during your one day. It's a great way to get to little-visited places.
Another pretty thing to do along the coast is to take the train to Cannes, skip the town, and take a 15-minute ferry ride to the little island just off the coast. Pack a picnic, sit down by the waves crashing against the rocks, and visit the cell of the actual historical Man in the Iron Mask.
I'm not sure if you already know this, but St. Tropez is not accessible by train, at least I don't think so. It's a bit hard to get to unless you have a car, and especially in the summer, there will be mind-boggling and unpleasant traffic. Just a warning.
I'm sure others will recommend more ideas, but I realyl wanted to recommend Entrevaux and the island (I think it is Isle de Marguerite) as neat things that might be a little less crowded.
If you want something utterly beautiful and off the beaten path, you can take this secret train that no one seems to talk about. There's a narrow-gague railway called Les Chemins de Provence, that goes to slightly random places up the the mountains directly north of Nice. My favorite town was a perfectly preserved medieval gem of a town called Entrevaux, where you can climb an amazing citadel and do a little bit of hiking even beyond it (look it up on the internet, because it's sort of hard to describe). The way this weird train thing works, you'll have time to visit Entrevaux and another town on the list during your one day. It's a great way to get to little-visited places.
Another pretty thing to do along the coast is to take the train to Cannes, skip the town, and take a 15-minute ferry ride to the little island just off the coast. Pack a picnic, sit down by the waves crashing against the rocks, and visit the cell of the actual historical Man in the Iron Mask.
I'm not sure if you already know this, but St. Tropez is not accessible by train, at least I don't think so. It's a bit hard to get to unless you have a car, and especially in the summer, there will be mind-boggling and unpleasant traffic. Just a warning.
I'm sure others will recommend more ideas, but I realyl wanted to recommend Entrevaux and the island (I think it is Isle de Marguerite) as neat things that might be a little less crowded.
Jan 17th, 2007, 09:29 AM
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I love St. Tropez, but I would avoid it like the plague in summer unless you have access to a boat and can go in through the harbor... no trains go up that penninsula. You can get a train to Grimald (need to check a map...but that is what I "think" it is named) and drive. Canne did not float my boat either.
Cassis is on my next Cote d'Azure trip.
I like Felly's suggestions.
Cassis is on my next Cote d'Azure trip.
I like Felly's suggestions.
Jan 17th, 2007, 09:50 AM
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I agree that, if you're in Nice, don't miss St. Paul de Vence. If modern art is something you like, don't miss the Foundation Maeght just outside the town. I also liked Antibes and Vence.
Many people like seeing the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferrat. I'm sorry that I missed it.
All of these places are accessible from Nice by local bus.
Many people like seeing the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferrat. I'm sorry that I missed it.
All of these places are accessible from Nice by local bus.
