We (family with two kids 5&7) have been offered free accommodation from friends, for the whole of March 2001 in Juan les Pins. We plan to fly to Rome and drive thru Tuscany to Juan lP and fly back from Nice (or the other way round). We spent 8 days in Nice March 1997, so have some idea. I would greatly appreciate if other travelers can suggest some ideas for day trips (we'll have a car), and interesting things to see/do around the Cote d'Azur. The kids were enthralled by the Mardi Gras last time, and I would love catch it again. Anyone knows the date in 2001? Tanks,AJ.

Do your friends need some more new friends??? <BR>

I spent 10 days in Nice/Cannes in February. I had business and my wife joined me for most of the trip. I just worked in Nice, so I can't tell you much about that. <BR> <BR>A pretty city nearby is Grasse. It has a perfume museum and few some art/history museums and lovely cathedral with three paintings by Rubens, just hanging there, ungaurded and in the open. <BR> <BR>Your kids would like the beach at Cannes and the Souquet section of the city is picturesque. The kids can climb the tower a the top of the hill, which gives you a great view of the bay. But parking on the Croisette is expensive and, generally, just a pain. Excellent pizzas in the city restaurants, so the kids should like that. <BR> <BR>We were less impressed with Antibes. But the Picasso museum there had some interesting work by him. He used to have a studio there. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

AJ-have you taken the trip to Monaco to do the Oceanarium/Aquarium there? My kids (ages 11 and 13 at the time) thoroughly enjoyed the aquarium along with the natural history specimens room! Then go upstairs to the roof area restaurant for a super view for lunch.(We live near the Shedd aquarium in Chicago which is one of the best but my kids saw alot of things that impressed them.)Jacques Cousteau used to have his live laboratory housed there.The beach at Menton(just before Italian border is quite nice also). They have a huge lemon festival every year which is supposed to be great.Have a oven piaaz for us at Tavern Massena! Debbie

Dear AJ, <BR> <BR>About 40km west of Nice is Vence. In it is the Matisse Chapel designed by him near the end of his life for nuns who had cared for him. Last I checked it is open only on Tuesdays and Thursdays--check before going. <BR> <BR>Nearby, in St. Paul de Vence, is the Meaght Foundation. This gathering of modern art should not be missed. While I am no fan of much of modern art, this idyllic setting is truly breathtaking. <BR> <BR>You could visit both places on the same visit.

Thanks to all so far for some excellent ideas - the kids will definitely enjoy the aquarium (I know this from other aquariums). Last time we didn't get to Monaco and beyond (got as far as Ferrat, then the traffic made me turn back). We also didn't really get walking in the smaller towns mentioned (our previous stayover at Juan les Pins happened at the end of a 2 week tour through eastern rural France - started in Brussels, and I felt I had done enough walking around...). However, it now seems we missed a lot! I'll make up for it. <BR> <BR>I'm also looking forward to the Moulles Mariniere (sp? my French is non-existent) that we had at some place near the harbour in Nice. And this time I'll take a bigger budget for wine... Really looking forward to it! <BR> <BR>best to all, <BR>AJ

AJ-leave the car in Nice and take the bus to Monaco for the oceanarium(really easy as it stops practically in front by the gorgeous park) and then take the train to the Italian border(Ventimaglio-sp?) and backtrack to Menton,etc. Its inexpensive and the view out of the train along the water(saw Princess Caroline's villa on water which you normally aren't privy to) is magnificent! We even did the train to Cannes and the bus service to St. Paul de Vence. Have fun! Debbie

Definitely check out Menton. We were there in January and found it to be a very pleasant town. <BR> <BR>While in Nice, stop at the Baracuda Restaurant, on rue Meyerbeer, for the best Moulles Marinaire. <BR> <BR>Also, you will get a better car rental price by flying into Nice. Car rentals in Italy are higher. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps.

I'd recommend St. Paul de Vence, Eze Village, Antibes and St. Tropez. The drive along the coast raod is beautiful too.