French Riveria Itinerary - Need Help
 

We are flying into Nice on Thursday 5/31 and plan to get a gite or apt in Vence from Sat to Sat and then drive to Nice, drop off car and get apt or hotel for 5 nights. Where should we spend Thursday & Friday before we drive to Vence? We were thinking of Antibes? Where would you stay for 2 nights before going inland to Vence?

While I don't think you could go wrong in any of the smaller communities between Cannes and the Italian border, my three favorites would be Juan-le-Pins, to the west, and Villefranche-sur-mer and Menton to the East. But, you are arriving in the week after the Grand Prix of Monaco. There are usually fetes and other activities in the week after the Grand Prix and it may be difficult to find accommodation to the east of Nice in that week. For that matter, if you have difficulty in finding accommodation, that may be a hint that you should go west to avoid the crowds.

In the school of "since you are going toward that direction", I'd suggest Cagnes sur Mer for your 2 days. If you have any interest in art, Renoir's atelier is there. Can't say about Antibes, sorry. According to wiki, it's almost 2x larger than Cagnes sur Mer-that might be a factor for you?

Once you are in Nice, you can easily visit the other towns mentioned above. Hubs and I based in Menton and enjoyed it very much We also based in Nice one visit and took a van tour (picked us up at the hotel) and saw Ezes, Monaco, Cannes and old Nice.

We were in both places in March. We took the 2 € bus to Nice and back to Menton and it was hot and crowded. In May it might be pretty awful if you don't have a seat.

Can other Fodorites weigh in about traffic in general in late May?

Jeff801: Thanks for reminding me about the Grand Prix. I knew it was in May but didn't realize it was so close to the end of May.

TDudette: I will check out Cagnes sur Mer. I had also thought of Menton; however, based on what Jeff801 said, I may want to stay west of Nice for our first 2 days.

Thanks to both for you input.

Hi Winnick,

Don't worry about the Grand Prix, it's long over by the time you arrive.

I was thinking that you might take the opportunity to explore the East as you have the car available. It would be a lovely time to visit Monaco, Menton and go across the border to San Remo on the Riviera Dei Fiori (Riviera of Flowers).

You will easily find a small hotel in Menton or San Remo (2 nights can be difficult for an apartment) expecting to pay about 80 Euro per night for a 3***.

Bear in mind the short distances, San Remo is only a gentle hours drive from Nice airport. A much more pleasant way to do this would be to drive East from the airport along the coast the whole way, it's one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Nice airport - Nice Town - Villefranche - Cap Ferrat - Beaulieu Sur Mer - Cap D'Ail - Monaco - Menton - Ventimiglia - Bordighera - Ospedaletti - San Remo. This is a WONDERFUL road, all the destinations are so close together!!

Here are some suggestions:

What to do in Monaco:
http://www.rivierarentalguide.com/ex...in+monaco.html

Why Visit Menton
http://www.rivierarentalguide.com/ex...it+menton.html

Some picture galleries:

The Corniche:
http://www.rivierarentalguide.com/vi...mode=area&id=8

Menton:
http://www.rivierarentalguide.com/vi...ode=area&id=10

Rentals in Menton
http://www.rivierarentalguide.com/properties/menton/

Here are some rental apartments in Nice for your 2nd week:

http://www.rivierarentalguide.com/properties/nice/

If you need any more info let me know!

Bon voyage.
Mike

Thanks Mike! We did intend to get to those towns, either from Vence or Nice but we could also consider going to Menton for our 2 night pre-Vence stop. We actually plan to meet friends in San Remo at some point on this trip.

If you were able to make the Indoor food market in San Remo on Saturday morning part of your trip, you could stock up on the best produce in the world for the remainder of your stay. None better than there, I go every 2nd Saturday.

Hi Winnick,

I just found your comments and questions about Germany on my trip report from the summer. I just now replied, but it looks like you've made a decision! Actually, my next trip will most likely be to France. I hope you have a wonderful time.

Susan