BostonGal

Thank you all for your input. I realize it was kind of a silly question to see if it was worth it, seeing as though it's virtually no-cost!

I am definitely the kind of person that can't relax so I'm sure I'll be renting a car and driving to the other towns you mention. But it'll be so crowded then, which is a downfall. And I'm from Boston, so that makes me a Masshole so I hopefully can manage the driving LOL!

Thanks again for the recs on nearby towns and trains and buses. I really appreciate all your input.

where2

Villefranche sur Mer is lovely and easy on the train. As is walking from Villefranch to St. Jean Capferat.

PalenQ

Monte Carlo - yup a few hours for the novelty of being there. but with the trains and buses so great you can be in any of the places others have recommended quick.

But there is a casino so if gambling's you're bag... and there is a Mouse-That-Roared phony ceremony a la Changing of the Guard in London daily i think in front of the diminutive 'royal' palace.

Be sure to take the short two-mile stroll from Monte Carlo westward along a stunning Riviera coast to Cap d'Ail train station for trains back to monaco. A flat paved trail thru the Riviera etched in your mind's eye - undeveloped with the azure-hued water lapping at rocks to which are anchored the typical cypress trees. Great swimming holes as well - very isolated - you may well see others skinny dipping so you can swim whether you've packed your swim suit or not!

This was one of the very most fantastic easy walks i've ever taken in Europe.

loovetootravel

I am afraid that I would have to agree with Padraiq. I am guessing that is male I have the female perspective. If you are very independent and have no quabbles of traveling about alone, there are some beautiful sites. But I felt like I could have done the place in 1/2 day. I would not go again, and I certainly would not waste vacation. We have travelled a lot and I have to say I was excited to go there but VERY disappointed.
I had seen the changing of the guard in London a couple of times, so naturally wanted to see it in Monaco. Snoooooooze!
Ultimately you will have to just make up your own mind, but vacation is a bad thing to waste if you are going to have a chance to go someplace that has more to offer. Do not go through the perfume factory at EZE, that was a real waste of time and extremely hot in the summer.

Mimar

BostonGal, don't assume a car is the best way to travel along the Cote d'Azur. More often it's not, especially in downtown Nice -- as I mentioned previously.

PalenQ

Take your credit card and head to Nice or the mega-mall Riviera 2000 (?) by the airport and shop till you drop.

The perfume 'factory' at Eze is a sham - go to Grasse for the real deals also a neat old town (accessible by train from Cannes).

ninasdream

Ooh, if you are driving from Monte Carlo to Nice, there are little houses, like birdhouses set into the side of the road. I was a passenger, not sure if you can spot them as the driver. I never found out- does anyone know the origin of these?

callmbc

Go for it!

Rent a car or use the train. There is so much to see in that area. Explore Nice, St. Paul/Vence, and even venture into Italy...Lot's of options.
You did not say how long hubby's business will keep him there.

There's the possibilty of taking a ferry to Corsica. So explore the possibilities.

By all means, do it.

cigalechanta

No one born in Boston and around the area would ever call themslve a Masshole. SHAME ON YOU!

cigalechanta

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