JANUARY 13-22 ON THE CORTE D' AZUR
Nov 19th, 2001, 04:47 PM
#1
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JANUARY 13-22 ON THE CORTE D' AZUR
Hello Friends! This will be my fourth trip to Europe. I always travel in the off season as I like to avoid the hot weather and large crowds (and January 12 is my birthday so that is when I go.) Does anyone know the Le Meridian hotel in Nice? Good idea? Will there be activity in January? I would like to try to see everything (except sunbathers!) available this time of year. Please post any suggestions or feel free to email me directly. Thank you very much!
Nov 19th, 2001, 05:04 PM
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The Le Meridien in Nice is a good hotel. Not fabulous, but centrally located (try to get a view of the ocean). I have been there at the end of February, and was one of very few tourists. Check to see if Air France has any all inclusive packages -- we went on a trip that was airfare plus Le Meridien and was very, very reasonable.
Dec 3rd, 2001, 04:18 PM
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Oh heck! All bad news about the off off season? Will anything be open? From Nice, where we are planning on staying, are there things to do near by, like day trips? I was hoping to do Mote Carlo and the big casino action, will that still be available? Will there be anything going on at all or should I seriously reconsider? The tix are in my hand and this is my chance, so I would like to do it. Does anyone have any good things to tell me about this Jan. south of France trip?
Dec 3rd, 2001, 05:14 PM
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Hi John<BR>I was in Nice for five days last month. From my research it seemed that more places - certain museums, restaurants, small hotels - in the area were closed in November and reopen in December. There is loads to do, I'm sure, in January. Monte Carlo is less than half an hour by train. I stayed at the Primotel Suisse right on Quai Rauba Capeu across from the water. I'd go if I were you. I was there for my birthday as well!
Dec 4th, 2001, 04:17 PM
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Thank you so much! I will have a great time. And it all sounds so close! I anticipate a wonderful time. I was contacted by a Paris based travel company offering excusions. They sound helpful but expensive. I would like to use them for at least one excusion as they have been helpful to me answering questions and concerns, but outside of my self imposed obligation, is it necessary? Seems that if I can board a train that stops in every beach town (realizing they may be closed - it still may be fun to get off and "be there" - it sounds like a simple excusion.<BR><BR>I would like to go into the villages in the hills also, the travel company made them sound wonderful. I usually drive every where in Europe and it doesn't scare me. Should I save the tour guide for this trip. Any advice? Experiences to share? All will be greatly appriciated.
Dec 5th, 2001, 09:02 AM
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Depending on the cost, it might be convenient to use a tour company for some of the villages as they aren't that easy to get to, if you like their prices and itinerary and don't want to rent a car. You won't need them for places right on the rail line. For example, I did not have a car and took the bus to Grasse from Nice. Well, that wasn't too bad but I had to get from hotel to bus station (if your tour picks you up, that would be nice) and then the bus wound all over the place for a long time and took forever. The ride was somewhat scenic so it wasn't a total loss, but it just wasn't as efficient as more direct transportation. I would not want to deal with the hassle of renting a car for a day or so. There will be plenty to do in Nice, anyway, a lot of those things aren't seasonal (ie, museums).
Dec 13th, 2001, 05:47 PM
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We have had wonderful experiences touring France via rental car on our various trips. When we were in the Nice area this past September we stayed one night in the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and found it to be picturesque and charming beyond belief.
Dec 14th, 2001, 12:56 PM
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John<BR><BR>Are you renting a car? If so it's pretty easy to get around. The train is fine for the main towns but we really enjoyed getting away from the towns and up into the mountains.<BR><BR>Also because it was low season and we asked nicely we got an astounding rate at Le Mas d'Artigny hotel near St Paul de Vence (needs a car) and had a wonderful time.<BR><BR>Search on the word Utelle to find my trip report here on Fodors.<BR><BR>I hope you enjoy the trip, feel free to email me or post questions here.<BR><BR>Kavey
Dec 14th, 2001, 01:59 PM
#16
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Oh John, reserve a car prior to leaving the U.S. and rent for a couple of days, at least. I just got back from Nice and you will have a great time from Old Nice to the Port. While some things will be closed, Nice does not roll up the sidewalks. If you rent a car, you can go to many great places. I went from Italy to Arles and Avignon (Go see St. Remy and Les Beaux and the Pont du Gard). Finding a room will not be difficult this time of year. The Autostrada (toll roads) allows for quick travel (80 MPH legally). I was underwhelmed by Monte Carlo but suppose everyone must see it. Regarding Hotels in Nice, several places are having sales on the internet. For a similar price, I would pick the Hotel La Parouse over Le Meridian in a heartbeat. Hope this helps.
Dec 14th, 2001, 02:03 PM
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I was in Nice a few years ago in mid-Feb. and had a wonderful time. In fact, we caught the Carneval celebrations with big parades etc. <BR>The weather was coolish, but not uncomfortable. I wore a light nylon jacket most of the time. We took a few<BR>train rides...Monte Carlo and Mentone, very easy to do on your own. Everything<BR>we needed was open, I don't remember that being problem at all. I also always travel off-season and I think it's much easier and more pleasant. <BR>You will have a fabulous time, I'm sitting here feeling jealous.
Dec 14th, 2001, 02:22 PM
#18
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Go and have fun for all of us who can't right now! Rent a car and visit Rocquebrun and Eze and drive over to San Remo. Be sure to visit the Chagall museum in Nice if that interests you. I don't know if it is open in Jan. I like to travel off season because you can see how the towns really are when just the locals and you and a few tourists are around.
Dec 18th, 2001, 12:33 PM
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We were in Nice in October. Renting a car was great. We drove it all over from St. Tropez to San Remo and every town in between. I booked the car with Sixt using Orbitz.<BR><BR>We split our time between two hotels: Mercure Notre Dame and Citadines Promenade. The Mercure is well located - right in the shopping district (but a bit of a walk to the Promenade des Anglais). The Citadines is an apartment hotel which gave us more space and a kitchenette. I would recommend both properties.
