basingstoke2

We stayed in Vence, itself a charming and historic walled town at the Aubrrge des Seigneurs, an old stone hotel in the historic area. We very much recommend this hotel for it old world charm and excellent restaurant. From there it is just a short ride to St. Paul de Vence which is worthwhile in its own right but more heavily touristed.

StuDudley

There is more stuff to do & see in Nice than anywhere else on the Cote d'Azur.. Wonderful Belle Epoque architecture, as well as Italian buildings in Old Nice. Lots of museums and places for a quick or a long lunch also. If you don't want to consume time in transportation - I would go to Nice. Many shops are closed on Sundays - except in tourist towns like St Paul. Some shops will/may be closed in Nice, Menton, and Antibes.

Antibes & Menton would be my second choice, but I don't think they will consume much of your available time. I kinda don't like taking multiple transportation (bus, train, taxi, etc) around an area I'm not familiar with.

Stu Dudley

TPAYT

I agree with Stu about transportation in an area I am not familiar with. When we stayed on the Riviera for a longer time, we rented a car and figured it out.
For only one day I highly recommend a driver. More expensive? Yes, but it is totally worth it. There are many car services available, Google and find one that appeals to you.

shelemm

I don't have a favorite on the Cote d"Azur, so many are beautiful. Any of those mentioned, plus more are worthy contenders. Outside of the Cote d'Azur, then Roussillon in Provence is extraordinary for a couple of specific reasons. It has a spectacular ochre quarry which is like walking into a paint factory of color, plus it is the subject of the extremely profound book, Village in the Vaucluse by Laurence Wylie, a sociological study of French village life that will make you cry.

gooster

If you decide to hire a car and driver, you can go to Eze (le village, up high) and then continue up to La Turbie (Trophee des Alpes, great view from the edge of the lawn by the fence down on Monaco). Book ahead for lunch. You can then drop down to Villefranche sur-Mer and go to the Villa Ephrussi on Cap Ferrat. You can also take a bus from Monaco up to Eze (it may fill up) and then down the hill again to the train station into Villefranche-sur-Mer or Nice. This is a bit more time consuming due to the limited hours on the bus. (We have a place in Nice). In terms of further destinations, you might prefer colorful Menton to Antibes. I think, despite the tourists and commercial natur, that St. Paul de Vence is still a charming village (just the same as Eze, which also tends to get mobbed). Beyond St. Paul de Vence/Vence is the village Stu mentioned, Tourettes-sur-Loup. It is a less trafficked but still beautiful village with some great restaurants, and then Gourdon, further up the road, is another hilltop village with a perch high above the Gorge du Loup.

FLNan

Thanks you, TPAT, I love the Eze pic and the information. The info on the car/driver company is great help, the link is also much appreciated. We've decided to hire a car from them.

FLNan

Thank you, Shelemm, I love this info. I need to look into Roussillon since we will visit Provence on the 19th.

FLNan

Great to know! Thanks, Coral22.

FLNan

Thank you, Stu. I didn't see your trip report attachment till just a bit ago. I have to wait a few hours before I can comb through it. I'm excited to have it. I am hiring a car for this day. Another couple wants to join us so I have to run our options by them. I'll check cruise guests flowing into the various areas too. Thank you for your guidance.

TPAYT

FLNan….April 21st is coming up fast. I’ll definitely be watching for your trip report. Your cruise looks very top knotch and I’ll be interested in the towns you choose out of Monte Carlo.
If you are down in the port don’t miss “Stars ‘N Bars for a drink or a bite to eat. Especially if you are Formula 1 fans, even if not fans of that the views right among the yachts is fantastic.

StuDudley

With a car, the "Loup loop" that I describe in the itinerary and gooster eluded to, would be a good idea for some scenery & "cute little villages" to visit. Also visit St Paul on the same trip (do St Paul first). This is in my itinerary as:

St Paul de Vence & the surrounding area ½ day

Villa Ephrussi house & garden would also be a nice complement.

Stu Dudley

FLNan

Thank you, Gooster. My list is growing. We have friends that have decided to join us and I know it will be wonderful.

FLNan

Thank you, Stu. I will be sure to go to St. Paul first when on this loop. I tried to click on your "St Paul de Vence & surrounding area 1/2 day" and it did not work. I'll look at the other attachment and see if it is in there already. Thanks for all the help.

FLNan

Thanks, TPAYT for the Stars 'N Bars tip, we are Formula 1 fans. The 21st is coming fast and our dropping the ship's excursion was a last minute decision. I'm looking over all of my choices and think I might drop the ships Saint Tropez "Hilltop Villages" (Ramatuelle, Gassin, Grimaud) next.

StuDudley

That was not a link in my post. It was just the paragraph heading in my attached itinerary that describes the area.

St Tropez is quite far from Monaco. Those villages are nice - but it would not be worth the drive to get there - unless St Tropez itself was included in the trip. None of those villages are as interesting as St Paul or Tourrettes Sur Loup (except for St Tropez).

Bormes les Mimosas is the "gem" in that region - but a little more driving needed to get there.

Stu Dudley

TPAYT

Just saw that Stars ‘ N Bars in closed after 30 yrs. I guess another place is there in the same spot with the yacht views.
Sorry to hear that. I wonder if the F1 drivers will still hang there?

FLNan

Sorry for the super late reply to your helpful advice. On our Monte Carlo visit, we have friends that have asked to join us and we've secured a car/driver and will only get to talk about our route when they can slow down on the ship (they're planning a wedding that will be held a week after the cruise so not free to look carefully until we meet on the ship). Regent will stop at Marseille on a Friday, 9-8pm, St. Tropez on a Saturday, 8-6, Monte Carlo, 8-10, Portofino on a Monday, 8-6 and Livorno on a Tuesday, 7-7. I read your trip report and am rethinking all my selections, especially the St. Tropez stop. I wish I found your trip report months ago.

FLNan

Thanks, Tpayt. I do not know if the drivers hang around there, but I wouldn't be surprised. We are looking forward to seeing the harbor with all the yachts. We have always loved seeing different harbours. We just do not need that much time at this port, I'm glad there is so much to see out of Monte Carlo, even on a Sunday.

Michael

The Village in the Vaucluse, not the Côte d'Azur, is Roussillon, a top tourist attraction

FLNan

Thank you for the suggestion for such a beautiful and ancient village. We have decided to go to Nice though. It is closer and we will get more time in one place. I appreciate your advice though.