Nice...1st 2 weeks June 2009
 

Hello Foddies,

Everyone was so helpful last year with my Paris planning. Thanks. This year it's off to Nice for 2 weeks. We are looking at the Pierre en Vacances Maeva. 52 Bis Av Fabron.Any feedback available? Also will be totally dependent on public transport as no auto. Does this work well? Will be doing day trips around Nice. Thanks

Résidence Maeva Nice Les Palmiers is located in a residential neighbarhood, about 3 miles from the city center and about half a mile from the (ugly) beach. PV says nothing about public transport, so I am afraid the next bus stop will be more than half a mile away (at the Promenade des Anglais). This means, without a car, you have neither convenient access to old town nor beach.

We always have a car when we are at the Cote d'Azur. There are some of the most beautiful roads on earth, we enjoy both the scenic coastal roads (especially the Corniche de l'Esterel and "the" Corniches between Nice and Monaco) and the drives through the hinterland with the picturesque mountain villages.

Think about renting a car.

If you are looking for a base on the Cote d'Azur it depends how you intend to spend your days:

Is is important for you that you are in walking distance to a beach?

Or is it important that you are in walking distance to an old town with restaurants and shops?

Or do you prefer immediate access to hiking trails?

Or do you want a location with a view over the coast?

How often will you visit museums?

Nice itsself is an interesting city with several outstanding museums (which are scattered around town), a shopping district and an old town. The beach of Nice is one of the ugliest on the Cote d'Azur (only Villeneuve-Loubet is worse). They are many much better beaches in the region.

I personally prefer other locations on the Cote d'Azur and drive occasionally into Nice in order to visit the museums there.

thanks traveller 1959,
We are not that interested in beach as we spend our winters in Florida. Yes for museums and definately want to use public transportation for day trips.Had auto last time in provence but that was 8 yrs ago and we don't drive in France much anymore(age), Really will use apt as just base for sleep and breakfast. Any more info available would be a great help. How about the vapor train? and Corsica ferry?
Thanks again

I think "Ugly" beach is in the mind of the beholder. I actually prefer the flat rocks over sand - less dust. However, I would only stay at one of the private beach concessions. I also like looking at the Negresco & other hotels from the beach. ofte, I'll spend the day at the beach while my wife wanders through town. I actually enjoy "beaching" in Nice more than I did at Juan les Pins, Menton, and even Cannes. I prefer the beaches near St Tropez at Pampelonne over Nice.

Agree with you about Villeneuve-Loubet.

Stu Dudley

Forgot to answer the main question.

I don't know anything about the specific hotel, but if traveller's location is correct - I shure would want to be closer to the Cours Saleya and the eastern section of the Promenade des Anglais. We like to wander in the evening along the Blvd & listen to bands play (summer), admire the water views, and also spend time in the Cours people-watching at night and dining there (food not that great, IMO).

Stu Dudley

I agree that a car is best,you will not be able to reach everywhere very easily on public transport. I suggest you rent a studio or small appartment in the town centre so that you are near the buses and the station and also shops and restaurants. There is a good train service along the coast in both directions. I have been to Nice and the surrounding area many times and love it. Lots to see and do but you will have to plan carefully if you are using public transport

Hello again,
After your info we have looked at Le Lido Hotel 4 rue du Commandant Berretta. It has room with kitchen cornes A/C and a lift. All our basic requirements. Any input on this location? Looks like directly behind Negresco. Thanks again for your help

perfect location. Lots of Belle Epoque buildings in that area. We stay close to there at the Windsor, and have never had too much trouble parking the car.

Stu Dudley

My husband and I go to Nice a lot and we never rent a car, using only public transportation. The last location you mention is great but I would take a look at Trip Advisors, not very good reviews at all. We usually stay a bit further down toward the airport at the Citadines on 3-5, boulevard François Grosso which are studio apartment hotels and the buses are a block away. We have never been disappointed there. Ask for a studio (I ask for top floor) in the back and there is a lovely leafy courtyard and you don't hear a peep of traffic noise.

Nice is the perfect location on the Cote d'Azur to be without a car. There are lots of daytrip options by bus and train. Some options are

-train to Monaco/Monte Carlo

-bus to Eze up high with great views out over the Med

-bus to Cap Ferrat-St. John, see the Villa Ephrussi-Rothschild, walk around the peninsula

-little Train des Pignes northwards into the mountains

-bus to St Paul-de-Vence and, just outside, the Fondation Maeght

-train to Antibes/Cannes/Juan-les-Pins