<<<<<<<If you want beautiful vistas/countrysides, take bus or train trips from Nice to many of the towns/cities along the coast.

For Antibes or other coastal points west, I would take the train from Nice - - unless you are going to Grasse or Vence, where the bus can only reach. For points east, the bus is really spectacular (you can always bus out and train back if it seems easier). For Eze, bussing up to the town on the hill, then walking down to the train station and training back makes for a nice hike. For Villefranche, the train is really quick and efficient, but the bus takes this great arc around the peninsula which is more stimulating (get a seat right-hand-side window from Nice). For Monaco, the train stops in a deep tunnel with long walks, but the bus takes you to the base of the elevator up to Monaco-Ville. (Staying in Nice not only gives you more daily cosmopolitan variety, but also good travel options).

So Nice it is, already sent in the deposit for the apt.Thanks to all for their input. Now to make the train/plane decision....

And by plane it is! Just booked the 5pm flight to Orly on Easyjet. Thanks everyone for your help. I presume a cab from Orly will be the best way to get into the city?