JillDavis

I am debating between staying in Nice or Cannes for my summer trip. Here is what I am looking for in my French Rivera stay - I want to go to the beach, emmerse in the culture of the South of France in which I hear so many wonderful things, and enjoy the scenery. I will not have a car so I need to pick a place that is good for being in the middle of things. I do not have any desire to take day trips because I am already traveling so much by train to my other destinations I really do not want to see any museums or churces - I will see plenty of those in Paris and Venice. So, that is the background information that I think will help you determine if I should stay in Cannes or Nice.

In Cannes - I would stay at the Hotel Splendid
In Nice - I would stay at the Four Points by Sheraton OR Le Meridien

scatcat

My vote is for Nice. I go there 2-3 times a year. I have never gotten tired of it. It is so much prettier there than when I first visited. There is a tram and the beautiful square at the Messena. But the beach is rocks, so beware. It certainly hasn't stopped the sun worshipers. I like to sit and watch the old men do a side glance at the topless girls on the beach. The first time my son and I were there, he had me to pose for a picture, but he actually took it of a topless sunbather. He was 17.

StCirq

I would definitely choose Nice over Cannes, but you're not there long enough to get immersed in much of any culture. You'll just be getting your bearings when it's time for that incredibly long train trip to Italy. Still, Nice has more to offer on the culture circuit than Cannes.

kappa1

I thought you said on one of your numerous threads that you had someone to meet up with in Cannes. Wasn't that the reason you were staying in Cannes?

Echnaton

If you want to go to the beach, forget Nice. The beach of Nice consists of large grey pebbles. Besides, Nice is a large city with heavy traffic etc. The great plus of Nice are the museums, but if you are not interested in them, choose another place.

Cannes has a wide sandy beach which is very attractive. Besides, Cannes has a charming old town, and you have those grand hotels with their fancy lobbies and bars.

However, you might consider other locations. Juan-les-Pins and Antibes are between Cannes and Nice, have good beaches and are more modest.

If you are interested in scenery, you should stay at the Esterel Coast west of Cannes, e.g. in Theoule sur Mer. Look at this hotel to get an impression:

http://www.tiara-hotels.com/hotel.as...l=10&idioma=EN

BTW, Hotel Splendid in Cannes is not on the beach. The nearest beach is about 500 yards from the hotel and you have to cross a broad street. Look up the location on a satellite map.

JillDavis

Kappa - we have friends that we are meeting up with in Cannes, but I do not have to stay in Cannes. We are actually going there to vacation and meeting up with them is also on the agenda. However, I would rather stay in the right place because we are only meeting our friends for dinner.

JillDavis

That is the part I am worried about - the beach in Nice doesn't look so great. How is the promenade? We will probably be there mostly for lunch and dinner.

As far as Nice or Cannes, which one has a better promenade with nicer scenery? Our vacation will consist of strolling the promenade, eating lunch/diiner outside on a terrace, going to the beach, and taking walks around the town.

TDudette

The beach in Nice is comprised of golf-ball sized stones so wear shoes! Nice has way more to do and the nice market and old section. It has a casino and I would htink more places to dine.

If you just want to vedge, stay in Cannes and take a day trip to Nice.

JillDavis

Tdudette (and others) - which city do you think is more beautiful overall? Not really into casinos.....

TPAYT

On our 2 week stay in Antibes we visited Nice 3 times, Cannes once. On other stays in Aix and Avignon again we visited Nice several times and Cannes for a breif walk through. The beach in Cannes is sand, stones in Nice but far more interesting, IMO.

immimi

Nice is wasted on such a short visit. Cannes is IMHO,
shallow and pretentious but the beach is good. I'd go to
Antibes.

Judy

Another vote for Antibes.

JillDavis

Unfortunately, I really want to stay in Cannes or Nice because of the convienence of the public transport. I have a long trip to Italy the next day. I have heard wonderful things about Antibes though!

Echnaton

It is one of the Fodorites' Myth that you should not stay in Cannes. I have been about 20 times both in Cannes and Nice (as well as at other places on the Cote d'Azur) and I can say there is nothing wrong with Cannes.

The beach is definitly MUCH better than the beach of Nice. The Croisette is a beautiful beachside boulevard, not to crowded with traffic. Behind the beach, there is a row of stately hotels - many of them knows from movies. Even if we do not stay at those hotels (we usually rent a house) we like to have a drink in the lobby or bar. (My favourite is the Majestic's bar. Some say, the Majestic is Cannes' best hotel anyway.)

The yacht harbour is nice for a stroll and for a drink in one of the cafés. It is really fun watching the people on their boats.

Cannes has a small old town with the typical array of shops which contribute to south France's charm: food, cosmetics, souvenirs, maritime products... Cannes has a castle with a modest museum inside and a spectacular view from the tower. From the port, you can take the boat to the Lerins islands - a pleasant experience.

Even if you don't want to do a daytrip: Think about spending one or two hours for the short drive or train ride to the Esterel Coast. The scenery is spectacular.

Here a few pictures:

http://www.photos-provence.fr/esterel.html

tejana

Cannes is stunning and beautiful, and for a short visit you might like it more than Nice. Nice is more central if you are day tripping (and would be the better choice if you want to pop over to Monaco) and has more variety (the old town has great restaurants and bars). Personally I would base in Antibes - I love that town.

TDudette

We only walked along the promenade from the big hotel to the theatre and thought that Cannes seemed lovely. I expect there are some nice places to eat since the film festival brings in many people.

Nice is a large city. We loved the old section and had 2 standout meals and several more very good ones.

More beautiful overall, I can't really say because the activities were more important to me.

danon

I also liked Antibes .
Cannes is very nice: lovely beach ,a good place to relax. Nice is a good size city with lot of traffic, great Promenade ( the beaches are not sand - I actually like that),sevral museum etc.
If you have only a few days, wish to take it easy in one place etc..Cannes might be better.

Christina

I you want a nice beach, do not go to Nice. I think saying the stones are golf-ball sized is being optimistic, I remember them as being larger than that. It's basically a beach full of rocks IMO. It has nice views, of course, and some good museums and other interesting things -- but if you don't care about that, stay in Cannes.

JillDavis

I think I might like Cannes better, but I just found out that I might have enough points for a free vacation at the Le Meridien in Nice. Anyone know anything about this hotel? How is the location?

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeri...ropertyID=1918

Echnaton

The location is excellent - directly at the beach, close to Old Town. However, be aware that Nice is not a sea resort. It is a big city with heavy traffic. The promenade is an eight-lane highway. The bistrots and restaurants along the promenade are not really nice. And the beach is pretty ugly.

>>>Our vacation will consist of strolling the promenade, eating lunch/diiner outside on a terrace, going to the beach, and taking walks around the town.<<<

Cannes will be the better option for you.