Nice, staying the night
 

We are flying into Nice on October 23rd, bound for northern Italy. Where should we stay in Nice? Should we spend any time there or just head for Italy?

I was in France 4/98 & recommend staying a night or two. We got a bed & breakfast book from the book store and really enjoyed staying in French homes. In most cases it was more reasonable than a hotel and in every case the hosts gave us wonderful tips on sights to see, etc.

If you love art, Nice is a great place to spend a day or two. There is a great Chagall museum and a good Matisse museum in Nice, a terrific Fernand Leger museum close by in Biot, a wonderful collection of Miros and others at the Maight Foundation in nearby St. Paul de Vence, a Matisse chapel in Vence (very limited visiting hours), and Renoir's home in Cagnes sur Mer (I think it was called La Collette or something close to that). You should rent a car in Nice and you could also drive to Monaco and Monte Carlo--great botanical garden on the side of the hill as you enter and of course the royal palace. So there is enough to keep you busy for a couple of days before you head on to Italy where you could really use the car (you didn't say where in Northern Italy, but have been there the past two Junes and may have some ideas if you want to e-mail me). Have a great trip! <BR>

Just got back from Europe. We visited nice but stayed in villefranche sur mer. You do not say if you are driving or going by train to Italy. We stayed at the La Flore, there was a bus stop next to the hotel where for about a $1 per person you got a round trip 10 minute air conditioned bus ride into Nice. There was also bus service into Monte carlo. The hotel had a view of the Villefranche harbor and the staff was very friendly.

Mary Ann, <BR>Did you like the Hotel La Flore? Is it located well for a next morning trip to the Nice airport?

The hotel was terrific. We ate one night in the dining room and prices were reasonable with helpful staff. Breakfast was on the terrace and extra as is with most of France. It is 10 minutes by bus and less driving without the stops. I am not familiar with the location of the Nice airport but if you have a city map check it out.Rooms with a view of the harbor our definitely worth the extra. It is also recommended by Rick Steves. They have a web site a www.hotel-la-flore.com.

Splurge on this part of your trip and stay at Chateau de la Chevre d'Or in Eze Village. You will love it, and you will never regret it. Wonderful, beautiful, romantic, awesome place. At least go to Eze and roam around and go to the edges of the mountain for the view.