Paris or Nice from Italy
 

We are still trying to figure out the last 7 days of our trip. We will be in Tuscany then we can either spend 2 nights in Santa Margherita and 4 in Nice or Antibe OR 2 nights in Lake Como and fly from Milan to Paris. What would be the best way to get from SM to Nice? Also, which plan would you recommend with 2 teenage (17&19)girls?

You can take the train from SML to Nice, changing in Genoa. It's a nice ride along the coast.

But I bet the teenage girls would prefer Paris -- unless they've been there before. And, if they like fashion, they might prefer Milan to Lake Como.

We were in Paris last year but only for two days and we were visiting family friends so didn't get to see much.

I did Paris-Venice-Milan-Nice in three weeks last year. I loved Paris, but I personally didn't like Nice very much. It's like a european version of Miami. The historic center is tiny and it can be visited in half a day, but the rest of the city is just OK. I daytripped to Antibes and it was also OK. However, the inland town (Mougins, Valbonne, Gourdon, Tourresttes sur Loup and Saint-Paul de Vence) are lovely.

How about neither plan? I think I'd recommend splitting the time between Nice and Paris. You could fly ( I think) between Pisa and Nice, spend 3 nights there, then fly between Nice and Paris, and spend 3 nights there. For me and my kidswho are both in their late teens, that would be the perfect vacation!

I agree with Weadles. There is some good shopping in Nice, and if they like hitting the beach, Nice is fun. (when are you going?) You can hop on the train and quickly be in Monte Carlo too, hike up and see the palace. Just the train station there is opulent! Or go over to Antibbes for a couple of hours, But I would think they would definitely want to spend the days in Paris. My daughter enjoyed all of the above.

We are going in June.

June would be wonderful in both Nice and Paris. I think your girls would enjoy both of these cities more than Santa Margherita, which is smaller and probably more appealing to adults, especially honeymooners.

In Nice, there's a wonderful old town to explore, and the Promenade des Anglais which runs along the sea, is set up with outdoor entertainment/food stands all summer long into the early hours of the morning.

Of course you'll find plenty of excellent museums ( Chagall and Matisse among them), but if the girls are into shopping, there's plenty of that, too, especially young designers/artists who seem to be setting up new boutiques along Place Massena, and in old Nice.

You can also easily visit other towns along the Riveria by train or bus. My kids loved St. Paul de Vence, and checking out the palace and aquarium in Monaco.

In Paris, there's so much to do for teenagers. My daughter loved wandering around the Marais, and spent a whole afternoon at a a small Moroccan cafe near the Places des Vosges. She still talks about it!

Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide!

Teenage girls can be very different, but if they are active, like beach/water stuff, maybe do the SM/Nice thing. If they want to see some historical sites or art museums, plus shopping, I'd split the time with Paris. For my daughter, one day on the beach in Nice was great, and she also enjoyed the Matisse, Chagall museums in Nice as well as the Picasso in Antibbes. Monte Carlo was a fun side trip. She likes shopping/markets etc. She was 20 at the time we were there, a little older. We were there in June, it was beautiful. It can be hot in Paris, make sure you have a.c. at your hotel. We didn't and switched hotels after one night. (for the street noise also). Have a great time!

Great plan...I think we will do both. NOW should we stay in Nice, Antibes, Saint-Paul de Vence or...

Last May my daughter and I spent three nights in SML and three nights in Nice. Both offer great day trips, and are pleasant towns in themselves. We liked Nice much more than we expected, and more than the poster above. ( i.e. didn't see any resemblance to Miami at all!)

Here are links to my trip reports for each, including details about our hotel, day-trips, and restaurants:
Nice- http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34810691
SML- http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34817303

However, I think with two teens, Nice and Paris are your best option.

Have fun!
:)>-

panucci,

I don't know your vacation style, but for practical purposes, I'd suggest basing in Nice. The girls will find much more to do there, and the city has excellent transportation options for
day trips to the other towns and villages along the coast.

If you post your budget, I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions for hotels.

FYI- Easy Jet flies between Nice and Paris. It's about 1 1/2 hour flight.