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-   -   Paris to Nice to London (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/paris-to-nice-to-london-930419/)

ParisNiceLondon Apr 5th, 2012 11:05 AM

Paris to Nice to London
 
Hi,

I'm working on mapping out a trip from September 2 through September 13. I'm looking at flying to Paris for a few days then heading to Nice Sept 6 for a few days and then flying from Nice to London September 9. To me this sounds like a very doable trip and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

Should I fly or take the train from Paris to Nice? I keep going back and forth on what is the fastest. I want to spend the least amount of time traveling from point A to point B.

Thanks!

TDudette Apr 5th, 2012 11:46 AM

Hi and Welcome, ParisNiceLondon.

Others can confirm, because I always took trains, but it can be one of those six of one and half a dozen of the other situations if either type of transportation experiences delays. What was supposed to be a 3-hour ride from Paris to Aix was more like 4 because of weather. Adding Nice to the mix adds more time of course.

Of course, you can eat at Train Bleu resto in the Paris train station more easily!

Who has good info?

PalenQ Apr 5th, 2012 11:57 AM

There is also an overnight train between Nice and Paris - save time and a night hotel cost. As in other thread check out these great sites for info on French trains - www.voyatges-sncf.com - French National Railways official site - can score some deep discounts on both day and night trains I believe - day trains are now much faster than before and lets you see a lot of bucolic France on the way - like Provence and Burgudny - with airplanes you ony see a few big cities and tarmacs - other sites with lots on French trains - www.seat61.com; www.ricksteeves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com. Check Easy Jet for cheap fares but book far in advance as fares can cost a lot more the closer the flight IME.

MmePerdu Apr 5th, 2012 01:07 PM

"...I want to spend the least amount of time traveling from point A to point B." ParisNiceLondon

I find the travel from A to B as much fun as the destination but I know that's not true for everyone. For the sake of continuity have you considered Nice-Paris-London, flying into Nice, train to Paris, train to London? That would make more sense somehow to me and I think taking the train very often adds no time to a journey when one counts the hours lost with the vicissitudes of air travel.

Airlines that fly into Nice:
http://www.skyscanner.com/flights-to...e-airport.html

ParisNiceLondon Apr 5th, 2012 04:18 PM

@MmePerdu

I've thought about that but it looks like it's a much more expensive option. I'm waiting to buy my ticket till closer in to the trip in hopes tickets will go on sale.

PalenQ Apr 5th, 2012 05:02 PM

most cheap is not always the factor to me at least - yes I agree with Mme Lost - what is in between the big tourist cities that you can only see from the ground is to me as fascinating as what is in those cities. Pennywise and pound foolish to moi to only judge on costs. Staying home would be the cheapest option!

ParisNiceLondon Apr 5th, 2012 05:24 PM

@PalenQ Unfortunately I have to stay within my budget ;)

MmePerdu Apr 5th, 2012 06:10 PM

Sometimes taking the most efficient route can cost less, or at least no or little more than what seems at first to be cheaper. Backtracking can add cost as well as the incidentals which are often overlooked (transport to airport vs metro to train, or airfare vs train ticket bought well in advance). Investigate all the possibilities.

Will your ticket to Paris be RT or will you fly into one location, out of another. All these, I'm sure you know, must be considered.

The deciding factor for me, though, always comes down to that old punchline, "the wear & tear on the chicken's a**". Travel is stressful, even when we're having a good time. I'd rather skip a restaurant meal and take the easiest way to the next destination, to stay within the budget.

ParisNiceLondon Apr 5th, 2012 06:54 PM

I'm pretty sure I'll fly into London or Paris and out the other city to avoid the whole back tracking issue. It costs slightly more than flying RT out of London, but it makes life a lot easier.


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