MonicaRichards

We are taking a three week trip to France from July 25 to August 17. We have two girls ages 9 and 11 who saw the movie "Monte Carlo" last year and want to visit Monte Carlo and the area. We are flying into Nice and staying in that area for a few days until July 28 when we go to Provence and stay in an apartment I've already booked. What city in that area should we actually stay in? Is Nice a good base? If we can avoid renting a car until we leave that area we're very happy taking trains. We like good food, scenic towns, interesting shopping, not so into beaches and definitely not beach crowds. Are there any hotel recommendations - we prefer something with some unique charm as opposed to chain hotels? As far as budget, we don't have a set one but nothing too fancy because we wouldn't know how to act (!) nor too cheap because we do like nice places. I know I should do more research but I got slammed at work so I am having to do this a bit out of order, reserve the place so we know we have it and then hopefully nail down what we're doing when I get some free time.

suec1

I suggest you at least toss out what price you hope to pay - that would help with hotel recs - or maybe an apartment?

The area is very easy to tour by bus - frequent and much cheaper than train. Nice will be most convenient for touring the area but its a pretty big city - sort of like Miami Beach but no high rises. There is a long promenade by a pebbly beach - other nearby locations may have more of the atmosphere you are hoping for.

MonicaRichards

I really have no idea on the budget, seriously. Would it help to know that our apartment in Provence for the week was $1500.00 and the one in Paris is $2,000 so I guess we're looking to pay between $200.00 and $300.00 per night? But I haven't even been able to look around to know if that's reasonable or not. Not interested in Miami Beach-ness at all, but I would like good transportation options. If there is a smaller town nearby that is a good transportation hub with better ambiance, we're in. To give you an idea, in Italy our favorite towns are Verona and Lucca.

DebitNM

I have been looking for same thing for later in year. I have been looking at listings on -

http://www.nicepebbles.com

http://www.go-nice.com/

And there's always vrbo.

kelbo

I have rented apartments twice at Nicepebbles and been really happy. You could get a nice two bedroom for your price range. Definitely try to stay in the Old Town area. If you want a quieter smaller town then stay in Villefranche which is between Monaco and Nice. The buses are fantastic from Nice and the bus station is walking distance from Old Town area. It is only 1 euro per rider.

Have a great trip !

MonicaRichards

Can I rent an apartment for such a short time do you know? I know in Provence it was one week at a time, end of story.

DebitNM

Not sure during that time period; but I was able to find lots in Sept that will take 4 days. Most likely not, so you will have to find hotel. Sorry.

dfourh

We stayed here with multiple parties who were all very satisfied:

http://www.citea.com/en/apparthotels...ice-acropolis-

The price/quality ratio is especially nice, for Nice. It is a block from the tram which makes it ultra-convenient for all transportation considerations, and a very pleasant 10-minute walk to the Vielle Ville, as well as to the bus station for busses all through the region. It has a pool on the roof, and the rooms all have a small kitchen and a modest balcony. It is a bit modern, but very clean and comfortable.

MonicaRichards

That looks nice, like where we stayed in Sorrento one year. Thanks!

DebitNM

wow! thanks dfourh! There is another location almost on the water, Magnin, at 12, avenue de la Californie that I think I will book. Great find.

kelbo

Monica,

You can rent from Nicepebbles for less than a week, I think the pricing is a bit better for longer stays though.

madamtrashheap

In case you don't find an apartment for only a few days, here are some hotels which might fit your requirements. I realise there are chain hotels in here, but some of the more "Riviera" hotels can be a little run down (eg Hotel Frank Zurich/Azurea near the station - would stay away, or Hotel Busby - good location but in need of a little attention in rooms, lobby, etc) :

Hotel Mercure Nice Promenade des Anglais; http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhote...he_hotel.shtml Located just on the Promenade and about a 5min walk to the Old Town.

Hotel Le Grimaldi - http://www.le-grimaldi.com/ Beautiful Mediterranean hotel in the centre of the city, about 10mins to the Old Town, 7mins to the beach, 3mins to Avenue Jean Medecin and right in the middle of the boutique shops area.

Hotel Mercure Nice Grimaldi - http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-...di/index.shtml Near the pedestrian shopping area and fairly central.

Mercure Nice Marche aux Fleurs - http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-...rs/index.shtml Right on the Promenade overlooking beach and backing on to the Old Town (Cours Saleya).

For only a few days, Nice will be a good base for you as you can easily reach Monaco by train frome the Nice Centre Gare (main train station), as well as pretty towns like Eze (by train or bus), St Paul de Vence (by bus, 1hr), or fast train (30mins) to Cannes if you want to see it (not a lot going on outside the film festival). You can also walk up to Le Chateau which is the old, no longer in existence, castle which sits on the hill above nice overlooking the Promenade des Anglais. The walk up is fine, but there is an elevator if you need. There are ruins, garden walks and a waterfall, as well as great views from the top.

kelbo

one more thing...you definitely do not need a car in Nice. The bus system is great. Also, i always fly Easyjet from Paris Orly to Nice and it is really inexpensive and easy. Sort of like the Southwest Airlines of Europe. Also, if you are looking for more than " beach" as you stated in your original post than Nice is probably your best choice. Good shopping and restaurants and a wonderful market every morning. Villefranche is charming, but really centers around going to the beach.

MonicaRichards

Thank you all so much. I forwarded the links to my husband who will pick first second third choice and my work is done! Y'all are awesome.