Rent a car or take trains?
 

We will be staying in Monte Carlo for 8 days in August. I have looked into the train & bus routes in getting to local towns (Antibes, Vence, Eze, Menton, Grasse, La Turbie...) for day trips. It seems to me that renting a car would allow us more freedom and flexibility. Has anyone driven in the prime tourist traffic in the Cote d'Azur area? Are we crazy to hassle the traffic and parking problems? Thank you, in advance, for any input.

IMO trying to drive in the Cote d'Azur area during the tourist season is insane. If you're familar with the area and have driven here before then it might be okay; however, for the novice, both driving and parking can be a problem. I'd opt for train and bus. The public transportation system is good.

We've spent considerable times staying in Cannes, Nice, and in Monte Carlo. We've stayed there with a car and we've stayed there without. This year we chose to stay in Nice for a week in July without a car. We find it much easier. Bussess and trains to the places you mention are pretty frequent, cheap, and all eliminate the need to spend an hour looking for parking and then getting to the part of the town you want to see.

If you're only going to the places you mentioned, I would not rent a car in August. If you want to explore the Nice Hinterland (small villages, beautiful gorges, scenic roads) then a car would be needed. The Cuneo train goes up to some of the villages, but there are several tunnels obscuring the views, and the best views are always on the other side of the train. They won't stop if you see a place you want to explore more thoroughly.

Stu Dudley

Thank you so much for the replies. You have saved us $ and headaches.
We have never been to this area before and will take the advise.