Second time to Nice was even nicer!
Sep 13th, 2011, 12:38 PM
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Second time to Nice was even nicer!
My husband and I just spent five days in Nice and although memories from our first trip were delightful, we were both surprised to find we loved the French Riviera even more the second time around. Even though we had a few showers, the weather was fantastic. Perhaps a bit warm for some but I love that balmy Mediterranean air. Nice was bustling with people - tourists and locals - and walking along the promenade at night with the moon shining on the water was magical.
We stayed at Hotel Massena, a smaller European style hotel and were happy with the room, location, breakfast (included in our rate) and especially the staff - everyone who worked there couldn't do enough to help with whatever we wanted. We paid 189 Euros per night for a Privilege Room, including breakfast and wifi. The room was large enough, had a balcony overlooking a side street and nice noise canceling double glazed windows. It was very clean, nicely decorated and the bathroom large and clean. The only complaints I had were that the wifi had occasional problems - well, more than occasional because we got frustrated a few times - and the bathroom amenities didn't include shampoo or conditioner (although I always bring my own, many people don't). Tour companies book at the Hotel Massena and although they fill up the hotel and breakfast room, there was always a table for us and the food was continuously replenished by the hard working, polite wait staff.
We did a lot of walking around Nice, browsing in the antique shops near the harbor, the mall and shops up by Victor Hugo and the old town and Promenade. We visited the Chagall Museum - if you like Chagall it's a fabulous experience the audio tour explains his artwork and the themes clearly. We visited the Roman ruins and the Monastery at the top of the hill, above the Chagall Museum. There is a beautiful cemetery next to the Monastery that provides fabulous views over Nice.
One day we took the bus to Menton, stopping along the way to visit the Villa Kerylos and wandering through Beaulieu-sur-Mer. We visited the Villa Rothschild last time and found it hard to compare the two because they are so different. The Villa Kerylos is very beautiful and certainly worth a visit. It's a replica of an ancient Greek villa with the most beautiful mosaic floors and views from each window. The audio guide provided in depth information about not just the house and it's history but about ancient Greek customs, manners, food, and history - it was wonderful.
We then proceeded to Menton and again did a lot of walking there. We just wandered through the town up to the old village area. There were so many winding little alleyways and surprised around each corner that we spend a long time taking photos and having fun. I know some people think Menton is dull but we enjoyed ourselves.
One day we took the train to Antibes. We loved Antibes too. It feels "lived in" and the contrast between the resort area and the town was interesting. Unfortunately the Picasso Museum was closed the day we went but we enjoyed the town nevertheless.
As for food, we stopped and ate at whatever looked good and weren't disappointed. Everything was good but not remarkable so I don't remember the names. The only "remarkable" eatery was LAC Chocolatier across the street from our hotel - fabulous Macrons and chocolates. I bought some for gifts to bring home...yum.
Everything went so well that I can't wait to return. Thanks for all who helped me plan or let me cruise their posts.
We stayed at Hotel Massena, a smaller European style hotel and were happy with the room, location, breakfast (included in our rate) and especially the staff - everyone who worked there couldn't do enough to help with whatever we wanted. We paid 189 Euros per night for a Privilege Room, including breakfast and wifi. The room was large enough, had a balcony overlooking a side street and nice noise canceling double glazed windows. It was very clean, nicely decorated and the bathroom large and clean. The only complaints I had were that the wifi had occasional problems - well, more than occasional because we got frustrated a few times - and the bathroom amenities didn't include shampoo or conditioner (although I always bring my own, many people don't). Tour companies book at the Hotel Massena and although they fill up the hotel and breakfast room, there was always a table for us and the food was continuously replenished by the hard working, polite wait staff.
We did a lot of walking around Nice, browsing in the antique shops near the harbor, the mall and shops up by Victor Hugo and the old town and Promenade. We visited the Chagall Museum - if you like Chagall it's a fabulous experience the audio tour explains his artwork and the themes clearly. We visited the Roman ruins and the Monastery at the top of the hill, above the Chagall Museum. There is a beautiful cemetery next to the Monastery that provides fabulous views over Nice.
One day we took the bus to Menton, stopping along the way to visit the Villa Kerylos and wandering through Beaulieu-sur-Mer. We visited the Villa Rothschild last time and found it hard to compare the two because they are so different. The Villa Kerylos is very beautiful and certainly worth a visit. It's a replica of an ancient Greek villa with the most beautiful mosaic floors and views from each window. The audio guide provided in depth information about not just the house and it's history but about ancient Greek customs, manners, food, and history - it was wonderful.
We then proceeded to Menton and again did a lot of walking there. We just wandered through the town up to the old village area. There were so many winding little alleyways and surprised around each corner that we spend a long time taking photos and having fun. I know some people think Menton is dull but we enjoyed ourselves.
One day we took the train to Antibes. We loved Antibes too. It feels "lived in" and the contrast between the resort area and the town was interesting. Unfortunately the Picasso Museum was closed the day we went but we enjoyed the town nevertheless.
As for food, we stopped and ate at whatever looked good and weren't disappointed. Everything was good but not remarkable so I don't remember the names. The only "remarkable" eatery was LAC Chocolatier across the street from our hotel - fabulous Macrons and chocolates. I bought some for gifts to bring home...yum.
Everything went so well that I can't wait to return. Thanks for all who helped me plan or let me cruise their posts.
Sep 13th, 2011, 12:52 PM
#2
Sounds like you enjoyed your trip. We've been there many times and have never spent much time in Menton. I guess we didn't get into the old village. You've made me put it on the list if we go there again.
Sep 13th, 2011, 01:29 PM
#5
I love it too jahlie! Did you know that Chagall is buried in the cemetery in Saint Paul de Vence? Prettiest cemetery I've ever seen. I so want to go for a third time. I need to go as I've not been to Menton.
Sep 13th, 2011, 09:23 PM
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The Nice cemetery, up by the Franciscan Monastery and the Matisse Museum, is where Raoul Dufy and Matisse rest. So that's another one for you.
(Do you realize that's 3 correct spellings of cemetery in a row? Wow!)
Another beautiful cemetery is just below the perched village of Lucéram, where each December there is a display of over 400 santons in houses and places of business.
(Do you realize that's 3 correct spellings of cemetery in a row? Wow!)
Another beautiful cemetery is just below the perched village of Lucéram, where each December there is a display of over 400 santons in houses and places of business.
