Please help with suggestions of three full days of exploring the Riviera based out of Cannes. We have 4 nights and less than 5 days there in April. I read about the pretty walk and am interested in taking beautiful photos, exploring shops and towns. Regarding the train- is it like a subway - we have passes - do we need reservations or do you just get on and off? Is there a spot we should rent a car to reach?

thanks

ttt

Cars are very expensive to rent for a day. Also, cars rented from the states are less expensive. I've never used a pass so maybe someone else can help.

St. Tropez is worthy of a day, especially on market day. But the easiest way there is to take a boat from Cannes -- no trains.
By train (and yes, with a pass, just hop on and off) go to a variety of cities along the coast, particularly Antibes, Nice, and Monte Carlo. You'd really only need a car if you want to journey inland more. But with three days only, I'd think you could be happy on the coast. Another possibility are the islands right off Cannes, by boat, of course.

Hi Island Mom,

We stayed in Cannes and did driving day trips to Vence, St. Paul du Vence, Grasse, St. Tropez, Aix en Provence. Even getting a very early start Aix was way too much driving for a day trip, about 5 hours worth! But, it wasn't my trip or plan, and I was glad we went.

We also visited Isle St. Margerite (SP?) off Cannes. Very interesting, as it is the island Dumas wrote about in his "Man in the Iron Mask". Plus the whole island smelled of honesuckle, wonderful!

We actually enjoyed everywhere, except Cannes! The only place in Europe I've been that I don't like. Just lots of big hotels and condos, super high resort prices for everything. Just like Newport Beach at home. The old part of town by the fortress is nice, however.

Have fun!

You can take the train to Nice and on to Monaco. If I remember correctly it's about 30 minutes between each. In Monaco, take the little town trolley tour. It's the best way to see the sights of Monaco.

Nice strolling along the water/beach in both Cannes and Nice - great people watching.

Consider taking a break in the midst of your hectic vacation to just sit in the sun on the beach in Cannes. Nice sandy beach. At the entrance to each of the sections you will see posted the rates for chaises and umbrellas.

IF it's sunny and warm, do plan to spend a half day on the sandy beach in Cannes (Nice is rocky). This was my splurge day with beach rental, drinks, lunch, etc. Had a blast!

There's a neat market a few blocks from the beach. During the week and on Saturday they do flowers, vegatables, fish, etc. On Sunday, it is a brocante (or antique/junk) market. Lots of fun either time. I was amazed at the variety of vegatables, especially the asparagus.

Definitely rent a car one day to go up into the hill villages. Stop by Grasse (perfurme) but definitely plan to go to St. Paul de Vence and walk around this gorgeous hilltop village. Some of my best memories...including watching the serious boules players in the village.

You COULD head back up toward Provence (Aix, etc) but that would be a long day from Nice. I really do wish you would consider getting off the TGV in Avignon and picking up a rental car there. Driving around Provence to Nice was one of the most beautiful parts of our trip. Then you could hit the hillside villages overlooking the ocean and drop the car in Nice. Unless you want to do an overnight from Nice, I wouldn't head that far back north.

Patrick's suggestion of boat to St. Tropez sounds great - I'll remember it for my next trip.

If I were planning this, I'd do =
Day 1 - discover Cannes
Day 2 - 1/2 day on the beach in Cannes
Day 3 - train to oNice and Monaco and back (maybe all the way to Monte Carlo)
Day 4 - Pick up a car and drive up to the hillside villages overlooking the ocean (St. Paul, etc.)
Day 5 - I assume is your departure day

Hi

I would take a day exploring the hinterland.

Grasse, Tourette, Vence. But the one I would not miss is Gourdon : I've been visiting it for 30 years, and it never loses it's attraction. And on clear days (rare now because of pollution) the views are amazing. They have a website here : http://www.gourdon-france.com with panoramic views.

Peter
www.the-languedoc-page.com