avidtraveler

I'm leaving for France in a few days. Will be spending four days in Cannes and would like to explore some of the hilltowns and many of the little beach towns, especially Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. How do I get there unless I rent a car. That makes me a little nervous. Am I being silly? I understand there are no busses, what about the train?

dena

Avidtraveler,
You will have no problem with train transportation along the cote d"azur. The coastal towns are all accessible by a very efficient train system. I know you can also get bus transportation from Nice to the hilltowns, so probably from Cannes as well. No need to rent a car, i have done both and a car is not necessary for a first-time visit in my opinion. Have a wonderful time and Oh, Saint Jean is beautiful you can get there from the Beaulieu train station. Also don't miss my favotite Villefranche

greg

There are busses, too:

http://www.lignedazur.com/

cobbie

Just back from there. Someone said not to miss the perfume town of Grasse but we didn't have a chance. There is now a train that goes there from Cannes - but only Cannes not Nice.
The train that runs along the coast is great - 5.30 Euros one way Cannes-Nice. Be sure to take the open top bus tour of Nice which you get along the waterfront. The view from up in the hills is spectacular. The flowers are all out now - wonderful, wonderful area. Enjoy!

Weadles

There's a bus from Nice- St. Jean. If I remember correctly, it takes about 30 minutes or so.

You might also want to consider a visit to St. Paul de Vence, which is very close to Cannes. I assume there's bus service from Cannes, but I don't know the schedule.

Have a great time!

lomajay

AvidTraveller,
Just read your email re St-Jean-Cap Ferrat area of France. Whilst researching my future itinerary of the area, the Musee Ile-de-France (Avenue Denis-Semeria) is the top sight. It was owned by Baronne Ephrussi and is listed as a breathtaking villa loaded with paintings & furniture. Unfortunately details about public transport are sketchy; I gather most visitors take a taxi from the rail station at nearby Beaulieu, and there is also a direct bus service from Nice, but one has to ask the driver to stop outside. Perhaps a Fodor member who has visited the site could forward you the bus number and the stop number to alight.
Second on my list is the Fondation Maeght (St Paul de Vence-Cote d'Azur)located outside the walls and one of the most modern art museums in Europe. Suggest you Google both sites/sights to glean further info & details...Jay