Car hire in Nice

[mara01]

We will be in Nice after our cruise next year and are thinking of hiring a car for a couple of days before we fly home. Does anyone know if there are any car rental places near or at the port in Nice? We would ideally like to return the car to the airport on our second day.

[alexandra cruiser]

since it is very easy to manage with HOHO bus or walking for all the major sites in town...plus, parking is a mess,,,,and cars not allowed in old town area....we were there 2 days after cruise and got around with above,,then taxi to airport..;)

[Hlitner]

We often rent cars in Europe and feel it is the best way to see the continent, just like at home. Trains are fine for getting point to point, but are near worthless for seeing the south of France where much of the charm is in the countryside and smaller villages. It is true that if you only want to stay in Nice then a car is not a good idea and you can see most of Nice by simply walking or using local buses (we personally think HoHo's are often not worth the price and a sorry substitute for using legs). If you are thinking about driving around the region then you would probably want to rent a car at your disembarkation port and later drop it at the Nice Cote d'Azur airport. Which company you use will be somewhat dependent on which port you finally end your cruise. If its in Monte Carlo then you can rent from Hertz, Avis, Europcar and a few others. There is usually very little or no penalty for a one-way rental when you pick-up in a city and drop at the airport (within the same country). Within in Nice there are many rental car companies including all the majors and they all have locations at the airport (many also have locations in town).

 

Hank

[sunsetbeachgal]

Hank,

 

How far is it from Nice to Monte carlo via car?

Thanks!

[moyaroo]

Hank,

 

How far is it from Nice to Monte Carlo via car?

Thanks!

That is not as easy a question as it sounds as there are about three main ways to go. The autoroute will take you up in the hills behind Nice and Eze and drop you off in Monaco. The lower Corniche road (bus route 100) will wind around through Nice and many little towns and take a lot longer. One can also go by way of Eze. Arguments can be made for each route.

[Hlitner]

Hank,

 

How far is it from Nice to Monte carlo via car?

Thanks!

 

Well, most folks that drive between the cities prefer to use either the lower road that runs along the coast (the same route used by the popular local #100 bus line) or the Middle Corniche Road which runs higher up in the hills and goes right by the small village of Eze (there is parking right at the entrance..if you can get a space). The driving time between MC and Nice is about 35 - 40 min give or take a few minutes depending on traffic. As the other post says it is also possible to go a bit inland and use the fast Autostrade A8 road which is like taking an interstate and not nearly as much fun or as scenic as the corniche roads. Using the A8 will save you only about 10 min and cost you a toll. Monte Carlo is not a good city for driving since it is hilly, has a lot of one-way streets, and parking can be difficult. Parking in Nice is a bit easier since there is quite a lot of on-the-street parking (there are meters) and also parking garages.

 

Hank

[Travlover]

I do have some suggestion for you. I rented Citroën C4 Picasso, 5-door MPV last year when in Provence from Nice Airport (with National or Avis, others dont have this), and it was a very nice car with a GPS. Other cars seem not come with GPS but this one did, so you don't have to rent it.

Do take the ocean side road from Nice to Monte Carlo, you will not get lost, it is much more scenic. On the way, stop by Eze village, it is half way to MC, have lunch there before proceeding onto Monte Carlo. Parking in Monte Carlo isn't that bad, I parked near the garden infront of the Casino and the price was very reasonable.

If you have an extra day, do drive to St Paul de Vence (using that GPS, and you will be fine) it is such a lovely village.