Help! Which would you chose for Nice?

[harryw]

Is tipping the taxi driver customary in France?

 

Harry

[DrivesLikeMario]

Yes, but not by American standards. From what I've read and experienced also, they expect no more than 10% in a tip and usually much less.

 

One time, we didn't have change and neither did the taxi driver in Paris. We ended up giving him an 18% tip and he said he usually gets about 5%. He was obviously thrilled and apologetic for charging us the extra surcharge for the 4th person in the taxi.

[barnstormer]

We were in Nice in May the day before we departed on Oceania for 12 days. We had Sylvie pick us up at the airport, take us to our hotel so we could drop bags and then we did what I called our “sea and sky” tour that I had planned and requested. She first took us to the flower market as we had asked where to dine that night. She recommended a couple restaurants there and that night we went to one that was excellent. After the marketplace she drove us to EZE and she showed us so many things along the way and there that we would have never known about. We parked next to a beautiful mountainside home where Sean Connery used to live, passed where Bono and Elton John have homes and then on to the details and sights of EZE. We three ate at a lovely facility in the compound, saw the fabulous hotel, went up to the top where she treated us to admittance for an awesome view and then we made the next loop. She took us on the upper road so we could see the Southern Alps, many overviews of the harbor and where "the Russians" are buying all the homes over $20 million as well as various other secret places. The total time was from about 10a to about 4p and the tour will remain in our memories until death (or Alzheimer’s sets in). She was wonderful, knowledgeable and helpful and we didn't have to hustle for busses, trains, etc. Just a thought!

[DrivesLikeMario]

We were in Nice in May the day before we departed on Oceania for 12 days. We had Sylvie pick us up at the airport, take us to our hotel so we could drop bags and then we did what I called our “sea and sky” tour that I had planned and requested. She first took us to the flower market as we had asked where to dine that night. She recommended a couple restaurants there and that night we went to one that was excellent. After the marketplace she drove us to EZE and she showed us so many things along the way and there that we would have never known about. We parked next to a beautiful mountainside home where Sean Connery used to live, passed where Bono and Elton John have homes and then on to the details and sights of EZE. We three ate at a lovely facility in the compound, saw the fabulous hotel, went up to the top where she treated us to admittance for an awesome view and then we made the next loop. She took us on the upper road so we could see the Southern Alps, many overviews of the harbor and where "the Russians" are buying all the homes over $20 million as well as various other secret places. The total time was from about 10a to about 4p and the tour will remain in our memories until death (or Alzheimer’s sets in). She was wonderful, knowledgeable and helpful and we didn't have to hustle for busses, trains, etc. Just a thought!

 

She's already booked for the day we're in Nice. Our itinerary was recently changed, so we had to scramble to find a private tour. After much consideration, we decided not to go that route. Glad it was a memorable trip for you though! Thanks for sharing the experience. :)

[Jassy]

Barnstormer,

 

We will be in Nice the day before our departure with Seabourn. Would you happen to remember the names of the restaurants that Sylvia suggested to you and be willing to share them?

 

Thank you,

[barnstormer]

Jackie,

 

I wish I could recall the names of the two restaurants, but that was evening one of 14 wonderful evenings in the Med. and now it's all a blur.

It was in the plaza area where the flower market is, maybe you could drop Sylvie an email and ask her. Suggest that Pat and Russ said she was so wonderful, but you don't have time for a tour that day but wondered if she could give you some dining recommendations. She's a very polite and helpful person.

 

And for you and Drives - Our debarkation was Marseilles and the first stop was Cannes. We asked Sylvie what there was to do in Cannes; she was polite but said it was limited. She suggested catching the train from there to Antibes (20 km away from Nice). We had a wonderful time there, lot's to do and see, you have to see the row of several hundred million dollar yachts to see how the other half live. The 15th largest yacht in the world was there - owned by a Russian. We had a great lunch at the open restaurant across from the smaller boat yacht basin. It isn't old time scenic like Eze, but it is a nice taste of where other Europeans go and we saw many of them sightseeing, but not many foreigners (like us). BTW, Sylvie said not to tell many since they like to keep it unspoiled ........ so only you two can read this suggestion :rolleyes:.

[Hlitner]

Although the Promanade is a nice place for a stroll we think the real charm of Nice is best found in the old town area. From that part of town it is a short walk over to the Gare Routiere bus station where one can get the public bus to Eze for 1 Euro (a lot cheaper then spending more than 80 Euros on taxis). The #112 bus makes this run (from Nice to Eze Village) in only twenty minutes. However this bus line only runs about once every 1:20 so you do need to coordinate planning with the bus schedule. The regional buses (Ligne d'Azur) are modern, clean buses which are a comfortable method of transit and still a bargain with the 1 Euro fare.

 

Hank

[DrivesLikeMario]

Jackie,

And for you and Drives - Our debarkation was Marseilles and the first stop was Cannes. We asked Sylvie what there was to do in Cannes; she was polite but said it was limited. She suggested catching the train from there to Antibes (20 km away from Nice). We had a wonderful time there, lot's to do and see, you have to see the row of several hundred million dollar yachts to see how the other half live. The 15th largest yacht in the world was there - owned by a Russian. We had a great lunch at the open restaurant across from the smaller boat yacht basin. It isn't old time scenic like Eze, but it is a nice taste of where other Europeans go and we saw many of them sightseeing, but not many foreigners (like us). BTW, Sylvie said not to tell many since they like to keep it unspoiled ........ so only you two can read this suggestion :rolleyes:.

 

Thanks. I think we've decided to go with the inexpensive bus to Eze and walk around Nice too. My son calls this the "Nice and Easy Tour" (get it - Nice and Eze?) :D

[Ashlm85]

How long would you say that you should plan on spending in Eze? We're trying to get our schedule all worked out ;)

[TLCOhio]

How long would you say that you should plan on spending in Eze? We're trying to get our schedule all worked out ;)

 

Much depends on your personal interests. Do you want to just go through its one main "street", generally seeing it and moving on? Do you want to have lunch there, do some shopping, soak up its great views?

 

Are you more . . . rush-rush and gulp it down like soda pop or beer, see more and do more . . . OR . . . sip and savor the moment like fine wine, doing people watching, sensing an enjoyment of life and the humanity, the architecture, history and charm?

 

You could do it decently in a hour. It's not a massive area. You could two or three hours there. Or more. What are your other options you want and need to see?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923