Villafranche to Monaco and back again

[bhoffman]

There will be 5 of us (2 adults and 3 children) docking in Villafranche from 7am-7pm. I am thinking what might be a nice day would be to get off as soon as possible and take a bus to Monte Carlo for some of the day then discover either Nice or Villafranche after. So, I have some questions:

 

1. Is there a bus that goes from the port to Monte Carlo near to the casino for some pictures and the palace to show the children? Anything else I am missing in Monaco?

 

2. Are there regular buses returning? Should we plan to have time to go to Nice or just go back to Villafranche?

 

3. Any suggestions as to what make this day any better? :)

 

Thanks!

[screwcork]

Hi,

why not take a train?

The train station in Villefranche is on a short walking distance from the port.

Screwcork

[Cornishpastyman1]

 

1. Is there a bus that goes from the port to Monte Carlo near to the casino for some pictures and the palace to show the children? Anything else I am missing in Monaco?

 

Thanks!

Here are a few things I saw in Monaco

All the best, tony

[pj-atsea]

The train is an easy way to go to Monaco. Also to Nice. If you take the train to Nice, get off at the stop called Nice-Ville. It is faster to travel to Nice than Monaco, but if I remember rightly ( and I may not!) it takes about 25 min to 1/2 hr train ride to Monaco. One time, we took the train to Monaco and stayed for a short while, then took the train from there back to Nice and stayed there for a while. Kind of a busy day to do that but we were in port until 11pm. pj

[bhoffman]

We are not opposed at all to taking the train in fact, we are solely interested in the quickest most direct way to Monte Carlo. So, sounds like taking the train from villefranche to Monte Carlo is the way to go. Any idea what stop to get off to be closest to the palace and casino? Thank you for the great info!

[Mathguy42]

The station (only one in Monaco) is called Monte Carlo Ville or Monaco Ville and is approx a 15 minute walk to the cathedral where Princess Grace is buried, and 20 minutes to the Grimaldi Palace. I haven't been to the casino but it's on the waterfront. The uphill climb to the station from the waterfront can be taxing for anyone unfit.

[pj-atsea]

Once you get off the train in Monaco, you can catch a local bus that stops in the square in front of the Casino. Likewise you can take the bus back to the train station, but allow plenty of time. As the previous poster stated, it is quite an uphill climb. In case you were unaware, you need a passport to enter the casino and also you have to pay to go into the casino. I forget how much. You also have to check any large bags before you enter. Be prepared to pay a lot of money for a cup of coffee in the cafes in the square outside the casino! pj

[pobulus]

hello:)

ouch hard program lol!!

 

but it's possible : take the 100 bus to Nice as soon you get of the Port

you will arrive at the terminal stop on Place Massena here you have: cours Saleya ( local market ) , the old town , the castle and the Promenade des Anglais stay there until around noon or 1 pm All those sites are very typical

 

Take the 100 back and stop to Villefranche you have some beaches and a litlle promenade too

 

take the 100 undred again aorund 3pm ( it goes from Nice to Menton but you can stop in other city just ask the driver) and go back to Monaco You vill have time to visit the Casino Hotel de PARIS etc...

 

this is a link for the buses ( you can translate in english)

are you docking on working day? ( because sunday there less buses)

www.lignesdazur.com

[fondofyu]

How about renting a car or van? Lat time we were there we rented a car in the terminal at the port. It was about $100 USD after taxes and we drove to Monaco with a stop in Eze. I am trying to remember, but the drive was less than one hour on well-marked roads. The medieval village of Eze is on the way, and IMHO it is a must see. It was the highlight of the port for us. The views overlook the cliffs and the ships in the harbor. Stunning.

[Baseball fan]

I just got back from Nice. The train to Monaco is really easy. We walked down the hill from the train station but found a elevator (lift to others) on the way back....after hiking all the hills in Monaco we were dreading the hike up the hill to the train station. The elevator is to the left of the hill you would walk up to the train. It is right outside a little sandwich shop/bar. I loved Monaco and cannot wait to go back. Also, we found a boat that goes from one side of the harbor to the other and leaves you very close to the casino. We found that by accident too...It is called something like the Batteau Taxi....it is very close to where the ships dock in Monaco.