Can you do Nice/Monte Carlo on your own?

[Beachgirl252]

wondering whether we need to book a shore excursion to see NiceMonte Carlo or is transportation easy to do on your own?

[Toronto Guy]

wondering whether we need to book a shore excursion to see NiceMonte Carlo or is transportation easy to do on your own?

 

 

 

They are in opposite directions from Villlefranche. Just pick which one you want to do and take the train either direction. Buy tickets from vending machine at station. Super easy. Trains every 10-15 minutes or so.

 

 

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[E-500]

They are in opposite directions from Villlefranche. Just pick which one you want to do and take the train either direction. Buy tickets from vending machine at station. Super easy. Trains every 10-15 minutes or so.

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Everything above is true.

 

One caution, last time we were in MC the train personnel decided that day to hold a one day strike. Unreliable bus service was the only option if you did not want an expensive cab or private tour. We passed. They announce the strikes in advance so you are fore-warned, but still a pain that day.

 

 

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[DYKWIA]

We've done both Nice and Monoco , as others have said very easy. Few points

 

Google Tom's Port Guides and print out the ones for Villefrance, Monoco, and Nice (not 100% sure there is one for Nice from memory) these offer lots of information on getting around and specifically how to get to the station.

 

Trains to Monaco depart from the platform with the manned ticket office. Trains to Nice are from the other platform (the one nearer the sea) , there is a ticket machine on this platform

 

Nice is closer than Monaco, but neither is far at all. Monaco station is quite unusual, its underground, large (long platforms) and modern. There are different entrances and exits and different ones work better for the Casino or the old town.

 

Nice (nice-ville station) is a busy station, for some reason we found the boards at the station weren't that clear which train to catch on our return. It's an easy (flat) walk from the station to the old market and the seafront. Bear slightly left from the station and there is a long shop lined street leading down to the market ( you pass through a square) . From the market it's a couple of minutes walk to the famous seafront.

 

We preferred Nice, but both are good day trips and very easy and inexpensive to do on your own.

[Captain Canuck]

its been awhile but we did the bus to Monaco..was easier to get to than the train. there was a posting on cruise critic giving directions and photos..I would do a cruise critic search plus google it.

[alcpa1]

Nice is flatter if that makes a difference.

The Monaco station may, and does, have different entrances but they are not all clearly marked. There are stairs and escalators and elevators.

We also experienced a transportation strike and the trains continued to run but the buses did not. It became a pickpocket heaven on the train since it was standing room only and we were packed like sardines. The train is great either direction just be aware of your surroundings.

There are also many cars, cabs, limos and vans once you get off the tender at Villefrance.

Rental cars are also available on weekdays. Haven't been there in a while so can't comment on weekend availability.

[Texed]

wondering whether we need to book a shore excursion to see NiceMonte Carlo or is transportation easy to do on your own?

 

We did a private tour with Ingrid with Kultours.fr. We got to see Nice, Eze, and Monte Carlo. Excellent. :)

[rdt10]

Both are easy to do in one day by train. Spent the morning in Monte Carlo and afternoon in Nice.

 

Ingrid from Kultours is great. If you do a tour go to Eze, St. Paul de France and either Nice or Monte Carlo. Ingrid will personalize the tour any way you want.

[cruise kitty]

Another good option would be train to Monte Carlo in morning & visit St. Paul de Vence on the way back, both very easy to DIY with train & bus.

[cruisequeen4ever]

You can easily do either of those on your own by using the local train. It's dirt cheap and quick, no pre-purchases needed. We walked all over Monte Carlo and connected across the harbor via water taxi.

 

 

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[Lastdance]

Both are easy to do in one day by train. Spent the morning in Monte Carlo and afternoon in Nice.

 

 

 

Ingrid from Kultours is great. If you do a tour go to Eze, St. Paul de France and either Nice or Monte Carlo. Ingrid will personalize the tour any way you want.

 

 

 

I agree! Ingrid is the best and she will accommodate you in any way possible. I have used her twice...one time I left a gift in the back of her Mercedes; she returned it to me and would not allow me to pay the postage...

 

 

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[Toronto Guy]

wondering whether we need to book a shore excursion to see NiceMonte Carlo or is transportation easy to do on your own?

 

 

 

If I was you I would hire a private driver and do this right. I used to live in Villlefranche, and last time there on a cruise we bused into Nice, rented a car and drove to Eze and Monte Carlo etc and then drove back to Nice to return car, walk around and trained back to Villefranche. It was too rushed for my liking and I knew exactly where I was going. My recommendation to you is to hire a private driver, go to Monaco early and visit palace and grounds, check out the big yachts and do the obligatory walk through the casino. Then get out of Monaco ( seriously the view from the Grande Corniche above Monaco looking down on the harbour is the best thing about it) and head off to Eze and or St Paul de Vence. Take the Grande Corniche back to Nice so you can appreciate the mansions and look down at them. You will transit through the top of Mont Leuze (way above Villlefranche and also where Tina Turner lives. Have driver take you to Vieux Nice to wander around, sightsee and shop and then have him drop you back in Villlefranche. Do not skip Villlefranche - beautiful town and most people don't take the time to wander around and enjoy it. Interesting place to look around and enjoy for sure, and then have a nice drink or appetizer at one of the beautiful restaurants on the waterfront. Finally have a drink for me - my favorite town in the whole world. Lots of great memories there. Enjoy.

 

 

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[oshmom]

We did a private tour with Ingrid with Kultours.fr. We got to see Nice, Eze, and Monte Carlo. Excellent. :)

We did as well. It was a wonderful day. Ingrid is fantastic.

[ghstudio]

I've spent a fair amount of time in that entire area. My suggestion would be to either rent a car (hire a taxi/hire a guide) and see the "hill towns"....eze, St Paul de Vence, etc. If you like modern art, the maight foundation should not be missed. IMHO, both Nice and Monaco are essentially big cities with (and I'm sure some will disagree), little charm. BTW, driving is very easy...roads are well marked and even if you don't read french, you won't get lost.

[Spursgirl]

From Villefranche it is easy to get to Nice or Monte Carlo by bus (number 100) or train.

 

I do partîally disagree with ghstudio - I Think Nice is charming although I do share his view about Monte Carlo.

[bessinfl]

I agree that Nice is a big and not very charming city. The Chagall museum there is stunning (although our car was broken into outside it). I've avoided Monaco. But the little towns are wonderful, especially Vence, Eze, St. Paul de Vence, Haut de Cagnes ... i would rent a car: The driving can be difficult, the parking worse, and the smaller towns aren't accessible by train.

 

 

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[lilghallinsf]

Super easy on your own

 

 

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