Monte Carlo & Nice

[ewong]

Hi,

 

Monte Carlo is one of the ports we will be visiting in June. I wonder if it is easy to explore the city on our own? Is the port close to the city centre?

We would also like to visit Nice? Could someone tell us how to get from Nice from Monte Carlo (train?) Is the old town in Nice close to the train station?

Should we consider a private tour or ship's tour instead?

 

Thanks,

Evelyn

[Mattsudds]

All but the smallest ships seem to use tenders in Monte Carlo, which drop you in the harbour under the palace in what is effectively the town centre. Frankly Monte Carlo isn't that big anyway, but is a city built almost vertically by virtue of the mountain/ sea location.

The best way to get to Nice is the extremely regular train service along the coast. I advise waiting for the slightly slower local trains since many are double deck with a vast expanse of glass. There is also the TGV but it is no faster and it would be a shame to miss the magnificent view.

Nice rail station is not particularly close to the old town but if you turn left out of the station and first right you are on the main shopping street. Walk down there and you come to several pedestrian zones in the old town. Make sure you get to the Sea front at the eastern end where the flower market and restaurants are delightful.