What about Cannes, France?

[buggins0402]

There's also a nice little Picasso museum on the waterfront in Antibes. It's worth a peak - very pretty statue garden there.

[mrobstad]

.....and I'm so confused. We are in Cannes a brief time, and I've booked an excursion to monte Carlo......now I'm thinking Cannes may be enough for now.....HELP!

[Hlitner]

.....and I'm so confused. We are in Cannes a brief time, and I've booked an excursion to monte Carlo......now I'm thinking Cannes may be enough for now.....HELP!

 

There is no right or wrong answer to your concern. We have spent months in the South of France and can list things we like (and dislike) about every part of the region. Just keep in mind that Monte Carlo is more then an hour from Cannes so you will spend about 2 hours of your port day just driving back and forth. What you elect to do is a personal preference and hopefully you will love your tour to Monte Carlo.

 

Hank

[mrobstad]

There is no right or wrong answer to your concern. We have spent months in the South of France and can list things we like (and dislike) about every part of the region. Just keep in mind that Monte Carlo is more then an hour from Cannes so you will spend about 2 hours of your port day just driving back and forth. What you elect to do is a personal preference and hopefully you will love your tour to Monte Carlo.

 

Hank

 

Hank,

I think I'm going to cancel it. My favorite European experience was just sitting outside Notre Dame and trying to use my high school French with the locals. I like trying local cuisine, art and museums, shopping for craft type things, ot high end. Any suggestions based on that info?

[Hlitner]

Hank,

I think I'm going to cancel it. My favorite European experience was just sitting outside Notre Dame and trying to use my high school French with the locals. I like trying local cuisine, art and museums, shopping for craft type things, ot high end. Any suggestions based on that info?

 

We do not normally recommend folks spend an entire day in Cannes although you could certainly have a relaxing day with a nice long lunch at one of many excellent cafes/restaurants. A really cheap way to split your time among two places is to take the regional bus over to Antibes in the morning (this bus only costs 1 Euro each way) and come back to walk through Cannes in the afternoon. For art lovers we also recommend taking a trip to St Paul de Vence...which is an ancient walled city with quite a few nice galleries and shops. Nearby St Paul de Vence is the Maeght Foundation which is a contemporary/modern art museum which can be a bit shocking for those not familiar with modern art. The problem is that St Paul is about 45 min from Cannes (by private car or tour bus) and getting there by public transit is not very efficient (train to Cagnes sur Mer transferring to the #400 bus to St Paul).

 

Hank

[buggins0402]

Hank,

I think I'm going to cancel it. My favorite European experience was just sitting outside Notre Dame and trying to use my high school French with the locals. I like trying local cuisine, art and museums, shopping for craft type things, ot high end. Any suggestions based on that info?

 

If you want to keep it real easy and cheap you can do it with time split between Antibes and Cannes. The food market in Antibes goes until about noon - but when we went there last November there was also a street market (clothes, antiques and what nots) in one of the squares that went a bit longer. Don't know if this is just on specific days and we lucked out.

Here's some Yahoo pics of the Picasso in Antibes http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-701-17-s&va=picasso+museum+antibes

 

Actually we didn't care for Cannes when we did our land trip in the area - but when we did it on our cruise we loved it. Second time we ignored the film stuff and found the old quarter up the hill. Around the area of where the busses drop off you can sit and watch the old men playing boules. Had a wonderful outside late lunch in the main section of town.

 

Nice is pretty easy to get to by train. It has two museums - a Chagall and Matisse (you mentioned museums). Old town is wonderful there and it has a nice market. That would be a great choice if Villefrance was your docking (along with Monte Carlo and Eze). But more travel time wasted in the short time you have.

 

But, Hank has been to the crown jewel - St. Paul - that I kick myself time and time again for missing on our land trip!!

 

The reason the French Riveria is so hard is there is so many good choices that are all easily done as a DIY. Most of the major Italian ports are pretty clear cut except for Naples- and none of them are as easy as a French Riviera DIY.

 

As Hank also said - the bus system in the Cote d' Azur rocks! Cheap and easy to get most places. Train also works if you want to go farther afield.

[mrobstad]

Great pic! Thanks!

[squaremimi]

We were on Thomson Dream four weeks ago which docked in Cannes we then went to Antibes for the day.

We used the #200 bus to/from Antibes. In Cannes the bus stop is between the town hall and a small park right next to the port. There's a bus kiosk with #200 bus signs posted on it. Bus runs every 15 minutes to Antibes.

Just tell the driver where you're going and he'll make sure you get off at the bus stop in Antibes. As you exit the bus walk behind where the bus came and look left, you'll see a park/plaza.

The Tourist Office is in the storefront on your left before you cross the street. We went in and got a local map of Antibes which was very helpful.

There's a main street to the far left right behind the park that is the central thoroghfare of the town (also where the mini train ride originates). Just keep walking down the main street and to your right is the main outdoor market. Try the locally made spreads, they're terrific.

The main street if I recall correctly also takes you to the waterfront where the fort is, beach was to the left. To the right you can walk on the top of stone wall/fort along the water, just breathtaking.

We had an "al freso" lunch in the main outdoor plaza in the town (can't remember which specific one we ate it, there were 4 or 5 with outdoor seating). Very relaxing, good local food and great people watching.

To get the #200 bus back to Cannes just get back to where the bus brought you but cross the street and along the street on the left is the bus stop ( with kiosk). The #200 bus should aloso display direction Cannes ( not Nice). It's one Euro each way per person just pay the driver but keep the receipt. They were checking on our way back and unfortunately they pulled a young man off the bus who didn't have his receipt, apparently like a 200 euro fine.

Enjoy Antibes it's a great place to spend a day, think you'll like it.

 

May I know are there any bus services to Eze from the port?

[Hlitner]

May I know are there any bus services to Eze from the port?

 

There is no bus service to Eze Village from Cannes. However, there is infrequent public bus service (1 Euro per person) from either Nice or Monte Carlo. In addition, there is a bus that runs from the train station at Eze sur Mer up to Eze Village (this bus also does not run very frequently).

 

From Cannes it would take about 1 1/2 hours (each way) to get to Eze Village on public transit.

 

Hank

[Hlitner]

May I know are there any bus services to Eze from the port?

 

There is no bus service to Eze Village from Cannes. However, there is infrequent public bus service (1 Euro per person) from either Nice or Monte Carlo. In addition, there is a bus that runs from the train station at Eze/Bord sur Mer up to Eze Village (this bus also does not run very frequently).

 

From Cannes it would take about 1 1/2 hours (each way) to get to Eze Village on public transit. Probably the best option would be to take the train (in the direction of Monte Carlo) and get off at the Eze/Bord sur Mer station and then hope you can make a good connection with the bus. If not, you can call for a taxi.

 

Hank

[squaremimi]

There is no bus service to Eze Village from Cannes. However, there is infrequent public bus service (1 Euro per person) from either Nice or Monte Carlo. In addition, there is a bus that runs from the train station at Eze/Bord sur Mer up to Eze Village (this bus also does not run very frequently).

 

From Cannes it would take about 1 1/2 hours (each way) to get to Eze Village on public transit. Probably the best option would be to take the train (in the direction of Monte Carlo) and get off at the Eze/Bord sur Mer station and then hope you can make a good connection with the bus. If not, you can call for a taxi.

 

Hank

 

Thanks for your information. Since we have seniors with us, so I think 1 1/2 hours will be a bit long for them. How about Nice and Monte Carlo? Are there any train services go directly to these 2 places and how long does it take? We just want something conveniance to do coz they don't want any transfers in between. Many thanks in advance.

[Hlitner]

Thanks for your information. Since we have seniors with us, so I think 1 1/2 hours will be a bit long for them. How about Nice and Monte Carlo? Are there any train services go directly to these 2 places and how long does it take? We just want something conveniance to do coz they don't want any transfers in between. Many thanks in advance.

 

There are regular scheduled trains (about 2 an hour) that you can catch from Cannes Train Station to both Nice and Monte Carlo. It is actually the same train and it takes about 30 - 35 min to Nice and 20 more min to get to Monte Carlo. Most of these are called TER trains which are regional commuter trains with no reservations. You simply go to the station, buy your ticket from a vending machine or the ticket window, validate the ticket by inserting it into the validation machines (its a time date stamp) located near the platform, and hop on the next train.

 

Regarding your previous Eze question, the bus that operates between Nice and Monte Carlo with a stop at Eze Village is the #112. As I mentioned earlier, it does not run very often but perhaps you can work it into your schedule. Here is a link to the timetable:

http://www.lignesdazur.com/ftp/lignes_FR/112%20BD.pdf

 

Hank

[squaremimi]

There are regular scheduled trains (about 2 an hour) that you can catch from Cannes Train Station to both Nice and Monte Carlo. It is actually the same train and it takes about 30 - 35 min to Nice and 20 more min to get to Monte Carlo. Most of these are called TER trains which are regional commuter trains with no reservations. You simply go to the station, buy your ticket from a vending machine or the ticket window, validate the ticket by inserting it into the validation machines (its a time date stamp) located near the platform, and hop on the next train.

 

Regarding your previous Eze question, the bus that operates between Nice and Monte Carlo with a stop at Eze Village is the #112. As I mentioned earlier, it does not run very often but perhaps you can work it into your schedule. Here is a link to the timetable:

http://www.lignesdazur.com/ftp/lignes_FR/112%20BD.pdf

 

Hank

 

Thank you so much, Hank! I think it's easy enough to do the Nice or Monte Carlo, we will see if the seniors in our group would like the Eze. Thanks again!:)

[gam888]

We are a family of 5, docking in Monaco for the whole day. We have visited Monte Carlo before so no need to see it again. Do not want to visit the perfume factory either. Been getting quotes from local tour companies. They are quoting a rate of 60 euros per hour for the 5 of us in a car. We would like to visit Cannes and St Paul de Vence, those are the main attractions to us. Then we might want to include Antibes and Eze. We were quote about 450 Euros for 7 hours to cover all these places. Do you think it's enough time? Have heard it's inexpensive to take the regional bus, but given the fact there are 5 of us, and if we want to see St Paul de Vence, Cannes and at least one other place, it would take a lot of time transferring from town to town. Would it be better if we just pay the 450 Euros for the day tour?

 

 

Hank, what do you think?

[Hlitner]

Hmmm. You could certainly save a lot of money by simply renting yourself a car or mini van. The 450 Euro price is pretty normal for a full day private tour. You might want to consider that Cannes is nearly an hour from Monte Carlo. Although DW and I have stayed in Cannes several times (we love a certain part of Cannes for dinner) we do not normally recommend that cruisers go out of their way to see Cannes. From Monte Carlo we might suggest going to St Paul de Vence and perhaps later visiting Antibes, Nice (love the old town) and/or perhaps Eze Village. If you have a car we would certainly recommend making the Nice Flower Market your first stop (the best time for this is in the morning). We are curious as to why you want to visit Cannes which is most famous for it's Film Festival. The primary reason they have the film festival in Cannes is because it happens to have a large exhibition center and a couple of very nice hotels.

 

Hank

[gam888]

Hank,

 

The reason why we want to stop by Cannes is because my daughter is studying in university in the media field and she wants to see what Cannes looks like. I personally have been to Cannes over 25 years ago,s stayed there for a while to visit someone so have an idea what it is like. It is probably not a first choice item during this trip, but I thought since St Paul De Vence is supposed to be 45 minutes away from Cannes, at least it justifies going to that direction??? Also thought we could tag along Antibes not far away from it? Renting a car is not really an option, DH does not want to drive, don't blame him, we have had a very busy summer at home and are looking forward to a vacation that we can relax a bit. (Having said that, it will not be relaxing since we are visiting 9 ports in 12 days, but looking forward to it). If we do book for a tour, do you think we should pick Antibes or Eze if we only have time to see one more place after Cannes and St Paul De Vence? I think Eze is harder to do DIY cos it's not on the train line? Some tour companies suggests 6 hours is sufficient if we only see Cannes and St Paul de Vence, do you think that's too rush? I thought maybe we can book a shorter tour like that and ask to be dropped off in Nice or Cannes and we take the train back to Monaco to save some money, think that would be worthwhile? Again, there are 5 of us paying the train fare. Thanks.

[Hlitner]

Neither St Paul de Vence or Eze Village are easy to get to with public transit (neither are served by train). If your driver takes you to Cannes, then its relatively easy to go along the coast and stop at Antibes. But, of course, much will depend on time and how long you spend in various places. For us, St Paul de Vence is usually at least a 3 hour stop since we often will have lunch in that town. Eze Village is very convenient if you are returning to Monte Carlo via Nice since its located right on the Middle Corniche road (that links Nice to Monte Carlo). As to choosing between Eze and Antibes it really is like comparing Apples to Oranges. Antibes is a sea resort city with lots of shops, a nice local market, plenty of places to eat, views of the Marina and the sea. Eze is a small walled village on a hilltop overlooking the sea (far below) with some arty shops, touristy shops, and a few restaurants/cafes. We have always told folks that Eze and St Paul de Vence have a lot in common with St Paul de Vence being the larger of the two places and having better shopping. We also must again mention that Nice (especially the old town section is a wonderful place. So many places....so little time :)

 

I should add that when we are vacationing in the area we often enjoy driving along the coast between Cannes and Nice. This can be a slow drive since you go through a lot of towns and traffic can be very heavy. The altnerative inland high speed route is fast....but lacks the fun and charm of driving through towns.

 

Hank

[Mr&MrsSmith]

We will be at the Cannes port from 8am to 7pm later this month. I think for us Monaco (husband would like to see Casino), and then Eze (love medieval towns) and Nice would be good stops. Are we stretching too thin doing all? Is it a better option to rent a car versus train and bus? It will be three of us traveling and we dont mind spending a little more on getting a car if it will assist in giving us peace of mind or added time.

[Hlitner]

We will be at the Cannes port from 8am to 7pm later this month. I think for us Monaco (husband would like to see Casino), and then Eze (love medieval towns) and Nice would be good stops. Are we stretching too thin doing all? Is it a better option to rent a car versus train and bus? It will be three of us traveling and we dont mind spending a little more on getting a car if it will assist in giving us peace of mind or added time.

 

If you were just going to Monte Carlo and Nice we would suggest using the train. But when you add Eze Village into the mix this changes everything. Eze is accessible by bus, but the bus schedule is very sporatic and means you must really plan your day around the buses. So, in this case, a car makes the most sense. And the car is actually very reasonable since it should cost you no more then $100 for the day (split 3 ways this is pretty cheap).

 

Hank

[Mr&MrsSmith]

Is parking an issue in Eze, Nice or Monaco?

 

Also, I just came across the 10e and dress code for Monacco Casino, is it worth going inside and getting dressed up usually we are more typical comfortable travelers?

[Hlitner]

Is parking an issue in Eze, Nice or Monaco?

 

Also, I just came across the 10e and dress code for Monacco Casino, is it worth going inside and getting dressed up usually we are more typical comfortable travelers?

 

Good question. In Eze there is a parking lot right in front of the main entrance. We have always been able to get a spot (although we once had to wait a few minutes). Not sure where you park if that lot is full.

 

As to Nice, it depends on where you are going within the city. There is on the street metered parking and also paid garages. To use European meters you first park and then immediately walk to the nearest meter (there are usually 2 on every block) and buy a parking ticket. You then have to go back to your card and display that parking ticket (which has the expiration time in big numbers) on the inside of your windshield (just lay it in view on the top of your dashboard). If you intend to go to old town its best to park outside of that neighborhood and walk.

 

As to Monte Carlo, parking is a problem. There is some on the street metered parking but like in most cities its a matter of luck to get a spot. Otherwise you have to find a parking garage (and they are not cheap) which are designated by a large blue 'P" which is the parking symbol in most countries. Personally I hate driving in Monte Carlo since the streets are anything but straight, there are lots of one-ways, and its easy to get frustrated.

 

Hank