Port day in cannes

[partymom]

we are going to be on the celebrity summit with a stop in cannes from 7am to 7 pm. We are not doing a ships tour nor are we renting a car. We will probably do bus and train. FOr all you cruise critics out there how should we spend our day? What are the nicest places to see. Is it worth it going to Monaco. ONe thing I would definitely like to do is St. Paul de Vence as we have heard good things about it on this board. I know we do not have time to see everything such as Nice, Cannes, Monaco, etc. Anyone have any suggestions and in what order to do it? We don't have a problem with doing lots of walking.

[Hlitner]

Cannes is a great DIY port because there is easy access to the regional train line which spans the Riviera coast. You can head east and visit places like Antibes, Nice, Eze and Monte Carlo (this is the furthest and takes about an hour) with no problem. As to St Paul de Vence, this is more difficult to access without a rental car. If you do a search on St Paul de Vence you will find many posts on how you can get there using a train - bus combination. You should do some reading on these places and make your decision based on personal preferences since not everyone has the same taste. As an example, we do not like Monte Carlo but there are others that probably think it's the greatest place on earth.

 

Hank

[baljaffray]

Took train 12 euro return to Monaco, loved it, returned for 2 hours in Cannes itself, did not love it!

[wack001]

Took train 12 euro return to Monaco, loved it, returned for 2 hours in Cannes itself, did not love it!

 

What was good, train station far, details?

thanks

[Hlitner]

The train station in Cannes is about a 20 min walk from the tender pier. The walk is relatively flat and takes you through some of the best parts of Cannes. At the MC end, the train station is not as convenient since its located at a side of the city that is not too close to the main tourist areas. But, MC has an excellent local bus system so you can get a map from the tourist office (at the train station) and use the buses (about 1 Euro per ride).

 

Hank

[wack001]

The train station in Cannes is about a 20 min walk from the tender pier. The walk is relatively flat and takes you through some of the best parts of Cannes. At the MC end, the train station is not as convenient since its located at a side of the city that is not too close to the main tourist areas. But, MC has an excellent local bus system so you can get a map from the tourist office (at the train station) and use the buses (about 1 Euro per ride).

 

Hank

 

Hank;

You are so helpful, but what is "MC"?

Where do you recommend the day, figuring we will be tending and do not want to RUSH. Willing to stay in Cannes if you could give a few hints.

thanks

[janoma]

Bob - remember: we're stopping Villefranche (s/k/a Nice), not Cannes...different ports I believe...although much of the info will be the same.

[baljaffray]

Yes, about 20/25 mins max to train station. When exiting at MC (monte carlo), you can cross the road and check out the yaughts,then we walked up to the casino,checking out Hotel De Paris,from there via a bakery for baguettes,we walked up to the Royal Palace,(change of guard 11.55) and enjoyed the fab views and gardens. We would have needed more time to see everything,my son spent ages admiring the fantastic boats!

We got the 9.30 am train and the 1.30 return for ship depart 4pm! Trains were 2 per hour,so we played safe!

[Hlitner]

Hank;

You are so helpful, but what is "MC"?

Where do you recommend the day, figuring we will be tending and do not want to RUSH. Willing to stay in Cannes if you could give a few hints.

thanks

 

'MC" is my shorthand way of saying Monte Carlo. I am not sure a day in Cannes would satisfy most cruise ship passengers. You can certainly walk along the water, browse the shops and have lunch. But, that is not fulfilling for most tourists. To be honest, we have two different ways of dealing with this port. Sometimes we just rent a car and drive to St Paul de Vence (our favorite place in this region) and perhaps stop in Antibes. Our other itinerary is to have absolutely no itinerary. We just tender into town, enjoy some cafe au lait, and than do whatever feels right at the time. Its very easy to walk over to the train station and grab a train to Antibes or Nice. It is also possible to go west to St Raphael by train and than take a local bus to St Tropez. The thing about these regional trains is that they are like commuter trains where you need no reservations....so its easy to just jump on a train if you feel the urge to go to a different city. Of the larger cities in the region, we would rate Nice as the best overall destination because if has the classy Promanade, very nice old town area (they have the best fish soup on earth), and there are even a few museums.

 

Hank

[wack001]

'MC" is my shorthand way of saying Monte Carlo. I am not sure a day in Cannes would satisfy most cruise ship passengers. You can certainly walk along the water, browse the shops and have lunch. But, that is not fulfilling for most tourists. To be honest, we have two different ways of dealing with this port. Sometimes we just rent a car and drive to St Paul de Vence (our favorite place in this region) and perhaps stop in Antibes. Our other itinerary is to have absolutely no itinerary. We just tender into town, enjoy some cafe au lait, and than do whatever feels right at the time. Its very easy to walk over to the train station and grab a train to Antibes or Nice. It is also possible to go west to St Raphael by train and than take a local bus to St Tropez. The thing about these regional trains is that they are like commuter trains where you need no reservations....so its easy to just jump on a train if you feel the urge to go to a different city. Of the larger cities in the region, we would rate Nice as the best overall destination because if has the classy Promanade, very nice old town area (they have the best fish soup on earth), and there are even a few museums.

 

Hank

Thanks Hank, Cannes is the only port I have not set itinerary, so my wife and I are flexible, just want to enjoy the sights and maybe a light lunch, I was thinking of the

"Petit Train Touristique" but I read that you can do this ourselves and just walk it.

So I was looking for something fun and different, you said grabbing the train sounds interesting.

Bob

[Hlitner]

I think I could have been clearer about the trains from Cannes. There is a single regional train route that spans the entire Riviera coast from Italy in the east all the way west to St Raphael (and even further). It means that its pretty convenient to go to more than one place. As an example, the train that goes from Cannes to Nice also stops at other places such as Antibes and continues past Nice to Monte Carlo...and even further to Menton. Once upon a time they used to sell a day ticket on this train that would allow you to use the train all day, but the last time I checked you now must buy a ticket for each particular destination. If ask to choose only one place to go for a first time visitor we would probably suggest Nice which is about 40 min each way on the train.

 

Hank

[wack001]

I think I could have been clearer about the trains from Cannes. There is a single regional train route that spans the entire Riviera coast from Italy in the east all the way west to St Raphael (and even further). It means that its pretty convenient to go to more than one place. As an example, the train that goes from Cannes to Nice also stops at other places such as Antibes and continues past Nice to Monte Carlo...and even further to Menton. Once upon a time they used to sell a day ticket on this train that would allow you to use the train all day, but the last time I checked you now must buy a ticket for each particular destination. If ask to choose only one place to go for a first time visitor we would probably suggest Nice which is about 40 min each way on the train.

 

Hank

Hanks;

Thanks again for good advice, what recommends do you have for "Nice" for a few hrs?

The town of Cannes as far as walking the "Petit Train Touristique" route how long will that be?

Bob

[Hlitner]

Hanks;

Thanks again for good advice, what recommends do you have for "Nice" for a few hrs?

The town of Cannes as far as walking the "Petit Train Touristique" route how long will that be?

Bob

 

In Nice, we tend to focus on two areas that interest most first-time visitors. The first is the area along the water known as the Promanade des Anglais which is the "high rent" area and includes the famous Negresco Hotel, at least one casino, shops, and restaurants. The other area (our favorite in Nice) is generally known as the old town and is a few blocks to the east of the Promanade. In fact you stay just on the Promanade walk a few blocks east (this is the direction towards the cruise port at Villefranche and Monte Carlo) and the Promanade turns into the Quai des Etats. When you get to the opera house, simply turn left and you are in the old town where you can have lots of fun just wandering around the streets. We really love to eat lunch at one of the many cafes/restaurants in old town. The fish soup in this part of Nice is quite famous and somewhat different from the better known Bouillibaise which is the local fish soup of Marseille. The Nice version is more of a soup (rather than a stew) and it is usually served with cheese, croutons, and an aioli on the side.

 

As to the Petit Train in Cannes, you might want to simply look at their informative web site which is at : http://www.cannes-petit-train.com/uk_index.html

 

 

Hank

[CorgiGuy]

Here are a few other sights near Old Town area, which might be of interest.

 

Hi,

 

Last September we stayed in Nice for two nights prior to boarding our ship in Monte Carlo. One day was used to go on a 6-hr tour with Michel of Revelation Tours (Going to St. Paul de Vence, Tourettes sur Loup & Valbonne), the rest of the time was spent exploring Old Town area.

 

We stayed at the Hotel Suisse, which is right outside the "Old Town" section. We thought Old Town was just delightful. Lots of small shops, lovely buildings (Opera house, Palais de Justice to name two), and several very good bakery & pastry shops. As previously mentioned, the Cours Saleva Flower Market is a sight to see in the main square of Old Town. Everyday except Monday till around noon time. You could easily spend a whole leisurely day around Old Town.

 

A couple of other considerations which I think our worthwhile:

 

Le Chateau

(From the top, it provides you with a spectaular view overlooking Nice, the Promenade des Anglais and the Bay des Anges).

 

From Old Town walk out to the Promenade des Anglais. Make a left and walk 5-minutes till you get to the Hotel Suisse. Just to the left of the hotels main entrance you will see stairs going up along the building. You can either take a nice slow walk up the stairs, or you can pay to take the elevator to the top. The view from the park at the top is worth the effort. Once at the top, if you walk along the park with your back toward the Promenade des Anglais you will come to an area which provides an overlook of the port area.

Here's one view taken from the top of Le Chateau, unfortunately, on an overcast afternoon. Old Town area is on right, airport is in the far left.

 

 

Monument des Morts

This is Nice's war memorial to all those lost by France.

 

Once you come down from Le Chateau, it you walk past the Hotel Suisse & continue around the bend, within a 1/4 mile you will arrive at the Monument des Morts. It is an impressive structure, and accross from it you have a good view of the port. There is a wonderful yellow 8-10 story building to your left, which I thought was definately picture worthy as well.

 

Enjoy, however you decide to spend your time.

 

Anthony

[carlc2]

 

As to the Petit Train in Cannes, you might want to simply look at their informative web site which is at : http://www.cannes-petit-train.com/uk_index.html

 

 

Hank

 

 

My fiancé and I are taking a Western Mediterranean cruise for our honeymoon and Cannes is our first port. We will be in Cannes on Sunday so it sounds like there is not much open unless we get to St Paul de Vence. The Le Petit Train seemed like an interesting way for us to get some information on the area while keeping costs reasonable. Do you know if it runs on Sunday?

Also thank you for the information on getting to St Paul de Vence, this is good to know while we try to narrow down our options in this port!

[wack001]

My fiancé and I are taking a Western Mediterranean cruise for our honeymoon and Cannes is our first port. We will be in Cannes on Sunday so it sounds like there is not much open unless we get to St Paul de Vence. The Le Petit Train seemed like an interesting way for us to get some information on the area while keeping costs reasonable. Do you know if it runs on Sunday?

Also thank you for the information on getting to St Paul de Vence, this is good to know while we try to narrow down our options in this port!

 

Carlc; We might on the same ship as we are also in port on Sunday. I also read a post by "Hank" that you can walk the tour vice ride the bus, will see what he has to say.Which ship are you on?

bob

[fllchick]

I have 2 questions that I'm sure the experts out there can answer!

 

Is it possible to go inside the palace in monte carlo? or is it just something you admire from outside?

 

Is the grand casino open on sunday?

 

thanks!

[rannoch]

Trying to work out a practical itinerary when we visit Cannes/Nice/Monte Carlo on Independence of the Seas.

We went to the Monte Carlo casino a couple of years ago, but didn't get in as we didn't have our passports. So, would like to go back to the casino. but also see Nice. I've looked at maps of the area, but can't see where the railway stations are in relation to the tender landing (Cannes), or the prom (Nice). Is it practical to get the train from Cannes to Nice, a look around - including a walk along the prom, then get the train from Nice to Monaco for casino, and then get back to Cannes - and the ship.

Ship moors in Cannes at 7.00am and leaves at 7.00pm

[Hlitner]

Trying to work out a practical itinerary when we visit Cannes/Nice/Monte Carlo on Independence of the Seas.

We went to the Monte Carlo casino a couple of years ago, but didn't get in as we didn't have our passports. So, would like to go back to the casino. but also see Nice. I've looked at maps of the area, but can't see where the railway stations are in relation to the tender landing (Cannes), or the prom (Nice). Is it practical to get the train from Cannes to Nice, a look around - including a walk along the prom, then get the train from Nice to Monaco for casino, and then get back to Cannes - and the ship.

Ship moors in Cannes at 7.00am and leaves at 7.00pm

 

All you want is very possible and actually quite easy. The train station in Cannes is about a 20-30 minute easy walk from the tender pier and there are usually 1 or 2 trains per hour that would take you to Monte Carlo. In Monte Carlo you would probably want to take a local bus or taxi to the casino..although if you like long walks that is also an option. As to Nice, everything for most tourists is within walking distance from the train station. There are numerous maps available for free download that can show you the location of train stations, or a visit to any large book store (or library) where they have travel guide books will also show you the info.

 

Hank

[rannoch]

Thanks for all the information. Very helpful.

Rannoch

[rannoch]

As well as the casino we are thinking of visiting the cathedral. Not sure of the distance. What would be the best sequence e.g. station - casino - cathedral - station. Would a taxi be better.

[Hlitner]

As well as the casino we are thinking of visiting the cathedral. Not sure of the distance. What would be the best sequence e.g. station - casino - cathedral - station. Would a taxi be better.

 

From the train station those two places are in opposite directions. It is about 1/4 of a mile from the station to the casino and we would probably go there first and than work our way towards the Cathedral. But, keep in mind that the city is actually quite hilly so there are a lot of ups and downs. Rather than use taxis you might want to get a local bus map at the information office (at the train station) and take advantage of the excellent local bus network. You also failed to mention the Palace which is on very high ground and popular for their changing of the guard ceremony. We happen to love walking and my DW and I explore most cities on foot. This amounts to walking quite a few miles every day, but it is the only way to really get the feel for a place, compare cafe/restaurant menus (our hobby) that are always posted outside establishments, browse shops, etc. My DW and I still talk about our first trip to Paris which forever changed how we travel. It was in 1982 and we were walking along the Rue de Rivoli (near the Louvre) on a gorgeous day. We both noticed a bus load of tourists on the street, and you could see all the noses and cameras pressed up against the sealed windows as they looked out at that wonderful neigborhood. At that time we pledged that we would never tour cities in buses or cars, and nearly thirty years later we have kept to that pledge.

 

Hank

[rannoch]

Hank,

Thanks for the information.

The last time we were at Monaco we walked from the railway station to the Palace, and then took a bus to the casino.

After being refused entry to the casino because we had no passports (which put me right in the dog house) we walked uphill all the way to the railway station, and it's no gentle incline.

So, I think to keep in the good books it'll be partly by bus or taxi.

 

Rannoch

[carlc2]

Carlc; We might on the same ship as we are also in port on Sunday. I also read a post by "Hank" that you can walk the tour vice ride the bus, will see what he has to say.Which ship are you on?

bob

 

We are on the Celebrity Century and the more we have talked about it we are goign to most likely attempt to get to St Paul de Vence - just need directions on how to get there! Thoughts?

[Hlitner]

We have posted much on getting to St Paul de Vence. But, to make a long story short, just take the bus from Villefranche to the Nice bus station (Gare Routiere) where you can catch to bus that goes to St Paul de Vence (bus #400).

 

Hank