My H and I are planning a trip to France, starting in Nice (Villefrance Sur Mer), and ending in Paris. We're planning on staying at the Welcome Hotel in Villefranche - any recommendations on things to do in that area? We definitely plan on doing a day trip to Monaco.
Also, I really want to go to the French Alps (Chamonix) to go on the gondola on Mont-Blanc. Has anyone gone from Nice to Chamonix? Did you fly or take a train? Or go from Chamonix to Paris? I don't know if it's worth it since it's hard to get to, but it sounds like it would be awesome.
Any thoughts or feedback would be much appreciated!
I haven't been there specifically, but I love the idea of going to a place like that - something that you think is really awesome, and may be a little harder to get to, but it really makes your trip unique. How long will you be in France?
The train gets you everywhere you want to go in France. No flights necessary, IMO. Also, I haven't been to Villefranche but have been to Nice several times and really like it.
I second the Eze recommendation! We heard about it from a friend whose husband is from the area, but it doesn't seem to be on the radar for most tourists.
ETA: Friend said it's a great place to do a boat trip, but we did a shorter visit
Love of my life baby boy born 11/11. One and done not by choice; 3 years of TTC yielded 4 MMC and 2 CPs, through 4 IUIs and 2 IVFs. Focusing on making the world a better place instead...and running.
Just FYI, if you rent a car and drive between the coast and Chamonix take the back roads within France instead of the motorway that goes into Italy. It's only about a, hour more of driving time but it is about 100 E cheaper in tolls and is gorgeous. You would also be able to stop in Annecy for a half or full day (very much worth it).
Do check train schedules though. For some reason I'm thinking that there might not be a direct train between Chamonix and the Cote d'azure. I might be misremembering but you might have to go to Paris and change there.
Just FYI, if you rent a car and drive between the coast and Chamonix take the back roads within France instead of the motorway that goes into Italy. It's only about a, hour more of driving time but it is about 100 E cheaper in tolls and is gorgeous. You would also be able to stop in Annecy for a half or full day (very much worth it).
Do check train schedules though. For some reason I'm thinking that there might not be a direct train between Chamonix and the Cote d'azure. I might be misremembering but you might have to go to Paris and change there.
peas however if you do rent a car and go into Italy check with your Insurance company because you may have to get supplemental. Italy its one of the countries my AMEX Rental Car protection will not cover. We rented a car when we were there and had to get the extra insurance.
Logistically, flying from Nice to Geneva and then taking a shuttle to Chamonix is the easiest and least time consuming way to do it if you don't have a car. That is how most people get there so there are a lot of companies offering transport.
Easyjet does that flight relatively cheaply and there is a fast train from Geneva to Paris that takes 3 hours. Of you book far enough in advance and/or catch a sale you can get tickets for well under $50.
Thanks Cicero! I am thinking that flying is better since we don't want to drive and it looks to be comparable in price. I appreciate everyone's feedback!
Thanks Cicero! I am thinking that flying is better since we don't want to drive and it looks to be comparable in price. I appreciate everyone's feedback!
Ville Franche is extremely hilly. I complained like a Mofo walking back to our friends apartment.