Which villages in November?

[bardstowntraveller]

We are visiting the area on November 2. We were originally scheduled for Villefranche but now our itinerary is showing tendering in Cannes/Monte Carlo :confused: (obviously a choice has not been finalized!)

 

We have visited the area before and prefer small villages to Cannes, Nice or Monaco. Given the uncertainty on where we are going to tender, what villages would you recommend from each port -- Villefranche, Cannes & Monte Carlo?

 

We'd like to visit Eze but have heard that it is mostly shut down in November. Is this true? How about Vence, St Paul, Biot, Antibes and Villefranche?

[BiggiB]

Well, that sounds like a dilemma! From either port you can reach beautiful places, if you don't want to stay in town. Keep in mind, that in November the weather can be rather unpredictable and the Sea Alps might be covered in clouds.

From Cannes you may choose to go up to Grasse; there's a frequent direct train. The very interesting Parfum museum in Grasse as well as the local parfum factories will give you "dry" things to do even on a rainy day.

From Villefranche, it is either Eze or Nice. The Old Town of Nice is quaint and got the character of a village, too, strolling the narrow streets and finding craft shops, churches and museums to visit, besides the traditional flower and vegetable market. Eze is simply stunning and a lovely place to go. However, since you have to walk up quite a steep path to the village, that's not much fun in the rain. Then you are better off to explore the hidden treasures of Monaco instead.

Or continue to Menton, which is seldomly mentioned in this forum, but a quaint and quiet little town in November. The local bus line # 100 takes you there. The sea side promenade is wonderful for long walks and fresh air, there's a neat little pedestrian area for window shopping - or a visit to the local marmelade factory. The medieval center of town is a perched village, too, and accessible only by foot. The churches and the "Foreigners' cemetery" on top are interesting spots to visit. There's a casino in Menton with a good restaurant offering local cuisine at decent prices; if the sun is shining, sit outside on the terrace overlooking the sea.

Menton got a nice website with a lot of information in English.

There are also a lot of small restaurants and bistros along the Promenade, in the Old Town and in the Pedestrian area. If you like meat, try the "Boucherie" opposite the beautiful market hall on the Promenade - very French.

Enjoy your visit!

[bardstowntraveller]

It looks like now we are going to dock in Cannes. We've been to Nice and Grasse. I am looking at Antibes but would really prefer to go to Villefranche and Eze. Are these doable from Cannes or will I be spending all of my available time getting there? We want to use public transportation. Any suggestions?

[texancruzer]

We tendered into Villefranche, went to Nice, Eze, Monte Carlo and Monaco.

 

All this at the very very end of November. We found plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and have a great time ! Some things were closed but not alot. Had fun shopping in Eze. This is a wonderful time to travel !

[BiggiB]

Hello again

From Cannes to Antibes you can either take the bus or the train, or combine both back and forth, for a change of scenery.

Antibes is a very charming town, especially the Old Town, with the open-air market in the mornings and the Picasso museum in the castle towering above the city walls.

But Antibes is not big and without a car, the Old Town is the easiest place to visit.

 

You may continue around noon to Villefranche and Eze Village. You would have to change bus lines at the Gare Routiere in Nice and taking the bus will use up a lot of time, since it stops very frequently. However, you are going to see all villages along the coast this way. At the Gare Routiere, take the direct bus to Eze Village for a visit to the perched village first. You may find the schedules on the website of Ligne Azur.

To go back to the coast, take the bus to Beaulieu. Either you walk along the coast line from there to Villefranche, which might take you more than half an hour, but it is a beautiful walk, or you change busses again and then walk down from Villefranche main street to the Old City and the port.

Once in the port, it is advisable to walk to the Villefranche train station, which is almost at sea level at the end of the bay, and take the direct train back to Cannes, which will then be the fastest way.

It is feasible, but you need to stick to your timing. Printed versions of the current train and bus schedules are available at the train station or the Office du Tourisme in Cannes.

[bardstowntraveller]

Thanks. I've gotten all the schedules together for my options. My two options are: Cannes, Antibes & Biot or Villefranche & Eze. I'll stick mostly to the train to save time but will use the bus between towns where it makes sense. Depending on time spent in each town, I may try to add Nice as well but would prefer not to try to cram too much into my schedule.