Villefranche to Eze, train or bus?

[mimicsr]

For those of you returning from Villefranche who went to Eze: We are very interested in taking the bus instead of train to avoid 25.00 taxi fare to top of town, and I've read that it is Bus 100. My question is this: Can you catch the bus direct to Eze from VF, or must you go backwards to Nice and then catch the bus to Eze from there?? We were on Splendour in 9/03 but we took the train to Monoco and back to VF without stopping in Eze because it was pouring down rain. This time we want to skip Monoco and just go to Eze, then wander around VF later in afternoon/evening, maybe walking to Villa Euphresi. Any suggestions??

[PETRA4U]

For those of you returning from Villefranche who went to Eze: We are very interested in taking the bus instead of train to avoid 25.00 taxi fare to top of town, and I've read that it is Bus 100. My question is this: Can you catch the bus direct to Eze from VF, or must you go backwards to Nice and then catch the bus to Eze from there?? We were on Splendour in 9/03 but we took the train to Monoco and back to VF without stopping in Eze because it was pouring down rain. This time we want to skip Monoco and just go to Eze, then wander around VF later in afternoon/evening, maybe walking to Villa Euphresi. Any suggestions??

 

bump, bump....would love an answer on this one to.

thanks

[TravelCouple]

Was just there last week, and we took the train from Villefranche to Eze-sur-Mer (only 2 stops) and it took 5 minutes. You get off the train and exit to the road in front of you, and there is a bus shelter/stop right there. Take the bus that says "Palais de Justice/ Eze Village". I'm pretty sure the bus number was #81. Cost was 1,30 Euros.

[mimicsr]

TravelCouple: Were you there on the Splendour last week? If so, I guess this bus would also run on the day we will be there, which is Monday, 10/24. You sure can't beat the price!! Much better than $25.00 taxi, plus we will be there all day, so plenty of time. How long did you have to wait for the bus, and around what time did you catch the train from V.F. We took the train back in '03, but took it all the way to Monaco; however, I did note that Eze Sur Med was VERY close to V.F. Thanks for any info.

Mimi R.

[jennytsk]

We were there last week and took the bus (the 100) - we had to go from Villefranche to Nice, Nice to Eze, but it was well worth it. We bought the all-day bus passes for 4 euros each, and stopped by the supermarket in Nice before boarding for Eze - they had gigantic Volvic waters for $0.49!

 

We had friends who tried to take the train but it wasn't running (and there was no notice) so they sat around the train station for 1 1/2 hours before giving up and going to Monaco. We loved Eze (and the Galimard perfume factory...the Fragonard had NOTHING on Galimard!!).

[mimicsr]

Jennytsk: Where was the bus station or bus stop once you got to Nice, was it near the train station? How long did it take from Nice to Eze and how much? This definitely sounds doable. Then going back to ship, did you take the bus back to Nice and then on to ship, or to Monoco and then the train??

I'm just trying to nail down the logistics of all this.

Thanks, Mimi

[TravelCouple]

Mimicsr: The easiest way to get to Eze village from Villefranche is to take the train. Because if you go to Nice, then you are backtracking. However, if you intended to visit Nice anyway, then you can take the bus from there to Eze. Although, we took bus 100 and it definitely did not stop at Eze Village. Bus 100 goes from Nice to Villefranche to Monaco (and the reverse).

 

We took the 9:45 am train to Eze, and we got there in 5 mins. Be aware that the train goes by hourly. At least it was the day we were there. The bus#81 arrived right in front of the train station at Eze, and we must have waited just about 5-10 mins.

From Eze village, we took the bus #112 to go to Monaco (cost was 2,20 Euros). We got off the last stop and waited for another bus#2, that takes us directly to the Palace. (cost 1,45 Euros). We could have walked which would have taken us around 20-30 mins. and strolled around Monaco. But we were in a hurry to catch the changing of the guard which takes place daily at 11:55 am.

 

From Monaco we opted to take the bus #100 which we caught right by the casino. It's a street ahead of the casino - where the park with the fountains begin. Just ask around, or ask the bus driver where to catch the bus #100. The fare to Nice was 3,90 Euros. The stop we got off was at the Gare Routiere (bus station in Nice) - which is right beside Vieux Nice (old town), and you can walk through here see the shops, restaurants, and eventually end up at the Promenade des Anglais (the beach area). To return to Villefranche we caught the same bus #100 (cost 1,90 Euros). We got back to Villefranche around 8:30 PM, had drinks and dessert at a waterside cafe. Got back on our ship by 9:30 - then we sailed away at 11 PM.

 

Really good day, a long one but very easy with transportation, and frequent service on buses than trains.

 

TIP: make sure to have at least 20 Euros in coins. Buses can only accept small bills like 5 Euros. We saw a couple having difficulty since the bus driver didn't have change for their 20 Euro bill. And always ensure to validate your ticket by the machine beside the driver. (you don't need to if you get a receipt, but if the driver gives you a card, then you need to validate that.)

[Susan-M]

Travelcouple: This is the info I have been looking for....thanks so much!!

[PETRA4U]

I have been reading so much on the train vs bus controversy. we leave on 7/13 for Barcelona and then on the splendour cruise on 7/16.

 

How soon can you get off the boat to take the train? You said the train runs hourly and you got it at 9:45 am, does that mean the train before that to Eze was at 8:45 am? Is that too early to go? we want to go walk around Eze, my step mother wants to do the perfume factory (I was there 9 yrs ago & stayed in Monte Carlo/Monaco at Lowe's for a full week. I am not crazy about the perfume factory and did not get a chance to do Eze.) I have been to Cannes & Nice also.

 

However, I want my husband to see the changing of the guard and want to be sure to leave enough time to get there.

so what time did you get the #112 to Monaco to make the changing of the guard.

 

Also, my father/step mother also want to gamble in Monte Carlo and I understand that the casino does not open till 2 pm. Plus there is a dress code. How late does the bus do it runs back to VF? I wouldn't want to miss the last one.

 

thanks

 

 

 

:D

[TravelCouple]

We caught the #112 bus to Monaco at 11:15 am, I think. (The schedule is posted on the bus shelters). It was fairly a quick ride to Monaco - maybe 10-15 minutes. Then waited another 5 mins for Bus #2 to go to the Palace.

 

About the casino's dress code, we met a couple from our cruise who had packed dressy clothes to get in the casino. But didn't need it! Apparently, the dress code is only for the evening.

 

I would think the bus runs til late evening. The frequency of the bus service was every 20 minutes from Monaco. Check out this website for bus information:

http://www.allaboutnice.com/buses_and_coaches_in_Nice.html

http://www.lignedazur.com

[TravelCouple]

CORRECTION:

The bus to Eze Village is number #82, not 81. See schedule on their website.

http://www.lignedazur.com

[uk1]

There has been some confusion on the board re this trip.

 

The ship tenders to the lower part of the village. There is a very intermittant bus service between Nice and the lower VF. However, if you walk to the top of the village the 100 bus stop takes you to Eze and runs every 20 minutes or so.

 

You do not - I repeat you do not need to go from VF to Nice first as it is exactly the same bus that stops at VF on it's way to Eze.

 

Jeff

[mimicsr]

Jeff: Thank you for that clarification. Can you shed a little light on exactly where in the upper village is the stop for Bus 100? And does it go to Eze village and not just the lower corniche by the coast? This would be a welcome option to the train. Thanks so much. Maybe the people at the tourist info center at the dock would be able to point us in the right direction for the upper bus stop, you think??

Mimi

[TravelCouple]

Jeff: we just took the Bus 100 and I swear it did not stop in Eze Village at all. We went from Monaco to Nice, and the bus went nowhere near the Eze Village stop that Bus #82 dropped us off at.

 

You can catch the Bus 100 in front of the Office du Tourisme in Villefranche (about a 10 min walk from the port).

[uk1]

The same question is asked and answered regularly and can be found using the Eze-to-use search. There is also other info for people who may want to consider other options.

 

Some examples:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=151878&highlight=villefranche

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=168477

 

You do not need to go to Nice to get the local bus to Eze village, if you are short of time, as you can taxi up (or walk if you have the energy) by taking the 100 to Eze and going up from the corniche. Traveling back to Nice and out again takes valuable time and some may see backtracking to save some dollars an unacceptable compromise of time and convenience v cost.

 

 

Here is the bus map:

 

http://www.lignedazur.com/ftp/FR_plan/Caps%20et%20corniches.pdf

 

Here is the bus timetable:

 

http://www.lignedazur.com/ftp/lignes/82.pdf

 

The local bus timetables can be found at:

 

http://www.lignedazur.com/

 

The "express coach services" for several routes including 100 which can be found at:

 

http://www.cg06.fr/tam-html/menu.html

 

Hope these will provide for all travel needs in the area.

 

Jeff

[cadreamer]

Can anyone tell me if any of these web sites will give me information about taking the bus from Nice to St. Paul de Vence. Is there a town with better access by bus to St. Paul de Vence. I would reaslly apreciatae help since I can't read French and it would sure help if I could. Thanks.

[suekay]

DH and I intended to take the bus to St Paul de Vence last year, and researched everything but the timetable. We arrived at the bus station in Nice to find we had missed the bus, meaning we'd have been rushed in St Paul, so have saved that trip for next time

 

I think your best bet would be to catch the #100 bus from Villefranche to Nice bus station 1.90 euros. The #400 bus goes from Nice bus station to St Paul de Vence at 07.45, 08.15, 0845, 09.30, 09.55, 10.25, 10.55, 11.55, 12.40, 13.15............and returns at12.00, 12.45, 13.45, 14.30,15.00, 15.30, 16.05, 16.35, 17.15, 17.45,18.30 and 19.15. I got this info from www.lignedazur.com as posted by UK1 Go into the homepage and look on the first list for "HORAIRES". Click on horaires, then on the second list from the left click on "RIVE DROITE DU VAR" Scroll down to bus #400 and click. The first choice is the direction you want to travel so click on St Paul, then choose your date of travel, then thirdly click on Vence Grand Jardin. Coming back, just reverse the process to confirm timings. My school French is VERY rusty, but I'm pretty sure I've got it right:)

 

As we never actually made it to St Paul, I can't tell you where the bus actually drops you, but maybe somebody else could help with that one.

 

 

 

Also, the bus station in Nice is close to the old town, so you'd probably have time to do both

[suekay]

Another suggestion was to take the train to Cagnes sur Mer, then taxi from there, but we found the bus way cheaper

[cadreamer]

Thank you very very much for taking the time to give me all this information. I am so impressed by the cruisecritic boards and how helpful people have been. I will follow your directions and report back if I get to St. Paul.

[onyourmark]

Can I buy the 4 Euro day pass to cover Villefranche, Eze, Nice and St. Paul de Vence, and back to Villefranche ?

[suekay]

That was my question too

[bon voyage!]

Here's what I have gathered from the posts to travel from VF to Eze to Nice and back to VF. If anyone knows the specific answers to the questions I've asked, please post (thanks!).

 

We are planning on using the bus system rather than trains, as the hourly train departure and sporadic service may be an issue vs the every 20 minute bus departures. We plan to get off the ship and find the 100 bus stop at the TOP of VF, (as it is the same bus 100 stop if you go from VF to Nice first and then back). The Key here is finding this bus stop, does anyone know exactly where this bus stop is, when you get off of the ship? Other posts have indicated there is travel information kiosk right where the ship is, is this correct? And will this info booth be able to direct us (in english) to the correct bus stop?

 

After getting on 100 going toward Eze, get off at the stop below Eze Village (what is this called, no one is using names)? Transfer to bus 82 to get up to Eze Village. Run around Eze Village for a while, take bus 82 back down to transfer.

 

Catch bus 100 going back in opposite direction to Nice. Get off in Nice old town/beachfront area. Again does anyone know the name of this stop or we will just get off where it looks right? Spend time here, catch bus 100 back to VF for ship.

 

Whew! So many questions! I hope we make it back to the ship! Thanks.

[itsanita]

We are tendering in VF for one day. We get in at 7am and leave at 12 midnight. After reading all the above...and checking out the great web sites you all have shared.....

 

I think we will try a combination of train and bus. The train station seems very close to the port....and I'm not too sure where the bus is in VF. So, we can take the train to Eze, get the bus ( or a cab) to the top of the moutian town. After enjoying the town, we were then thinking of walking back to the train station/bus stop via the Friedrich-Nietzsche path. We were told it is an incredably beautiful walk, ALL DOWN HILL to the sea. Has anyone done this walk?

 

From there we will get the bus to Monte Carlo....from there the train or bus, whichever is appropriate time wise, to Nice.

 

Then from Nice we will get the train or bus back, whatever seems better time wise. We want to make sure we have some time to explore VF, as we here it is also a very charming town.

 

If we arm ourselves with both the bus and train schedules....we can be a little more flexable as the day goes on. Does this seem do-able?

[Susan-M]

Bon Voyage....The two Eze's are Eze-le-Village (the scenic one) and Eze bord de Mer. The train stops in Eze Bord de Mer. I have printed out train & bus schedules, and think we'll try for the 10:59 train from V.F. to Eze. If we can't get off the ship in time to make the train, then we'll head to the bus stop. According to the map in Rick Steves' book, the bus stop is about 300 yards from shore (perpendicular) and behind the Citadel (which I'm thinking will be large enough that we can't miss it.)

 

If you are going from Eze to Nize, bus #82 should take you directly there - see schedule at http://www.eze-riviera.com/emotions/deplacement/ang/bus.htm

 

Bus #83 seems to go from the train station in Eze to Eze Village, but I haven't heard anyone talk of this bus....so I've sent an email to the Villefranche tourist office to see if I can get more info.

 

I've also printed some bus schedules from: http://www.lignedazur.com/horaires_ligne/index.asp?rub_code=6&thm_id=538&gpl_id=0

and train times from: http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvHomePage?_DLG=SvHomePage&_CMD=cmdHomepageUK&WB=HP

 

Sounds like there will be a few of us heading to the bus/train stations that morning!

[Susan-M]

After enjoying the town, we were then thinking of walking back to the train station/bus stop via the Friedrich-Nietzsche path. We were told it is an incredably beautiful walk, ALL DOWN HILL to the sea. Has anyone done this walk?

 

Itsanita...I can't speak from experience (not going until Sept.) but Rick Steves briefly mentions this walk as "a steep trail down to the beach marked Eze-bord-de-Mer"....and "if you walk 30 steps down the path there is a panoramic view and ideal picnic spot."

Also, it is mentioned in this Tripadvisor forum http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187246-i1832-k155499-What_to_do_for_1_day-Villefranche_sur_Mer_French_Riviera_Cote_d_Azur_Provence.html

(see London Bob's post about half way down, point #3 where he recommends this hike, but with good footwear.)

This whole thread on Tripadvisor is worth reading because there are some good tips on getting around the area.