Villefranche to Monaco Query

[jammer1000]

Hello everyone, I am an avid forums reader but don't post often. We are in Villefranche on Thursday 4th August 2016 on Independence. We have been to this port a couple of times before so have a vague idea of geography etc. We are in port 10am til 6pm. We are thinking of getting the train to Monaco, getting on the hoho bus outside the station for sightseeing, getting off at the Oseanographic Museum and looking around, then completing the route on the hoho bus and getting the train back to Villefranche. We have 3 children aged 14, 10 and 6. Do you guys think there is enough time to do as we've planned? We want to be back at the ship plenty of time before set sail time, don't want to risk missing the ship! Your opinions are much appreciated.

Many thanks

:)

[Hlitner]

Maybe yes and maybe no :). The unknown issue is how long it will take you (and your family) to tender ashore. The rest of your plan is fine. You might also consider that there are regional buses that can also get you between Villefranche and Monte Carlo. It is a toss-up as to the better mode of travel. The train is a little faster, but does not run as often as the buses. The buses are less expensive and have multiple stops in Monte Carlo wheras the train only takes you to the train station (which is perfect if you do want to use the HoHo.

 

As to the time issue, you simply have to be flexible and adjust your plans depending on the situation. You might be able to do all in your plans, or you might have to cut something out to make sure you are back to the port in plenty of time for the last tender (probably 5:30).

 

Hank

[jammer1000]

Thanks for that Hank much appreciated

[syesmar]

As Hank said, there's debate on whether the bus or train is the better mode of transport. For example, I was in Monaco last in 2014 and our Bus 100 to Villefranche (destination Nice) was so backed up in their morning schedule, we waited 45 minutes instead of 15. (Passengers buy tickets from the driver, so when a shipload of passengers first gets off, the buses can get full and behind schedule).

 

This is the website for the regional buses: http://www.lignesdazur.com/

 

And trains: http://www.gares-sncf.com/fr/gare/frxmm/monaco-monte-carlo

 

I have always contacted the Monaco tourism board prior to my trip and they have sent via mail maps, brochures, train schedules, cruise passenger coupon booklets (Oceanographic was in it - also available at white Tourism kiosk in the harbor) and more info by specifically requesting them.

 

Be sure to download Tom's port guide prior to your trip.

 

You mentioned the Monaco HoHo. There is also an excellent local bus system where you can buy a day pass (it includes the water boats, too, the ones from the harbor to near the Casino). Here's a link with more info: http://www.cam.mc/informations-pratiques.php?lang=en

 

According to the Oceanographic's website, you take bus numbers 1 or 2 in the direction of Monaco Ville and get off at the terminal, Place de la Visitation. Just board at the closest stop from the train station (if you arrive by train).

 

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Oceanographic Museum! The Palace wasn't far and we enjoyed it more than we expected to, as well. We were there that time until 10pm and went to Eze in the afternoon.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Edited January 27, 2016 by syesmar

[jammer1000]

Thank you that is so helpful!

[lamchops]

Based on my 2008 notes you should have plenty of time. We are finally making it back to Nice next month!

 

Sunday, October 12 – Villefranche, Côte d'Azur (French Riviera)

We had originally planned a big day with a train trip to Nice and Monaco but got up later than we had liked. We had the breakfast buffet again and managed to get off the ship by 11am. We strolled through the village on our way to the train station taking a look at shoe stores as DW wanted to get a pair of boots. We decided to buy tickets for Nice and headed up to the train platform. We got to the platform just as the attendant was chaining up the entrance. I figured we missed it by 15 seconds as the train was still there but we didn’t want to “run” for it. Rather than wait for the next train to Nice we decided to go to Monaco first and purchased 2 roundtrip tickets for $5eu each.

We had intended to go see the “Casino Royale” as featured in the James Bond 007 movies but it is closed during the day. Monaco, being built on a bluff along the Cote du Azure (French Riviera) had spectacular views. We decided to hike down to the harbor area and also visit the Prince’s fort/palace instead. The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. Founded in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, during its long and often dramatic history it has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers.

On our walk down we couldn’t but notice how clean and affluent the city was. Porsches and Mercedes lined the streets with many yachts tied up in private marinas. We came across a Vespa convention at the harbor and thought how Chuck would have enjoyed it. We also walked past an area which had a monument and tribute to the Monaco Grand Prix which is staged annually in the city. The Palace was easy to find from the harbor area as it was high on the bluff to view approaching enemies from the sea. We hiked up to the castle on the paved switchbacks that were put in place for the tourists. The hike took longer than we expected and we missed the “changing of the guards”. We spent a bit of time going through the fort while dreading the hike back to the train station. When we got close to the train station we looked back over the bluff and noticed that there were elevators going down to the different levels as apartments were built into the hillside.

We had intended to proceed on to Nice when we got back to Villefranche but it was only 3 hour till “all aboard” so we decided to explore more of Villefranche before going back on board. As it turns out Nice was only a 5 minute train ride and we probably could have done it. It just gives us an excuse to return to the area again one day.

Edited January 28, 2016 by lamchops