Nice or Monte Carlo?

[hazeleyez3]

We will be stopping in Villefranche in May (me, my husband and my father). My original thought was to go over to Monte Carlo, especially since my father is a poker player - I thought he would really enjoy seeing the casino.

 

From what I am reading it doesn't sound as accessible-friendly as Nice?

 

While I am able to walk, I have a very slight paralysis on my right side which usually interferes with my balance. In addition, I have recently broken my right foot. It will be "healed" by late February/early March; however, I don't know if there may be any new difficulties after it is healed.

 

With all this in mind, would Nice be a better option?

[mort&fran]

Monte Carlo is not flat/level; would you have problems with modest (?) inclines?

 

Are you only interested in Monte Carlo for poker? IMHO Monte Carlo has little to offer besides the casino (somewhat interesting, architecturally), the palace, and the Oceanographic Museum. We found Nice much more interesting, especially the Chagall and Matisse galleries (but that's our taste).

[Hlitner]

We have long been outspoken fans of Nice....and critics of Monte Carlo. Nice has much more to offer and is also more accessible friendly since a major part of the city is relatively flat (especially when compared to Monte Carlo). However, walking around Nice's Old Town area (our favorite part of the city) does involve some slopes. If you have balance concerns it might be nice to have some kind of assist device like a cane to help on uneven surfaces. If you do go to Nice, make your first stop at the Flower Market (open every day but Monday) which is in the Cours Saleya which is in the Old Town area not far from the sea.

 

Hank

[marazul]

I also vote for Nice.

There is a casino right on the seaside - Palais de la Méditerranée. Haven't been, but I hear it is very fancy.

Go to the market even if it is on a monday. They have a flea market then and some flower stalls. Over the years I have found some small silver pieces and jewelry there.

 

You might want to take the little tourist train around the old town.

Edited December 25, 2016 by marazul

[hazeleyez3]

Thanks everyone. I'll take a little closer look at Nice. No need to visit the casino in Nice since we won't be gambling.

 

Going to Monte-Carlo wasn't actually to gamble. It was to actually see the well-known casino. :)

[Cornishpastyman1]

Thanks everyone. I'll take a little closer look at Nice. No need to visit the casino in Nice since we won't be gambling.

 

Either will give you a lovely day out. Being so much bigger Nice will require a bit of public transport to see the highlights whereas MC/Monaco can easily be done on foot. Whatever you decide I hope you have fun. All the best, Tony

 

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[Grant2000]

The Promenade des Anglais in Nice is very pleasant to walk along. There are lots of little side streets with pleasant cafes and restaurants where you can rest your feet. It is quite flat near the seaside. Enjoy!

 

http://nicefrance.ca/

[mskaufman]

Here are some photos from Nice. We docked in Monte Carlo this summer. In the morning we went to St. Paul de Vence and in the afternoon we to Monaco (area by the aquarium and the Palace).

 

https://markandkareneurope2012.shutterfly.com/pictures/626

[woody14h]

Here are some photos from Nice. We docked in Monte Carlo this summer. In the morning we went to St. Paul de Vence and in the afternoon we to Monaco (area by the aquarium and the Palace).

 

https://markandkareneurope2012.shutterfly.com/pictures/626

 

We also did this trip. From Nice. St. Paul de Pence is a real treasure not to be missed. Monte Carlo was a modern city having a beautiful boat basin with a gazillion dollars of crafts anchored. Tour was great.

[mskaufman]

Here are some pictures from St. Paul.

 

https://southerneurope.shutterfly.com/pictures/295

[poss]

I'm hoping that someone can tell me how the Monaco aquarium compares to some of the best ones in the U.S., e.g. Monterey and National Aquarium.

 

Also, I should say that while I think that St Paul without the shops would be an extremely handsome and lovely town to stroll through, it has turned us off the two times we were there. It is one shop after another after another. For people who like to shop or even window-shop, no doubt it's a delight, but I also think that it's helpful to note that for those who aren't interested in shops, it's not a very "real" place: basically all commercial. Tant pis (at least from our point of view).

 

Happy travels, everyone.

Edited January 4, 2017 by poss

[Hlitner]

I'm hoping that someone can tell me how the Monaco aquarium compares to some of the best ones in the U.S., e.g. Monterey and National Aquarium.

 

Also, I should say that while I think that St Paul without the shops would be an extremely handsome and lovely town to stroll through, it has turned us off the two times we were there. It is one shop after another after another. For people who like to shop or even window-shop, no doubt it's a delight, but I also think that it's helpful to note that for those who aren't interested in shops, it's not a very "real" place: basically all commercial. Tant pis (at least from our point of view).

 

Happy travels, everyone.

 

Keeping in mind that DW and I dislike Monte Carlo and generally avoid the place (when on driving trips in Europe)...the Oceanographic Museum is a world-class place. Unlike some of the US Aquariums that were designed to WOW tourists (and get their money) the Monte Carlo facility has been dedicated to research for an awful lot of years. If you are interested in education and seeing lots of specimens (dead and alive) then its a worthwhile place for a visit.

 

Hank