The first time I ventured to Nice more than a dozen years ago, I did not know what to expect. It was the start of the popularity of budget airlines, and I decided to follow the crowd with an Easyjet flight.
First impressions were quite positive. It was warm considering that it was Easter time, and I did not expect that. There was a tropical feel everywhere; again a surprise, after all we were still in France. But it was the genial seaside atmosphere which suggested ultimate leisure that impressed me most.
That first time I had to study the area quite carefully, before deciding what interests to pursue. Today, after numerous visits, I know exactly where my interests lie, and can find most things easily.
Nice is attractive to me for it offers the perfect base to reach all areas of the Cote D'Azur. A journey south will take you past Cagnes-sur-Mer, Antibes, on your way to Cannes. A journey north, will take you to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Cap-d'AiL, on your way to Monte Carlo and Menton. And this is just the start of your exploration, for once you have exhausted the coast, then it is your time to head inward to discover the countryside.
My main interest in the south of France is because it offers me a chance to see great collection of exotic botanical gardens, most of which I never knew were there. Places like the Arenas in Nice, the Villa Euphrussi de Rothschil in St. Jean Cap de Ferrat, Le Jardin de Exotique in Monaco, are just the start. Continue along the coast and there are many more gardens waiting for you. Cross the border at Ventimiglia, and continue into Italy, and you can be kept busy all the way past San Remo.
Of course, like all regular seaside areas, nice food and drink are plentiful. Restaurants are everywhere. And when you have had your fill the promenade is waiting for you to exercise your limbs. For the cultural freaks there are museums and architecture to peruse. For those interested in lady luck, the casinos beckon.
Three years ago, I stayed in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a quiet town north of Nice. The Mercure hotel in which I stayed was inches away from the station, and made my life easy any time I wanted transportation. Though very active in the day time, it was very quiet at night time , the very opposite of Monte Carlo, and Nice. And yet, it was still very attractive, and enjoyable.
This time, I stayed at the Kryad Port Hotel in the city centre of Nice. It was quite adequate accommodation, and I felt quite comfortable. The first full day was taken up exploring well known haunts, the flower market and the general shopping area. After a quick meal, I headed for the Arenas, a multi park which house a wonderful botanical garden and a mini zoo. This time of the year it was very crowded, overrun with families an their young siblings. I suspect that the reason for the big turnout was the remarkable weather.
Thursday I headed for San Remo in Italy. This involved a train journey from Nice to the border town of Ventimiglia. Then a straight journey by bus to the town of San Remo. I started with a quick coffee at a seaside bar, and took a walk alongside one of the promenades, noting the interesting plants and trees all the way. The visit continued with a careful investigation of the setting of the city, and then a break for lunch. lunch was a reasonable pizza, and a simple soft drink. Then it was a walk through the marina, admiring the boats which I would never be able to purchase.
By four o'clock it was my last look at a garden collection, and then by bus once again to
the Ventimiglia station to get the train back to Nice.
Friday was another visit to Monaco. I say another visit because I have done it a few time before. A walk around looking for changes, and then to the Le Jardin de Exotique. I always like the view from this garden which is perched on the side of a rock overflowing with cacti and other succulents, fitted into beds and little crevices. Great plants and great views of the principality of Monaco.
Friday ended with a splendid meal at a restaurant along the promenade de Anglais, a truly wonderful setting. Friday morning I had one more visit to a garden before I checked out at twelve noon. It was a train visit to Ventimiglia, and then a change of train to Cuneo, on my way to Torino Porta Nova. I left Turin for my return to London, ten minutes after ten, that evening.
Thanks for your comments on the Cote D'Azur. I have a friend who lives near Antibes and now visit the area each year. We have done the usual coastal towns and I appreciate your alternative view especialy with respect to the gardens as I have seen direction signs to Le Jardin de Exotique in Monaco and never considered this. This could open up a whole new area of S.o.France for us to see. Many thanks.