Monte Carlo Port Day - Finding the Charm

These are very interesting (and rare) combination options. Roquebrune and Biot are not normally places visited by cruisers (or most folks on day trips). We would normally suggest pairing a visit to Nice (or Monte Carlo for those that have a desire to spend time here) with Eze. Roquebrune is a bit further afield (towards Menton) and, if using public transit, would be a bit more of a challenge (but doable). As to "Glass Blowing in Biot" we honestly have no clue (despite having spent weeks in the area). But looking at a map that does fit (geographically) with a visit to St Paul de Vence (one of our favorite places in the region).

 

The issue is how you get to these places. If you hire a private driver/guide you are going to probably pay 350-500€ and you might be able to go to even more places :). A rental car should cost you no more then 90€ (depending on whether you can drive a stick) and would also give you a chance to see more then just two places.

 

Public transit is a whole different ball game. Both St Paul de Vence and Eze Village can only be accessed by regional buses (although it is possible to do the long uphill hike from the train to Eze Village). Regional bus schedules (and stops) are somewhat limited so you would need to review bus schedules and actually plan your day around the bus schedules. This is your cheapest option...but also the most complex/structured.

 

Hank

Thanks Hank. Transportation isn't going to be issue as we will have a guide/driver with us. It sounds like you give a huge thumbs up to St. Paul de Vence. I saw that the Maeght Foundation is located there and might be fascinating for a visit. The glass blowing is at La Verriere de Biot which has an extensive tableware collection as well as art pieces (from what I've been told).

Thanks Hank. Transportation isn't going to be issue as we will have a guide/driver with us. It sounds like you give a huge thumbs up to St. Paul de Vence. I saw that the Maeght Foundation is located there and might be fascinating for a visit. The glass blowing is at La Verriere de Biot which has an extensive tableware collection as well as art pieces (from what I've been told).

The Maeght Foundation is a great place for art visitors...especially if you enjoy modern art. Some of the art (such as a large canvas by Miro...which seems to just have a pencil line) had us shaking our heads :). But it is truly a world-class gallery....and only a few short minutes from the main entrance to St Paul de Vence.

As to St Paul de Vence, we think the town has lost some of its charm in the past 15 years...as too many art galleries have been replaced by too many T-shirt (or other touristy) shops. But, while not as "arty" as in the past...we still love the place and enjoy wandering its streets. We also seem to end up having lunch in this town.

Hank

How does Eze compare to St Paul de Vence in your opinion? We have been to the former and thought it was charming.

We've been to both. They are similar. Here are some pictures from both.

https://markandkareneurope2012.shutterfly.com/pictures/668

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

Is it possible to visit Monaco for 2-3 hours.

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Is it possible to visit Monaco for 2-3 hours.

 

 

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Sure.. and you will simply see what you can see in 2-3 hours :).

Hank

You can rent a car and drive to Cap Ferrat. Have lunch at the Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat and explore their beautiful waterfront grounds, and later visit the Villa &Jardins Ephrussi de Rothscild. This combines some scenic driving, pretty gardens, walking along the rugged seawall, and a lovely lunch.

 

Alternatively, if you rent a car in MC and plan to drive to Italy, check with the rental car company about insurance. Many insurance policies exclude Italy due to car hire rules in Italy.

We would not recommend renting a car for a 2-3 hour visit! It takes us about 20 minutes to simply walk (and we walk fast) from the port to the closest rental car offices. Then being France (Monte Carlo is essentially like being in France), waiting in a possible queue and doing the paperwork can add another 15 minutes to the process. And when returning you would generally need to come back early to find a gas station...allow yourself time to drop the car...and then get back to the port.

That being said, when we have long port days we routinely rent cars at many European ports (including MC).

Hank

I n meant that we only have 2-3 hours in Mont Carlo because we are coming from a different port. We just wanted to see highlights in that short time. We are going to be on RCC.

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We will be in Cannes on Sunday. Can we still go to the palace to see the guards.

We will be in Cannes on Sunday. Can we still go to the palace to see the guards.

If it is that important to you...then it can be done. The ceremony is around 11:55 am so you want to be in MC by 11 (if using the train) to allow time to get up to the Palace. The train from Cannes to MC takes a little over an hour (one way) and there is usually 2 trains per hour. You would want to tender ashore as soon as possible and either walk (about 25 min) (or find a taxi) to get you to the train station. Once there you simply buy (you can use the automatic machines or the ticket window) your ticket, validate it in the validation machines, and then hop on the next train. These are commuter type trains with no reservations. Once at MC you could either use a local bus or a taxi to get up to the Palace. So you will spend over 2 hours on trans plus buses, taxis, etc. for about a 15 min changing of the guard. You might want to plan some other things for the day :).

Hank