Villefranche to Nice Bus?

Is the walk from the Villefranche tender port to the bus for Nice a strenuous one?

It's up quite a steep hill so can get you out of puff if it's a very hot day. We preferred walking along the prom after getting off the tender to the railway station and got the train to Nice from there. The way is pleasant and only takes no more than 10 minutes. Just walk to the right keeping the sea on your right.

Keep in mind that the tender pier is located at sea level :).....and all the transportation is on somewhat higher ground. Even getting to the train station involves climbing a relatively long flight of stairs to get up from the area along the water. Getting to any of the local bus stops also involves walking up slope..although some routes involve a more gradual slope then others. Anyone without major mobility issues should have no real problem. If one does have a problem, and do not have any mobility issues, they might want to re-examine their own physical condition ;p.

Hank

Thank you. It is because of mobility that I am asking, I have tried searching the net but haven't had much luck...does anyone have a picture of the stairs to the train station and/or the hill to the bus stop?

Thank you. It is because of mobility that I am asking, I have tried searching the net but haven't had much luck...does anyone have a picture of the stairs to the train station and/or the hill to the bus stop?

We cannot recall ever having seen a picture like what you seek. But getting up to the train station is akin to climbing several floors of stairs on a ship or in a building. Mobility limitations are a major factor at most European ports, if going off on your own. The reality of independent travel (which is our personal mode of travel) is that the norm isI that one can walk several miles a day. If one cannot handle that type of walking, then it does require additional planning. Consider that even if you get to the train or bus, you still must deal with how to get around at the other end. Not knowing the extent of your limitations, it is impossible to offer any constructive advice. But you might want to post on CCs, Special Interest Cruising/Disabled Cruise Travel board....where there are many folks who have experience dealing with various physical limitations.

Hank

Is the walk from the Villefranche tender port to the bus for Nice a strenuous one?

Does anyone have a picture of the stairs to the train station and/or the hill to the bus stop?

Mobility limitations are a major factor at most European ports, if going off on your own. The reality of independent travel (which is our personal mode of travel) is that the norm isI that one can walk several miles a day. If one cannot handle that type of walking, then it does require additional planning. Consider that even if you get to the train or bus, you still must deal with how to get around at the other end. Not knowing the extent of your limitations, it is impossible to offer any constructive advice.

 

Hank

The actual questions (not statements) I asked have no bearing on what my specific limitations are; therefore, I am trying to figure out why you would think I asked for constructive advice.

• Everyone pays attention to whether a lot of exertion was needed for an activity.
  
• Many people take pictures.
  

Both were asked so that I could get a better feel for what is the better of two evils for me.

I have traveled extensively through Europe (cruise and land). I am very aware of what things I need to look out for and things that should be asked (hence the original question).

Have a look at this site. It gives some good information and pictures on getting from Villefranche to Nice. This is what we referred to when we went.

If you do decide to go for the bus be aware that the bus stop can be very very crowded and the buses have been know to just drive right past and not stop on it's route through from Monaco to Nice.

http://www.tomsportguides.com/uploads/5/8/5/4/58547429/villefranche-sur-mer-06-20-2012.pdf

The actual questions (not statements) I asked have no bearing on what my specific limitations are; therefore, I am trying to figure out why you would think I asked for constructive advice.

 

 

• Everyone pays attention to whether a lot of exertion was needed for an activity.
  
• Many people take pictures.
  

Both were asked so that I could get a better feel for what is the better of two evils for me.

 

I have traveled extensively through Europe (cruise and land). I am very aware of what things I need to look out for and things that should be asked (hence the original question).

Touchy, touchy! Everyone here goes out of their way to be helpful to total strangers. You are the one who brought up mobility issues:

Thank you. It is because of mobility that I am asking, I have tried searching the net but haven't had much luck...does anyone have a picture of the stairs to the train station and/or the hill to the bus stop?

Needless to say, we don't have complete access to all your details. So, if someone, trying to be helpful, does not give you advice that is 100% applicable to you, just say "thanks" and ignore the rest. People are trying to be nice to you. Be nice back.

Can you take a train from Villefranche directly to Cannes or you have to change in Nice?

Can you take a train from Villefranche directly to Cannes or you have to change in Nice?

The train would be direct.(no need to change trains)...although it does stop in Nice, Antibes, etc. Think in terms of a commuter train line with the trains just running back and forth along the coastal line.

Hank

And is there a train from Villefranche to Monte Carlo or a transfer needed?

It is actually the same train that goes to Cannes, except you just get it going in the other direction (towards Monte Carlo). We are talking about a single commuter train line that regularly runs trains in both directions. When looking towards land (with the sea at your back) the trains running from left to right are heading to Monte Carlo. If they are going in the direction from right to left...they are heading to Nice, Cagnes sur mer, Antibes, Cannes.

The ride to Monte Carlo is about 20 minutes...and much of it is in tunnels. The train station in Monte Carlo is not in the most convenient location to the usual attractions...so you will likely need to use a local bus or taxi..once you get to the station. We tend to favor the #100 bus which runs along the lower corniche (coastal road) through Beaulieu, Cap d'Ail, to Monte Carlo We like the bus because you actually get to see the coast (as opposed to many tunnels on the train) and the bus stops in Monte Carlo are in a more convenient location. The bus is also cheaper (about 1.5€) and runs more often then the train. But either (bus or train) will get you to Monte Carlo.

Hank

It is actually the same train that goes to Cannes, except you just get it going in the other direction (towards Monte Carlo). We are talking about a single commuter train line that regularly runs trains in both directions. When looking towards land (with the sea at your back) the trains running from left to right are heading to Monte Carlo. If they are going in the direction from right to left...they are heading to Nice, Cagnes sur mer, Antibes, Cannes.

 

The ride to Monte Carlo is about 20 minutes...and much of it is in tunnels. The train station in Monte Carlo is not in the most convenient location to the usual attractions...so you will likely need to use a local bus or taxi..once you get to the station. We tend to favor the #100 bus which runs along the lower corniche (coastal road) through Beaulieu, Cap d'Ail, to Monte Carlo We like the bus because you actually get to see the coast (as opposed to many tunnels on the train) and the bus stops in Monte Carlo are in a more convenient location. The bus is also cheaper (about 1.5€) and runs more often then the train. But either (bus or train) will get you to Monte Carlo.

 

Hank

Hi, Hank:

How long will it take for the #100 bus to travel from port of Villefranche to Monte Carlo? Once at Monte Carlo, which stop would you recommend as the best place to get off and start exploring Monte Carlo?

Thank you.

This is a great guide - thanks!

Have a look at this site. It gives some good information and pictures on getting from Villefranche to Nice. This is what we referred to when we went.

 

If you do decide to go for the bus be aware that the bus stop can be very very crowded and the buses have been know to just drive right past and not stop on it's route through from Monaco to Nice.

 

http://www.tomsportguides.com/uploads/5/8/5/4/58547429/villefranche-sur-mer-06-20-2012.pdf

We also enjoy Tom's Port guides (we actually were on a cruise with Tom a few years ago). He works hard on his guides (a labor of love) and tries to keep them up to date. I cannot recommend a specific bus stop in Monte Carlo since it simply depends where you want to go. Once you are in the city you can simply get off at any stop and start putting your legs/feet to good use. Most would probably use the stop near the Tourist Office off the Casino stop (which is also relatively close to the tourist office). Just keep in mind that the Palace is in a different part of town and involves a long uphill walk (if you walk). So if going to the Palace you might want to grab a local taxi or perhaps use one of the local buses (ask any local where to get a bus to the Palace).

Hank

We also enjoy Tom's Port guides (we actually were on a cruise with Tom a few years ago). He works hard on his guides (a labor of love) and tries to keep them up to date. I cannot recommend a specific bus stop in Monte Carlo since it simply depends where you want to go. Once you are in the city you can simply get off at any stop and start putting your legs/feet to good use. Most would probably use the stop near the Tourist Office off the Casino stop (which is also relatively close to the tourist office). Just keep in mind that the Palace is in a different part of town and involves a long uphill walk (if you walk). So if going to the Palace you might want to grab a local taxi or perhaps use one of the local buses (ask any local where to get a bus to the Palace).

 

Hank

Thank you so much for your response, Hank. It is our plan to visit the Palace and watch the changing of the guards at noon time. My husband is into Grand-Prix, so I am sure we will visit the Grand Prix route, particuarly where the famous "hair-pin" turn is located; as well as tour the Casino (after 2 PM) when interior access is avaiable. Contemplating currently whether we should utilize the "HOHO" bus to hit the various spots. As far as long uphill walk, I think I would the weakest link, should be no problem for my husband and the two twenty-something kids. I will suck it up and get there!

Thank you so much for your response, Hank. It is our plan to visit the Palace and watch the changing of the guards at noon time. My husband is into Grand-Prix, so I am sure we will visit the Grand Prix route, particuarly where the famous "hair-pin" turn is located; as well as tour the Casino (after 2 PM) when interior access is avaiable. Contemplating currently whether we should utilize the "HOHO" bus to hit the various spots. As far as long uphill walk, I think I would the weakest link, should be no problem for my husband and the two twenty-something kids. I will suck it up and get there!

Love your attitude (get their first). Ironically, DW ruined her knee (which was already in bad shape) walking downhill (very steep) in Funchal. I have since learned what many seniors discover, that going down hill can be more difficult then going uphill. And by the way, that Changing of the Guard is a little before noon and it will be crowded. You should plan on getting to that area by 11:30 (or earlier) if you want to find a spot with a good view.

Hank

Love your attitude (get their first). Ironically, DW ruined her knee (which was already in bad shape) walking downhill (very steep) in Funchal. I have since learned what many seniors discover, that going down hill can be more difficult then going uphill. And by the way, that Changing of the Guard is a little before noon and it will be crowded. You should plan on getting to that area by 11:30 (or earlier) if you want to find a spot with a good view.

 

Hank

Thanks Hank for the heads-up on getting there early for the Changing of the Guard ceremony!