? For Uk1 Silver Cloud Nice

Dear Jeff

I'm sure I read on a previous post your favourite restuarants in Nice - will be in Nice in September to join the cloud - tried to email you but to no avail - would you mind or any one else's recommendation also advising of a nice restaurant in Nice.

Thanks

TA

Delighted to.

I'd say for preferably lunch (we're Lunchers!) you must try Chantecler at the Negresco, preceded by one of the best Dry Martinis in the world in the bar before. If you say you like it "Dry" - it will be perfect. It's worthwile visiting the Negreso for a wander around say 30 minutes before lunch as it is privately owned and has a very unusual art collection in the public areas. If you're non-smokers I suggest you book in advance through the e-mail I've included below and ask for a non-smoking table by the window which will give you a great view of what's going on and seeing the good and the great arrive is quite something. I wouldn't recommend you stay there if you are visiting pre-cruise. In my view the set lunch is also great value and they have a menu that also includes all wine, and over the years we've built a friendship as we go there when our flight touches down every visit and for some reason my glass is always kept quite full. Check out the a la carte first though as it is a wonderful list. They did a very special lunch for some friends that I took with us to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary last year. They asked if my wife had a nickname and I said "yes, Sparky"! I had a vision of them making something with it mispelt saying "I love you Spanky .... but luckily............"

http://www.hotel-negresco-nice.com/htgb/0004.htm

I can't see an e-mail link to the restaurant but have found it in my address book: Olovson or Joelle should look after you.

restauration@hotel-negresco.com

If you are there pre-cruise and have a day or two, then our best informal relaxed place is "The Sloop" in Cap-Ferrat-St-Jean. The way there is the 100 bus from Nice, off at La Reserve at Beaulieu-sur-mer and then you walk around the Cap to the restaurant - or take a taxi. This walk is our very favourite walk in the world and passes David Niven's old house where he spent some of his last days. I can't find Madame's name but she seems to some a bit stern, but she is immensely proud of her restaurant, her husband cooks and he has a prized collection of Armangnac. They have an a la carte and fixed price menu at around 25 euros which is a steal. It is right on the waters edge.

Some reading stuff:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=cap+ferrat+%22le+sloop%22&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

There is nothing at all around where Cloud will berth which is in a bit of a run down area (aren't most ports) but within walking distance of the port is the Old Town and you'll find lot's of places there. The best of the bunch - not exceptional but the best in a touristy area - is The Safari in the main market square. It's colour theme is "Yellow" so you'll see it. My wife like's their chops which they cook in their wood fired pizza oven! There's a big tourist fish place a few yards away called Embarc which you should avoid under all circumstances as they rip off tourists and sometimes supply a dose of something that seems to stay with you for a day or two. We learned the hard way!

That should be enough to get on with but ask if there's anything more you want to know.

Jeff

UK1, We will be in Nice on April 1st. prior to our cruise on Shadow. Many years ago we drove each day, for a week, using Negresco as a base. We visited two restaurants often used by "Winnie" but I cannot get information as to their existence. Perhaps you know ? La Bonne Auberge and Chateau Madrid.

I have 12 coloured prints of various sites on the Riviera which I will show to the tourist board. They are large postcards which my parents bought in 1923.

Hi N.

Shame - we'll see each other at the Airport on the 1st as we're going Monday to Friday that week and leave at around 11am on 1st that is if we can leave on Monday as they're planning a baggage handlers strike at Heathrow that weekend (Friday to Monday!)

If the auberge is the one on the main road into Beausoleil (N7?) then yes I've been there a couple of times. I think they specialise in lobster salad and a few frecnh / asian fusion attempts. The only Chateua Madrid I'm aware of is an inexpensive hotel in Nice?

Jeff

Thanks UK1. We arrive at Nice from NY via Delta ,at 10 a.m. Chateau de Madrid used to be on Grande Corniche. The old picture shows it to be 'castle-like' building on a promontary. When we were there there was an old elevator to ascend to the restaurant from the parking lot. There was a Churchill painting in a lobby. The tourist board will know (perhaps).

Here is where you could help with your knowledge of Nice. On Sat. Apr. 2nd.

we leave Nice, with our luggage, for M.Carlo to board ship about 4 p.m.

Eze and Las Baux areas are the only places that we have never seen. My plan is to get a taxi, or whatever, and leave the hotel to drive to M.Carlo via Eze and stroll around the town, etc. Is this feasible, in your opinion ?

UK1 - I knew I could bring out the best in you!!!

Your detailed response is really appreciated and if I need any other info, I will ask.

That's the POME spirit I like !!

Bye

(Just an Aussie battler)

I know that Delta flight well. When it loads for the return ....... you should see the queues through immigration - normally I'm at the end of a long queue of very grumpy Americans who for some reason the French take special interest in waiting to get on my BMI flight.

Yes - it'll be "eze"(!). Allow lot's of time and make sure the taxi takes the leisurely coast road and not the motorway. Get him to stop at every bay and harbour. If you have the time I'd stop for 30 minutes at Villefranche and have alook at the old town (village) which has passages running under the old houses. SS dock here for some cruises. Then I'd go to Bealiue-sur-mer. Let him drop you off by the casino and have a look at Villa Elthrusi just opposite the casino. They use this place for a lot of films that are supposed to be in Monte Carlo inlcuding Dirt Rotten Scoundrels but MC don't allow filming. Then Eze and then MC I guess. Ask if you want any more info.

Hope you enjoy it.

Jeff

First, please note the town is of course Beaulieu-sur-Mer. But what is the Villa Elthrusi? I know the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Cap Ferrat (highly recommended). Also, a nice hour can be spent at the Hotel du Cap Ferrat (quite elegant and very exclusive) and lunch at the boat basin (The restaurant "Skipper" was most memorable).

JK

Thanks for the spelling corrections Jeff. Quite correct. Must get these things spot on and I have noted it as you requested.

Nevi, the small Villa I was actually thinking of is Kerylos. Elphrusi is walkable from where I said and when we visit one we visit both - as they have tickets that give you entry to both. But if you are short of time Kerylos is just opposite the casino in Bealieu. There's a map and some info:

http://www.villa-kerylos.com/kerylos/informations/uk_information_1.htm

Jeff

Thanks a lot, UK1. I have a Euro. passport and just breeze through. I sneek my wife in with a Canadian passport.!!

I'll be in Monte Carlo for one day in May. I've been to Eze and a perfume factory (what a bore!). Anything you recommend I can go or do in Monte Carlo or nearby? Good place for lunch?

Simon,

What day of the week is your day and what are your interests passions? Are you traveling by yourself?

Jeff

I'll be there on Monday from 9am-10pm with my husband. My interests are art and history, but as we start the cruise after two+ weeks in the museums in Italy, we might have had enough of master pieces by then. Mansions and villas don't interest me (I'm in real estate business, sell those villas for living, have seen quite a few of rich people's houses). I am very interested in food, though. Any help is appreciated.

Hi Simonv! Apologies thought you were a chap!

Personally, and it's taken me a lifetime to conclude this, I don't go away to do mansions and things but I like a walk and a meal! Sorry if it seems that I'm repeating bits from before but I'd put them together this way for your Monday.

Monday's are the only day of the week that the food market in Nice becomes a very large bric-a-brac / antiques market in the Cours Saleya. It's fun and you never know you may see something you like. If that's an interest that might be a possibility. If so, leave the boat and go up about 50 yards and take the 100 bus (direction Nice not Menton) and buy a ticket to Nice. On this route the single ticket is in fact a day return. They run every 20 minutes or so and the bus ride takes a great route. Don't listen to anyone who suggests you take the train - it's a long walk each end.

http://www.rca.tm.fr/plan/index.asp?rub_code=6

Get off of the bus at Nice Port/Marina and just walk around the port with the sea on the left and after ten minutes you'll see a row of low old fishermans terraced cottages the ground floors of which are restaurants. You'll see arches that take you through to the Cours Saleya for the market. You should arrive at around 09:40'ish - but if you can get off the boat early - so much the better.

I'd spend an hour or so there - no more- then retrace my steps back to a 100 bus stop and take the coach back to Beaulieu-sur-mer and get off at the Metropole Hotel and do the walk towards the casino on the map below and then keep walking with the water on your left hand side around the Cap (St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat) until you reach the beach in the Cap. Walk along the beach and you'll be at the Port. I'd go to the Sloop for lunch! But then I always do!

http://www.villa-kerylos.com/kerylos/informations/uk_information_1.htm

http://www.beyond.fr/villages/stjeancf.html

I'd either taxi back or retrace my steps back to the Metropole. As you've broken your trip I think you'd need a fresh bus ticket. This is our favourite walk in the whole world and combines an interesting market with a lovely walk and lunch.

How does this sound?

Jeff

(ps I hope I don't just get a reputation for knowing Nice!)

Sounds perfect! Thank you, UK1.

No problem.

If by the time you get to Beaulieu you're running late - then you might want to look at the menu at the Metropole - it's posted outside. This is lesser known than La Reserve (a few doors away) but in my view much nicer and personal. La Reserve is well known for it's high prices - I think a Club Sandwich is around euros50.

If you have a moment have stroll through the Metropole to the outside area overlooking the med - it's a truly idylic spot (see pictures below). Last time we had lunch there it was wonderful but I believe it has since been taken over by some middle-easterns so I cannot vouch knowledgeably for it now. However the true reason for a possible lunch is the location when eating al-fresco. Have a look at:

http://www.le-metropole.com/

Jeff

ps some of the Cap walk I mentioned is pictured on the aerial view of the Hotel as well as Kerylos which I know is a "property visit" but I'd make an exception. Have a look at the site previously posted to look at pics of Kerylos.

It sounds lovely. We'll take the stroll and lunch. Thanks, Jeff.

Just got back from a few days and visited The Sloop a couple of times and I noticed they have a web site now. For those planning or thinking of a visit I thought it might be helpful. They even have a picture of our favourite table!

The daily lunch menu at 27euros is an absolute steal.

http://www.restaurantsloop.com/uk/home_le_sloop.html

Jeff

ps the site also has a really good map of the Cap which shows the walk from Beaulieu I've mentioned a few times. I've just noticed they don't have their address or telephone number or a contact e-mail - but this is typical. I have their telephone/fax number which is france 04 93 01 48 63 and Mrs Therlicocq is the owner and her husband Alain the chef. If you plan to be their at around midday then you don't need to book.

Hi All,

We have dear friends who are going to Europe for the first time this May. The wife, Vellma, who plays bridge with me and several other ladies, is so excited she is dreaming about her packing. I think it is so cute, I have given her several books, but she can't believe I wander around Florence alone. I told her about your posts here, UK-1. They are so special regarding the Nice stop.

In case she didn't look at the web site as I suggested, I think I will print your wonderful information.

Regards to All,

Shannon

Dear Jeff

Just wanted to thank you for your "valued" info regarding Beaulieu, Le Metropole where we stayed for 2 days, the Sloop, and Cap Ferat, what a wonderful 2 days, Le Metropole was absolutely lovely and the walk around to Cap Ferat, is indeed one of the most beautiful walks in the world. The food at the Sloop - great. This information you gave to me was excellent and I'm glad to have taken your suggestions. The Le Minerve in Rome also, great location and beautiful hotel. Now regarding the cruise, we did 14 days, the food was good, I thought the Angus Beef was very good, the service great. I personally did not have any complaints. Although there is always a hickup here and there, but that's life. All round, one of the best trips we have had to date - thanks again for your valued information.

Frockoff,

How lovely of you to take the trouble, and I'm so pleased your trip to the Cote hit the spot. Knowing the pointers made a difference to your trip makes it worthwhile.

Jeff

UK1

We will be staying in Nice post-cruise in October, 06. Cannot decide which hotels to consider. Where would you recommend and why? Thanks for your suggestions.

Patty