Safely making it to our first destination: Nice, France and exploring Northern Italy until we arrive in Venice to fly to Greece! We are calling this adventure Nìce—>Greece!!
A few years back, I was able to visit the south of France with my sister: making a stop in Monaco. Having been here before, I was able to relax and explore what I had enjoyed from the last trip and skip out on the unnecessary tourist traps. My husband and I had explored Bordeaux last summer, so this was a fun way of incorporating our love of France and Italy with a new destination. (He had need been here before.)
While planning this trip, we had two definitive plans: Start & Finish. We were starting in Nice and needed to get to Venice in the next 10 days. There were certain destinations I mapped out in hopes of seeing, but my plan was to let the weather help guide the trip. There was no reason to spend a long time somewhere if the weather wasn’t going to cooperate. As you know, my favorite time to travel anywhere is in the shoulder season. I like to avoid the crowds, know the weather will be more predictable, and maximize my time in any destination. Now, the end of September-Beginning of October isn’t necessarily the shoulder season, but it is definitely when areas begin to slow down.
Enjoying Wine on the Boscolo Exedra Rooftop
We had a long trip ahead. We wanted to stay at nice places, but also needed to be smart about where we were going to splurge and where we could opt to use points. My dream trip was to make it to Greece, so about a year ago I booked my hotels in Mykonos and Santorini. I created a spreadsheet of all the expected costs of hotels and flights. I used United Points to fly free to Nice, AND used AMEX Points to fly home from Greece. **
In Nice, we used SPG points to stay at the beautiful Boscolo Excedra Nice. It couldn’t have been better timing either because of the Marriott-SPG Merger of points that occurred in August. On top of using points at this hotel, our breakfast was included. This is not to say your ordinary continental breakfast—this was an over the top luxury breakfast with cake, pastries, rolling drink carts with buffet and a la carte menu options!
The hotel has historic charm with newly updated renovations. Boscolo Excedra is sophisticated with modern art in the lobby and a newly added rooftop bar with a sleek pool overlooking the heart of Nice, Fr.
We were able to pick up our rental car from the Nice airport via Hertz Gold and valet at the hotel. I always try to find the best deal and earn valuable points when booking a car. It also helps to sign up for their loyalty programs, so you can skip the line when picking up & returning your vehicle. After a long flight + jet lag… the last thing you want to do is wait for your vehicle!
We are both relatively light packers, but we were going to be gone for close to 3 weeks with very different destinations along the way. We managed with two small suitcases; however, on the first night there was a bit of a cross wind we did not expect and needed to do a little shopping. Fortunately, Nice has plenty of shops and the hotel is centrally located next to the shopping district with walking distance to the famous Promenade des Anglais as well as the train station.
After a little shopping, we headed down to the plage (beach) and grabbed some cocktails from the Ruhl Place. I had been here before, so I knew the people watching would be great. Unlike the states, most of the beaches are not enjoyed on sand, but rocks, so the beaches are lined with chairs and umbrellas for comfort. This adds an element of beauty as well as optimal location with close proximity to the ocean for a drink.
After a day of leisure by the beach, our friend carries the cushions from the day away for the night. It’s a balancing act on the promenade and he seems to do a fabulous job.
Awaiting a beautiful sunset in the south of France. Can’t help but enjoy this view.
Notable Hotels to Stay at or at least check out for a cocktail overlooking the Mediterranean:
Hotel Royal-Riviera
Hotel La Pèrouse
Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat: A Four Seasons Hotel
Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc * Think Slim Aarons backdrop, photographing socialites
Nice is on the French Riviera, so here are some places to go for day trips. Some available by train, others would be helpful to hire a driver or rent a car.
Saint Tropez: Coastal town on the French Riviera. Located in Southeastern France. Known for it’s beaches and nightlife. (1hr 30 mins from Nice)
Cannes: Famed for the International Film Festival, lined with sandy beaches and upscale shopping. (37 mins driving, 42 mins train from Nice)
Provence: Southeastern France bordering Italy, known for its lavender fields. (2hr 11 mins driving)
Marseille: Historic Port City in Southern France. (2hr driving from Nice, possible stop if going to Provence)
While in Nice, be sure to check out the famous Promenade des Anglais with high-end shops, restaurants, and even a Casino overlooking the water! The walkway travels along the mediterranean with unobstructed views. The hotels are on the opposite side of the street, so pedestrians are able to walk while gazing at the water.
Complimentary Champagne at Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco
Before leaving Nice, we made sure to enjoy our decadent breakfast provided by the hotel. The service could not have been better or more memorable. I would highly recommend this hotel-especially if you are an SPG-Marriott-Ritz loyalty rewards member. IF not, maybe look into joining!
Pancakes with Whipped Cream A La Carte
Next Stop…. Formula 1 Race…. OH WAIT…. that didn’t happen.. but it should have! Next time i’ll try to incorporate my need for speed with a race. But all jokes aside, Monaco awaits us! Monaco is a quick drive or train ride from Nice; I highly recommend spending a day or night in Monaco. There is a bit of a night scene here if you are looking for a fun night out. There are definitely some fun cars to check out… if you are into that sort of thing… which I am!
Overlooking Monaco Harbour filled with “tiny” yachts
Driving from Nice to Monaco only takes about 30 minutes. It took more time trying to find a parking spot. (Not really, but parking is limited especially during their high season.)
I had enjoyed Monaco in the past, so I headed towards the Monte Carlo Casino for shopping and a light lunch. The Casino doesn’t open until 2pm; however, you are able to explore the casino and grounds prior to the opening.
If you would like to walk around a bit, there is a walk up to the highest point of Monaco. The walk will lead you to the palace with a beautiful view of the harbor. This is where the prince “resides.” The architecture is fascinating—with light colored pastels.
outside of the monte carlo casino photo credit DALLARA :)
Where to Stay in Monaco:
Hermitage Hotel
Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Hotel de Paris
Le Meridien Beach Plaza
Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Surrounding the Casino is all of the high end designer shops. If you plan to shop make sure to fill out your VAT forms and have them stamped before leaving Europe so you can enjoy the thrills of TAX Free shopping. Boys.. I know you hate us shopping, but we are going to anyways…. so this way we both win!
Before the casino opened, we strolled the grounds.
This was a shot of the interior of the Casino overlooking the back which faces the Mediterranean. Once the casino opens, there are available tables on the back deck so you can enjoy the best of both worlds: View & Gambling!
After a little shopping, dining, and exploring we were off to our next destination: ITALY!!
The way out of Monaco is a winding—uphill battle fyi if you are planning to drive. There is only one exit and its a winding-narrow road to Italy. Very Beautiful though.
Next Stop: Cinque Terre & Portofino!! until next time, safe travels. Au Revoir!