From Nice to Monaco
 

Do I have to go through any immigration if I travel from Nice to Monaco and back? Thanks.

no passport necessary (though it's always good to carry it with you!)

You don't even have to go through immigration to go from Nice to Italy and back. But the suggestion about having your passport handy is very important. The gendarmes in Monaco are extremely strict and do not tolerate craziness unless you are Monagasqe. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

no, not at all.... but i always have a photocopy of my passport, driver's licence with me when travelling overseas...
(leave the real one at hotel's safe deposit box)

the breathtakingly beautiful bus ride from Nice's central bus station to Monte Carlo along the cliffs of Mediterranean takes about 30-40 minutes, and it costs 60FF (u.s.$10.00?), free return... (make sure you save the ticket)

have a wonderful trip! :envious: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I went from Nice to Monaco a few times. Once by taxi (we went in the evening and the trains end around midnight I believe) - it cost about US$40-50 each way for a full cab. It took about 40 minutes to get there and 25 to get back (we were returning at 1 am, no traffic, and we didn't take the seaside route, and I believe we were going very, very fast.
The other time I went on a Saturday afternoon via train from the Nice main train station. It was very painless, the train was mostly full but not crowded. It was probably about US$10 round trip.

On our first trip, we went into the Monte Carlo Casino (late at night). When you go in, they ask to see photo ID while they collect the entrance fee. I didn't have my passport on me, and thought I was screwed for sure, but the woman said that a driver's license was sufficient, and I got in with that!

Monaco is very, very nice to walk around. You can come out of the train station right next to the marina, and walk around the marina (make sure to see the amazing huge yachts), up to the shopping area.

Another day, I took the train from Nice to Cannes. That is also a very nice ride (perhaps more scenic than the ride to Monaco). Cannes is also a spectacular city, and well worth a visit.

Bumping this thread. I will be in Nice for about 4 days in the very end of December (26-30). What else can I see in addition to Nice, Cannes, and Monaco.

Which parts of Italy are close by ? How easy is to get to them ( no car) .


I also plan to go to Lyon for a day at the end of the trip since my return flight is from there. Is the train the best way to get there?

Are there any special openning/closing hours and events since this is the week between Xmas and New Years?

[This message has been edited by yevlesh2 (edited 10-12-2003).]

Go to St. Paul de Vence. There is a bus from Nice, it is not a long ride and is quite inexpensive. St. Paul de Vence is a pictureqse walled city atop a hill. Another worthy trip for an afternoon would be to Eze-Sur-Mer which can also be reached by bus from Nice. It is only about 20 minutes or so. If you go to Italy, San Remo makes for a nice day trip by train (you can stop in Monte Carlo on the way there or back), but if you have to choose, St. Paul de Vence would be my first choice, Eze my second choice, and San Remo my final choice. Cannes is a must see too and can be reached easily by bus or by train. Lyon can be reached by train or by air. The TGV train would be a good choice unless you can get a very inexpensive flight. Make sure to bring your appetite to Lyon, the dining is fantastic there, although it's also quite good in the other places you're going. Sounds like a great trip.

[This message has been edited by hhonorman (edited 10-12-2003).]

Back in 2000, when i took the Heliair Monaco from Nice to Monaco and back, they indeed did check my passport at the Heliport of Monaco..Cant remeber thou if they did in Nice Airport...

Jetboy

Rent a convertible and also rent the video "To Catch a Thief" with Grace Kelley and Cary Grant. Then, live the fantasy.

[This message has been edited by obscure2k (edited 10-13-2003).]

you must travel by helicopter. takes about 7 mins, and costs (i think) about £40
but sure beats all the other options, and you don't have to stuff about the airport.
do it.. if you don't do anything else

Thank you for the great suggestions, I will try to checkout the 3 places you mentioned, hhonorman. I found some pictures of Saint Paul de Vence and it looks amazing.

How are the openning hours during the holiday season? Is everyone away on vacation, or is this in fact the region people go to vacation in?