Cote d Azur in January

[blueST]

We love the South of France, having been several times over the years, but due to the expense we haven't been for while. Obviously, it's much cheaper to go out of season so was thinking about a trip straight after New Year in early January. Thought it might be nice to wander some of the old towns without the throngs of tourists.

Can anyone comment on what the climate is like, and whether it's likely to spoil the trip? I assume it is warmer the Lancashire. We like exploring the towns and villages going to the markets etc, not sun bathing. Are things like restraunts, museums etc. open as normal, or do they shut up out of season?

Please tell me if this is a stupid idea and I should just book a week in the Canaries!

[TVR keith]

http://www.yr.no/place/France/Provence-Alpes-C%C3%...


http://www.yr.no/place/Spain/Canary_Islands/Santa_...

Edited by TVR keith on Monday 29th September 17:13

[audidoody]

Nice is great in January. Go

[blueST]

audidoody said:

Nice is great in January. Go

Any particular reason in January? I agree it is a lovely city, been a couple of times in summer.

[Petrus1983]

blueST said:

Any particular reason in January? I agree it is a lovely city, been a couple of times in summer.

Great place to be at that time of year (I lived nearby for a few years). One good reason is that you can either spend a day along the Promenade des Anglais or go and spend a day in the mountains skiing/boarding or just enjoying the views - you can't do that in the Canaries! Isola2000 is a great ski resort, either make a day trip or there's plenty of affordable ski lodge options.

Also, it's soooo quiet (but not ghostly), so making quick trips between Monaco, Cannes, Antibes etc is really easy compared to the summer when driving anywhere takes forever - even going across the boarder for some lunch in Sanremo is fun.

[blueST]

Thanks. It's decided, we're definitelt going, but the chances of the Wife wanting to ski are pretty minimal, we'll stick to the coast I think. We've stayed in Menton in August once, that was truly the definition of busy, so it'll be nice if it was a touch quieter than that.

I've been looking at Apartments in Antibes, as we like it there. Any alternative recommendations before I book something? Absolute Max is £600, something suitable for a couple, preferably with parking.

[Petrus1983]

Look at www.airbnb.com or www.homeaway.com. Also if you're on FB join the 'Antibes Buy it, sell it, rent it' page and there's a wealth of info on there - if you post what you're looking for you'll certainly find something nice.

[Burrow01]

blueST said:

Thanks. It's decided, we're definitelt going, but the chances of the Wife wanting to ski are pretty minimal, we'll stick to the coast I think. We've stayed in Menton in August once, that was truly the definition of busy, so it'll be nice if it was a touch quieter than that.

I've been looking at Apartments in Antibes, as we like it there. Any alternative recommendations before I book something? Absolute Max is £600, something suitable for a couple, preferably with parking.

Been several times at New Year and in January - its great at that time of year, warm compared to the UK, no crowds, and no traffic - absolutely much less busy than August. Only thing you might trip up on is that a lot of restaurants close after New Year for 2-3 weeks.

Try Vence for accomodation - as you can easily get around you can go back a bit from the coast.

Top tip is the Colombe D'Or restaurant in St Paul de Vence - maxed out in the summer, no chance of getting in without booking weeks in advance -we rocked up in mid Jan for lunch (had the taster menu as its very good value) and were sat outside on the terrace in prime position without any problems

[Borghetto]

I've used an apartment rental agency called Nice Pebbles http://www.nicepebbles.com/, run by Brits and are very professional - also you can pay by credit card.