flygirl

Good day everyone

I'm in the mulling stages. Not the planning stages.

If I were to spend two weeks (17 nights give or take) on the coast in the winter - either January or February (possibly more likely the latter half of February but not a certainty) - is Nice hands down my best option as a base or would you choose another coastal town?

I mentioned this to a friend who used to spend a week a month on a business trip over the course of an entire year and always stayed in Antibes (he worked long hours during the day and weekends free - I don't know how much he explored). He pooh-poohed Nice as a base and said Antibes would be his choice. I've only very briefly visited Antibes, not long enough to make any impression (lunch during a long day out from Cannes). I've spent a handful of days in Nice, also not long but it seems like I'd have more to do and see during the winter if I stayed there.

Thank you.

kerouac

The weather can be awful or good during either of those months. Nice is the best base because at least it is a real city that doesn't close down completely in the winter, unlike its neighbors. Of course, the best French city on the Mediterranean coast is Marseille, but it's not on the Côte d'Azur.

YankyGal

Ditto what kerouac said about openings & closings, and just having more options in Nice. I don’t have experience with Antibes in the off-season, but I do with Menton & Villefranche. If the weather isn’t good, you’ll want plenty of indoor options, I would think.

gooster

You are best to choose Nice in the winter, as there is much more to do, especially in inclement weather. And the main transport connections are there. Just note the days of Carnaval is Nice --- and the Citrus Festival in Menton. Both are great events but they can bring in extra people.

dfourh

Wise words. This is a slightly enervating time of year throughout Europe. All possible indications of life and vitality should be top priority. You might even look into a short pop down to Morocco to warm up.