Goldenbackpacker.com

NICE - STAY FOR LESS "EURO"

NICE is referred to as “The Capital of the French Rivera” in the South of France, popularised by English Aristocrats in the 18C it was part of the “ Grand Tour” & a fashionable Winter retreat. Today it maintains its former style & exclusiveness but GB was surprised at its pebble beach! Further along the coast is the tiny Independent State of MONACO , no bigger than London's Hyde Park. Ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 14C, which will revert to France if the Royal line were to die out – a must to visit while here.

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 – VILLA SAINT – EXUPERY HOSTEL, at 22 Avenue Gravier, 06100 Nice (ring for free pick up or take a # 1 Bus to Ray Stadium, then climb 118 steps) tele 0493 844 283 – www.villastexupery.com - E22 in 6 x en suite dorms, linen & excellent breakfast included. Open S/C kitchen & unique “Chapel” dining & lounge/ Internet (free) room on ground floor. This is an original, converted, Cistercian Monastery built high on a hill overlooking Nice. Thoughtfully managed & with a good social atmosphere.

Reserve – Chez Patrick Backpackers at 32 Rue Pertinax (close to main Rail Station) tele 0493 803 072 – www.backpackerschezpatrick.com - E20 dorm bed, sep. bathroom. Small S/C kitchen & dining area.

FOOD at No 1 Hostel is well supplied by a large, local, inexpensive CASINO Supermarche with all provisions & an excellent selection of French wines at bargain prices. After a Beach walk call in at the Old Town Flower & Food Market for a treat

TRAVELLING AROUND - first you have to get to the hostel which is quite a journey with backpack & GB advises you to ring No 1 Hostel first for free lift & this will allow you to get your Hostel bearings. To return to Town you have to walk down the 118 steps to the Ray Stadium stop & wait for a SUNBUS # 1, 2, 5, 20 or 36 Bus. Onboard buy a E1.30 ticket from the driver, then stamp it in the ticket m/c inside. Using NICE as a base, one of the “must” trips is to MONACO , a short E 3.10 rail journey East for a fabulous day out amongst the rich, famous & tourist. Also along this Coast is the awesome Castle topped Village of EZE , well worth a call in if you have time.

FREE SIGHTS TO SEE

1. PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS – 19C coastal path, bordered by most fanciful Architecture on CDZ
2. NICE BEACH – stroll along the magical sands? No! – the beach is made up of pebbles with waves
3. PALAIS DE LA MEDITERRANEE – 1930's Art Deco façade of Casino Ruhl, now a Comm. Centre
4. NEGRESO HOTEL – opened 1912, it's one of the Great surviving European Palace Hotels
5. LE CHATEAU PARK – with brilliant sea & City view with scent of Mediterranean vegetation.
6. VIEUX NICE – the Old Area (car free) Place Rossetti, Cours Saeya Churches & Open Markets
7. NICE MUSEUMS – Free on 1 st & 3 rd Sundays – Matisse – Ard Moderne – Beaux Arts & more
8. MONACO PORT & HARBOURS – Gigantic Yachts & Luxury Boats – Lottery Winners only!
9. “ CASINO – open 1400 hrs, check in daypack then wander in foyer & feel affluence vibes
10. “ PALAIS PRINCIER – now Prince Albert's Pad, catch Changing of the Guard at 1155

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. MATISSE GALLERY – top spot for this Premier French Artist
2. MONTE CARLO CASINO – same as above but for serious Gamblers – Jacket & GB Tie & E10 ent.

* Ulf, Vanessa, Justin – Gary & Demi, Andrew, Eric, Kate, Steve, Karen & Christine