I am planning a trip to southern France and have nearly decided to stay in Nice and do trips around - historic, restaurants, beach, rural,the nearby cities etc for about 2 weeks.
I am in Australia and have no experience in this part of the world. Do many speak english there? Is there a cheap way to have accomodation for one person.I have found holiday apartments for 500 to 1000pounds and thought there could be something cheaper that I don%26#39;t know about.
I would like a base for 2 weeks. Any ideas or help for me- a novice - but don%26#39;t intend to stay that way for long.Thanks
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For one person a hotel would be a lot cheaper than an apartment. Have you looked in the search box (top left) for Nice hotels? There is something for nearly all budgets.
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Hi there, can I suggest you look at the recent post by Happiness Traveller. There are some good suggestions for budget hotels there,e.g. Hotel Solara, Hotel Canada, Hotel Victoria, Hotel Star etc.
A lot of the restaurant workers speak a little English, although they always prefer it if you learn at least a few words of their language, just to show willing. Unfortunately they nearly always answer in English, however hard you try to speak fluently. I am a French teacher and it even happens to me on occasions - I think they just like to show off their skills.
Nice is a very friendly, cosmopolitan place and you will love it for sure.
If you contact me I can give you more information if you need, as I often visit Nice.
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Hi butterfly4711
It all depends on your budget as to what type of hotel you could stay in. Hotels on the promenade with sea views are nice but you would be looking at over 100 euros a night depending on when you are there. Then there are 3 star hotels five/ten minutes away from the promenade, a lot cheaper. You dont want a hotel next to the train station about 20 minutes from the promenade as this area isnt very nice to stay in.
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I recommend that you look at the Citadines Apart%26#39;Hotels in Nice. Both hotels are very central and offer studio apartments that are suitable for a single person.
When in Nice I now always stay at the Citadines Promenade and I have stayed a few times at the Citadines Buffa.
www.citadines.com
You will survive without speaking French but I do advise that you learn at least basic French as it will enhance your holiday experience. I have used the Michel Thomas CD course with great success. That and the Lonely Planet phrase book will allow you communicate in French in all situations.
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We found that almost everyone in Nice spoke excellent English, even more so than in other parts of France. However, it makes the experience so much richer to learn a few phrases. The basics IMO would be please, thank you, hello, goodbye, good evening, good night, check please, where is the bathroom, and of course - I would like a glass of red wine please!
Always greet shopkeepers, etc. when entering a business, and say thank you or good bye when leaving. Tips are included in the check, but you can leave extra change if the service is good.
We LOVE Nice. It is so central to visit many other places, and the trains and buses from there to nearby sights are cheap, easy, and often feature spectacular views en route.
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We have found apartments much, much cheaper than hotels, and pleasanter,in our opinion as you don%26#39;t have to worry about chambermaids coming in or rush to breakfast, and are free to eat and drink when and what you want.
Also, one can buy super food to eat %26quot;at home%26quot; if one fancies. It is cheaper, though possible riskier, booking an apartment direct with the owner, rather than through an agent.
We have booked a studio with air con, for the end of June, for a week, costing 185 euros!
Only trouble this might cause for you is that the owner doesn%26#39;t speak English, and wants payment by cheque, in Euros which can be expensive.
We found him on this site, where there are many more, many of whom speak/write good English.
villanao.co.uk/nice/apartments_seaside_refHD…
If you go for an apartment, read the listing carefully and check for extras with the owner; we have to pay extra for bed-linen and towels. It%26#39;s a good idea to contact the owner with questions so you find out what they are like.
Also, look out for catches like which floor it is on as some could be 8th floor with no lift.
You%26#39;ve picked a great city for what you want - be careful which area you choose, too as some places are a long way out, and some very noisy.
My research has led me to choose the old town which is pedestrianised and near the bus station.
Time will tell if it was a wise decision.
Have a great trip.
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Hi Butterfly,
If you are still looking I have stayed before with www.riviera-rentals.com - contact Paul Manion - he has the largest selection of apartments in Nice for holiday rentals and studios at good prices.
Have a good holiday!
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My experience is that apart from people who work with tourists almost no one speaks English. More strangely, quite a few businesses, including hotels, are owned by people who don%26#39;t speak French!
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I would worry about a studio in Nice at that price!!
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