Holiday Time in Southern France

[Iron Horse]

Can anyone share any information with me regarding a visit to Nice and Monaco. I'm an American, white male, traveling from Dubai where I live/work and am hoping to attend the Formula One Race the last week in May. If I can't make it this week are there any other months recommended? Things to do and what not to do? My friends in Germany have informed me that pickpockets can be troublesome, and I would expect this anywhere especially during an event as the race in Monaco.

[Bevdeforges]

It may be a bit late to find reservations for Monaco during the race weekend. I've heard stories of locals who rent out their balconies months in advance to those who want to have a prime seat for the race. But heck, if you can find accommodation then, go for it!

Pickpockets are always a danger/inconvenience when you're in popular tourist areas and can be picked out as a tourist (i.e. by your dress, manner or just the fact that you're speaking anything other than French). But take normal precautions and you should be ok.
Cheers,
Bev

[Iron Horse]

Merci Bev. Rooms are still available, albeit not in Monaco as yes those do go quickly and are pricey, but in Nice. I figure a day or two in Monaco is good and there is a lot of coast and inland to see too. I've been to Disneyland a few times so I've seen the pickpockets in action.

So what you are telling me is that I can't wear my Bermuda shorts with white legs and dark socks, Hawaiian print shirt, with the Panama straw hat and camera hanging around my neck with zinc oxide on my nose?

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by Iron Horse

So what you are telling me is that I can't wear my Bermuda shorts with white legs and dark socks, Hawaiian print shirt, with the Panama straw hat and camera hanging around my neck with zinc oxide on my nose?

Far be it from me to tell you what to wear or not! But I have seen French people sitting in the train station pointing and chuckling at the sight of a pair of "obviously American" tourists. If you want to go around entertaining the local natives and reinforcing all the horrible stereotypes they already have of us, that's your business!
Cheers,
Bev

[ranger212]

All along the coast there are really great places - Juan le Pins, Antibes, Menton etc - just a short train ride away from Nice. Go to the old part of Nice - stunning views over the city - the flower market is amazing. I felt very safe in the area- though I was there pre -race. Have fun.

[Iron Horse]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

Far be it from me to tell you what to wear or not! But I have seen French people sitting in the train station pointing and chuckling at the sight of a pair of "obviously American" tourists. If you want to go around entertaining the local natives and reinforcing all the horrible stereotypes they already have of us, that's your business!
Cheers,
Bev

Ohhh heavens no Bev. I would never. My post was so tongue in cheek I'm still chuckling. I wouldn't even do that in the States or even in my house. I'll sit down with the locals and laugh at the clowns wearing things like that too.

[Iron Horse]

Originally Posted by ranger212

All along the coast there are really great places - Juan le Pins, Antibes, Menton etc - just a short train ride away from Nice. Go to the old part of Nice - stunning views over the city - the flower market is amazing. I felt very safe in the area- though I was there pre -race. Have fun.

I've looked online at a few places in Antibes. However, as I thought might happen it has and I'll be staying around Dubai for awhile as work gets ramped up and I'll be in the thick of it. But everyones info and jokes are appreciated. I'll bring this thread up when I'm ready to head that way.

Is there a decent beach there too Ranger? Any info on nightlife?

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by Iron Horse

My post was so tongue in cheek I'm still chuckling. I wouldn't even do that in the States or even in my house. I'll sit down with the locals and laugh at the clowns wearing things like that too.

My reply was tongue in cheek, too - though it's hard to type that way.

Loved the photo, BTW.
Cheers,
Bev

[oddball]

Originally Posted by Iron Horse

Ohhh heavens no Bev. I would never. My post was so tongue in cheek I'm still chuckling. I wouldn't even do that in the States or even in my house. I'll sit down with the locals and laugh at the clowns wearing things like that too.

Is laughing at 'Clowns' one of your pastimes also , American humour seems to be centred around the failings of others in thier oh so perfect world . Take a look around you in Master America today , people losing thier homes , rampant inflation , owe more to Asia than you have in the bank , dollar sliding like it's on a greasy pole , fighting a no-win war in iraq , too arrogant to give up your gas-guzzlers and shut down fuel prices , sorry fella , arrogance has no place in todays world unless you want to lose , a-la-iraq , marching straight through expecting ALL to lay down thier arms and beg you to forgive them , why do so many Americans wear Canadian patches when on tour ???????????

[Iron Horse]

Originally Posted by oddball

Is laughing at 'Clowns' one of your pastimes also , American humour seems to be centred around the failings of others in thier oh so perfect world . Take a look around you in Master America today , people losing thier homes , rampant inflation , owe more to Asia than you have in the bank , dollar sliding like it's on a greasy pole , fighting a no-win war in iraq , too arrogant to give up your gas-guzzlers and shut down fuel prices , sorry fella , arrogance has no place in todays world unless you want to lose , a-la-iraq , marching straight through expecting ALL to lay down thier arms and beg you to forgive them , why do so many Americans wear Canadian patches when on tour ???????????

Did you want to start another thread on this subject? Other than that take your "blame America for the worlds problems" down the road. It has nothing to do with this thread. There will be many things we agree about with what you wrote, but this isn't the place for that discussion.

Just for your clarification, the laughing at clowns did refer to the Americans that dress loudly and obnoxiously in other countries. But currently I'm laughing at you.