If you can deal with basic in a great location with fabulous views, then you should take a look at Primotel Suisse in Nice. And get a panorama view room with small balcony. We were there a year ago. We will stay there again sometime. It is at the other end of the promenade from other recommendations. It sits under the Chateau, a block from the Cours Salie market where the food, not just the flowers, are worth a visit every morning and back for the cafes in the evening. It is also walking distance to old Nice. The room was clean, not too small, and the bathroom functional, and the best part -- you step out a large window to get to a small balcony. The view is of the entire bay sweeping out in front of you. Fantastic.

It was a bit of a walk but we could get to the train station and buses. We trained to Monte Carlo (walked the wonderful botanical garden there) and bussed to Ville Franche. Both easily. After a few days in Nice we rented a car to visit further down the Riviera as far as St. Tropez. Wonderful perched villages all around as well as the coast.

Have fun putting your trip together. I can't wait to get back to the South of France.

Maddy, Northampton, Ma