Further Afield

Cannes Travel Guide - Further Afield

For most trips further afield a car is usually a necessity. We can recommend the Verdon Gorges and Valley of the Roya as spectacular places to visit.

The French drive well on the motorways (autoroutes) keeping to the inside lane except when overtaking, unlike motorists in Britain. The speed limit is 130 kilometers per hour (just over 80 mph). There are radar speed traps but there are always signs announcing them.

When the French drive on ordinary roads, however, there can be problems. They drive too close - fear of another squeezing in front - and using indicators (clignotants) is clearly far too informative for other drivers. But what confuses all French drivers is the roundabout (rond-point) - a gift from the British. Giving way to others on the roundabout directly contradicts priorité à la droite, the age old driving rule in France. Never mind, there is always the horn (klaxon) which informs the driver in front the lights have changed to green. It is also a way of showing dislike for strangers including Parisians (number plate ending in 75).

So beware (prenez garde) but enjoy (appréciez).

Watch out

The whole of the A8 motorway in Alpes Maritimes department has a speed restriction of 110km/h.

So beware those radar traps - and police with mobile radar guns!

Former home of Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, this house and gardens are well worth a visit.

A walk from Beaulieu-sur-Mer is rewarded by musical fountains, priceless porcelain collection and a film documentary.

Located at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Open 10am-6pm.

Can be reached by train

See website: www.villa-ephrussi.com

Villa Grecque Kerylos

A 20 minute walk from Ephrussi will find this Greek style villa with a room full of casts of most famous Greek statues. Open all year, in winter 2pm-6pm and in summer 10am-7pm.

Can be reached by train

See website www.villa-kerylos.com

Much further afield

Bored with Cannes? Tired of cruising the Croisette?

Settle down for 53 hours in a train - to Moscow. If you have a couple days free and a spare 300 euros, you could get on board the Nice-Moscow luxury train, travelling through Italy, Austria, Poland, Belarus at a steady 40mph.

For 1200 euros you get a large bed, a private shower, toilet and television.

The weekly train leaves on Sunday and returns on Thursday.

Photograph from www.rian.ru

Cannes Tourist Information

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