Two new routes were created this summer. One shuttle allows you to tour the Bellet estates and another connects Vence to Saint-Paul de Vence.
The Azure coast is breathtaking, but what if you ventured a little further inland? The mid-region is also full of beauty and cultural activities. That’s why the Metropolitan Tourist Office (OTM) is directing its 2023 summer season tourism policy towards these areas which deserve to be discovered, helping to relieve the crowded coast and attract visitors elsewhere.
In this regard, the organization has decided to enhance mobility to these sites through “sustainable” public transport options. The OTM has thus signed an agreement with the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis and the Régie Lignes d’Azur.
A major innovation for this 2023 tourist season, two bus routes have been created: the shuttle named “Maeght – Matisse” and the “Vignobles de Bellet” shuttle.
The fares are those applied by Lignes d’Azur across its entire network. Note that a one-way ticket now costs 1.70 euros, not including the cost of the indispensable rechargeable card. However, transfers are valid for 74 minutes. Alternatively, a day pass costs 7 euros.
An Artistic Escape in the Mid-Region
The “Maeght – Matisse” shuttle provides a connection between the cultural sites of Vence and Saint-Paul de Vence. From the Maeght Foundation to the Matisse Chapel, allow for half an hour.
These picturesque villages of the mid-region are true lands of renowned artists. Visiting Vence is like walking in the footsteps of Henri Matisse, who lived and worked there. The Rosary Chapel is emblematic of his achievements in the region. Saint-Paul de Vence was the stronghold of greats like Braque, Miró, Picasso, Prévert, and Chagall.
The shuttle operates from Tuesday to Saturday until September 30. The first departure is in the morning at 10 AM in front of the Matisse Chapel. In the afternoon, it departs at 2 PM in front of the Maeght Foundation.
Discovering the Nice Vineyards
A shuttle for visiting the “Vignobles de Bellet” from Magnan has also been launched. It’s now possible to take this orange bus to discover the Nice wine estates nestled in the Bellet hills.
It is available only on Fridays and Saturdays until August 26. You can head to the Magnan bus stop, accessible via tramway line 2. The first departure of the day is at 10 AM, and the last is at 4:40 PM. The shuttle makes a loop lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes, offering seven departure opportunities.
Five stops are served, allowing you to visit seven estates: Château de Bellet, Château de Crémat, Domaine de la Source, Domaine du Fogola – Collet de Bovis, Clos Saint Vincent, and Domaine de Vinceline. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard walks, or guided tours.
