We (2 adults and an 11 year old) stayed in Maeva Le Baronnet Residence Marina-Baie-des-Anges in the last week of June 2006 for 7 nights in a studio apartment. We were looking for a self catering base from which to explore French Riviera on day trips.

Marina complex consists of four huge high-rise buildings that encircle the marina, park and businesses. Three of them are occupied by owners and one (Baronnet) is split between Maeva and another company that rents them out. This is a residence complex where almost everything is charged extra. Maeva charges for safety box, towels, cleaning supplies, TV and parking. The other company also charges for linen and cleaning. Most of the clients are French or Italian residences who come prepared. But despite extra charges costs are reasonable for the French Riviera accommodation. Hotel staff is fluent in English. Check in is only from 5 to 8 pm (2 to 8 pm on Saturdays) and in high season Saturday only. Room was so-so, furniture, appliances and bathroom fixtures showing their age. Air con didn’t work, not sure in our room only or in the whole complex. But location and views were worth it. Beach in Villeneuve Loubet is still pebble. Small municipal beach across from train station has sand but sea bottom is not sandy. Sandy beaches are west of Antibes towards Cannes.

Complex is very pretty, with supermarket, restaurants and cafes; and of course the marina with lots of yachts and boats. Complex in located in the town of Villeneuve Loubet, between Nice and Cannes. There are 2 supermarkets in the walking distance (Intermarche – across from train stop and huge Casino supermarket east of Marina). We ate most of the meals in the room; food in Casino supermarket is superb (fish, shrimps, produce). Tried local restaurants; no great (but ok) and not cheap. Good for drinks; food so-so.

Marina is about 10 km from Nice airport accessible by 200 TAM bus (Nice – Cannes). Taxi is around 30E. Villeneuve Loubet train stop (called Gare SNCF) is 5 min away and so is the 200 bus. Nice, Cannes and Antibes are accessible by 200 TAM bus; Monaco, Eze, Italy – by TER train. Monaco is definitely worth a full 1 day trip. Arrive before noon to see palace guard changing. We also visited St.Paul de Vence (artsy medieval walled village where Mark Chagall is buried). To get there take train or bus to Cagnes-Sur-Mer train station (next stop) and then 400 TAM bus (otherwise 400 bus from Nice).

I can be contacted at harry_k@hotmail.com.