I have been to Toulon but not yet to Cannes, but I will go there this October.
If Solstice will dock at the same pier as Voyager docked in 2010 when I was in Toulon, it will be some distance to Toulon city center and the railway station. I guess there will be a shuttle service from the pier but it will reduce your available time by up to an hour in total (can't remember exactly how long time it took from the ship to the city center).
Do you know where Solstice docks in Toulon?
One more thing about trains in France; I planned to go from Villefranche to Monaco but there was a strike and all trains were cancelled. Apparently this is not uncommon in France.
About driving in France, I have no own experience. I guess there can be a lot of traffic in the cities but it should be OK out on the main roads. I looked in a guide book about the French riviera and it says about driving;
"Driving in the French Riviera is a pleasant experience, except in the cities and at popular tourist sites. During the summer it is almost impossible to park your car. It can be difficult other times too."
I was thinking of renting a car myself and drive from Villefranche to Cannes this October as Liberty of the Seas is anchored just outside of Villefranche but during one cruise (Oct 6 from Barcelona) it is anchored outside of Cannes instead so I booked that cruise. :boogie:
Let's hope there are any other C@'s that have been driving around in the French Riviera that can give you better advice.
Oh, I almost forgot to say; welcome to Europe! If you are interested in ancient history you will have a good time in the Med, and you will for sure be exhaused as there is so much to see. Have a nice cruise!
/Erik
