Nice, France, is one of my new favourite places in the world. Located on the French Riviera, Nice is a charming coastal city known for its stunning beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history. With its picturesque promenade, the Promenade des Anglais, lined with palm trees and overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Nice offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and cosmopolitan allure. The city's Old Town, known as Vieux Nice, beckons visitors with its narrow winding streets, colourful buildings, and charming cafes, shops, and bustling markets. Nice's warm weather, delectable cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world, offering the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence in the heart of the French Riviera. This location was definitely a highlight of our trip, all of the girls agreed this was one of our top locations. Here is what we did on our trip, and what we learned along the way.
The girlies first dip in the French Riviera <3
How to Get There
We flew from Barcelona to Nice. We grabbed an early flight from Barc, it was about $100 CAD each. However, there were cheaper options at less convenient times, we just wanted to make the most of our days in Nice. We booked with Vueling Airlines and the flight was super quick and easy, it didn’t even take an hour to get there. Once we arrived we grabbed the streetcar from the Airport to town which I will discuss in the following paragraph.
Transportation
The public transit in Nice is amazing. It was so easy to get everywhere. Their tram and bus system is cheap, easy to use and can take you everywhere. We stayed close to a tram stop between the Libération and Jean Médecin neighbourhoods and had access to everywhere in the city. You can also hop on a train for cheap and visit any coastal town along the French Riviera.
Where To Stay
I would recommend staying in Old Town, Libération or Jean Médecin. Old Town is a bit pricier so we decided to find a place around the Libération and Jean Médecin neighbourhoods. We stayed at Alex Studio which was a great Airbnb for an excellent price. The Libération tram station was conveniently located about a 5-minute walk away from the apartment. There was also a nice grocery store, and markets on our street. We were even a short walk away from the famous Libération market.
What to Do
1) Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais is a picturesque coastal boulevard stretching along the Mediterranean Sea in Nice, France, known for its stunning views, palm trees, and vibrant atmosphere. Here you can have coffee or a drink along the promenade, rent bikes or walk along the promenade or visit one of the local beaches.
2) Colline du Château
Colline du Château in Nice is a scenic hilltop offering stunning panoramic views of the city, the azure waters of the Mediterranean, and an opportunity to explore ancient ruins. Just walk up the hill at the Nice sign in Old Town and you will find this stunning lookout.
You can see all of Nice from their beautiful look outs
3) Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya
Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya in Nice is a vibrant and bustling flower market located in the historic Cours Saleya, where you can immerse yourself in the colorful displays of fragrant blooms and indulge in a delightful atmosphere of floral beauty.
Nice has so much delicious and fresh produce
4) Old Town
Old Town Nice, also known as Vieux Nice, is a charming and picturesque neighborhood filled with narrow winding streets, colorful buildings, lively markets, and an abundance of cafes and restaurants, preserving the historic charm of the city and offering a delightful blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean ambiance. Here you can have a delicious dinner, go out for drinks, or go shopping. We bought some great souvenirs here at some of the local shops.
We had a great dinner and shopped in Old Town on our first night
5) Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice
Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice is a stunning cathedral located in the heart of the city, renowned for its ornate Baroque architecture, exquisite stained glass windows, and a serene ambiance that invites visitors to admire its beauty and reflect in a place of spiritual significance.
Day Trip to Monaco
Monaco is a small, but beautiful principality located on the French Riviera known for its luxurious lifestyle, Formula One Grand Prix, and picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea. In Monaco you can visit Monte Carlo or Monaco City. We took a day trip from Nice to Monaco and loved it. The country of Monaco deserves it’s own blog, so you can visit my write up here.
Read my blog on Monaco here!
Where to Eat/Drink
1) Rooftop Monsigny
Rooftop Monsigny in Nice, France, is an amazing rooftop bar and restaurant offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline, where visitors can enjoy a sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere, delicious cuisine, refreshing cocktails, and unforgettable sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea. This was one of our favourite meals on our whole trip. The restaurant also has a hot tub visitors can soak in while enjoying some tasty cocktails and beautiful views.
Their rooftop is so gorg <3
This was one of our fave meals on the whole trip!
2) Balthazar
We had a delicious brunch at this restaurant, located along the famous Promenade des Anglais. We had coffee, and brunch while overlooking the gorgeous French Riviera. Their patio is great and the staff was very kind and helpful. We only had brunch here but their menu looked great for lunch and dinner as well. After breakfast we headed to the beach right across the street.
We had a tasty brunch with fresh OJ and cappuccino
What to Eat
1) Salade Niçoise
This salad was soooo good.
2) Ratatouille
3) Rosé Wine
4) Market Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Nice, France, is an enchanting coastal destination that combines timeless charm, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant cultural scene. From its azure beaches and palm-lined promenades to the maze-like streets of the Old Town, every corner of Nice offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're savoring delicious cuisine, exploring local markets, or simply soaking in the warm Mediterranean ambiance, Nice welcomes you with open arms. Embrace the city's joie de vivre and create lasting memories in this captivating French gem. Bon voyage!
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