Nice is one of those towns that, even though they’re pretty big (about 350 thousand residents), they have their addicting, vacationing climate. On the one hand it’s the beach’s merit, on the other hand – it’s Promenade des Anglais streched out along the coast. I guess there is one more thing – all these brasseries and cafes that make you want to celebrate moments, life and every evening right here, in the south of France. If you add amazingly blue sky which is here to stay for most days of the year to that, you know it will be beautiful!
Our first time in Nice was during our looooong trip across Europe, on which we went when Maks was 2,5 months old. We had seen the north of France, Spain and Portugal before, we had relaxed in the south of Spain and then we arrived in French Riviera. We spent one night in Nice, but this is where one of my favorite pictures of that trip comes from. I memorized Promenade des Anglais and amazing views, cafes, brasseries and restaurants that would stay loud throughout the night and the Old Town’s little streets. Now, 5 years later, almost accidentally we came across a restaurant where we ate Nice salad holding our little Maks in our laps.
This time around we stayed in Nice for a little longer, we got to see its surrounding small towns, we got satisfaction from walks, we ate local treats until we fell in love with pan bagnat or onion pissaladiere. Do you know them? 🙂 If not, you need to check out our post about Nice cuisine – you won’t regret it – HERE! If you’re about to go to French Riviera, it’s a must read!
What to do in Nice? What to do in its neighbourhood? Is it worth it? What for???
On the one hand, Nice itself is a perfect spot if you plan on exploring French Riviera or sunbathing on the beach somewhere nearby. It’s also a perfect spot for a short weekend trip, if only for some long weekend – especially since LOT has been offering direct flights and you can get there with no transfers!
Promenade des Anglais is your starting point and a must! This is where you can walk, run, sit by the beach with a glass of wine and enjoy the lazy, southern style. There are a lot of elegant buildings and traditional hotels by the promenade, but we are fascinated mostly be the Old Town’s streets. I also love the spacious, vibrant Place Massena in the city center – I liked it 5 years ago and I like it now. The place is surrounded by characteristic, red town houses, and the street lamps have a unique form of sitting or kneeling silhouettes that shine in different colors during the evenings.
We’re walking down the promenade until we reach the flower-vegetable fair in Cours Saleya district. This is where we stay for a little bit longer. Then we take a turn toards the Old Town’s streets. The fair enraptures you with the colours of vegetables, fruits, colorful soaps, lavender souvenirs. Take your time to go around the stands and have a snack.
Depending on how much strength we have left in our feet, we walk or get to Parc Du Chateau, where we get a beautiful view at the city and the harbour. We hang around for a bit just to walk down the colorful streets with clean laundry hanging in the windows. I love such views!
For art lovers, Musée national Marc Chagall is a must. It’s the biggest collection of Chagall’s works in the world – over 400 paintings, drawings, sketches, litographs, sculptures, mosaics and stained glass-works. There’s a lot to watch! My mom was so jealous we were going there!
What to see in the neighbourhood???
This time we spent 3 days in Nice. This isn’t much, but on the other hand we got to see more than the city. It’s definitely worth it to go to Saint Paul de Vence and Eze. I already told you about them HERE, but they’re so charming that I need to post more pictures! During our first trip to Nice, on our way to Italy, we went to Monaco, which is 20 kilometers away from here. You need to see Cap Ferrat while you’re in Nice too. French people call it “billionaires’ peninsula”, because a lot of celebrities, stars and other well known people have their mansions there. We only saw it from afar, while on our way to Eze.
SAINT PAUL DE VENCE – 18 kilometers away from Nice
Saint Paul de Vence needs to be seen from afar first. It looks amazing – it’s a medieval hamlet on top of a hill. Then, as soon as you enter the town, you are welcomed by a small, enshadowed square where you can sit down and drink some wine or play petanque. I’m sure you’ll meet a lot of seniors spending their time on playing this lazy and peaceful game there. Then you should lose yourself in the charming streets and corners, preferably in the evening when there are not as many tourists as during the day. You should grab lunch or dinner in the Le Tilleul restaurant, near the main square. If it’s warm outside, you juts have to sit on the terrace with a view over the neighbourhood. For dessert – popular in French Riviera tarte tropezienne with vanilla cream. Delicious!
EZE – about 12 kilometers away from Nice
You should go to Eze for at least three reasons. Firstly, it’s just another charming medieval town. Secondly, it has an amazing localization and its botanical garden offers a view that will leave you breathless! Third of all, you will find Fragonard‘s factory and store in here, where you will be able to buy tons of perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other miracles perfect for a gift from French Riviera. We were lucky enough to “play” a little and make our own fragrance! Amazing experience!
So what do you say? Who is planning on visiting French Riviera in the summer??? 🙂 What else do you recommend in Nice?? 🙂
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