Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Alps, Nice, France, is the radiant heart of the French Riviera. Just 30 kilometers from Italy, this coastal gem dazzles with its cerulean bays, sunlit promenades, and a cultural tapestry woven from Greek, Italian, and French influences. The iconic Nice France Beach—a stretch of smooth pebbles kissed by turquoise waves—anchors the city, while the pastel-hued Old Town (Vieux Nice) whispers tales of its 2,300-year history. With mild winters and summers bathed in golden light, Nice’s charm is year-round. Direct flights to Nice France land at its seaside airport (NCE), mere minutes from the Promenade des Anglais, making it effortlessly accessible. Whether you’re here for art, cuisine, or coastal serenity, Nice promises a postcard-perfect escape.
Morning: Promenade des Anglais & Breakfast by the Sea
Start your day where Nice’s heart has beat since the 19th century: the Promenade des Anglais. This sweeping 7-kilometer waterfront, whose name nods to the English aristocrats who funded its construction, is where locals and visitors alike come to jog, cycle, or simply gaze at the Mediterranean’s hypnotic blues. The iconic blue chairs lining the promenade are perfect for people-watching—grab one and imagine the Belle Époque era when parasol-clad elites strolled here.
Just steps away lies the Nice France Beach, a pebbled shoreline that locals call la plage. Don’t expect soft sand—this is the Riviera, after all—but do relish the clarity of the water, ideal for a refreshing dip. Pro tip: Bring sturdy sandals for walking on the smooth stones. For breakfast, duck into Café de la Place in Old Town (Vieux Nice), a 5-minute walk inland. This cozy spot serves flaky croissants and café crème amid the buzz of morning marketgoers.
Afternoon: Old Town Wanderlust & Castle Hill
Step into Vieux Nice, a labyrinth of terracotta-roofed buildings and narrow streets that whisper tales of the city’s Italian past. Once part of the Kingdom of Savoy, this neighborhood retains its Mediterranean soul. Don’t miss the Cours Saleya Market, a sensory explosion since the 1700s. Arrive early (before noon) to snag lavender honey, socca (a chickpea pancake cooked in wood-fired ovens), or a bouquet of sunflowers—vendors here are as colorful as their wares.
For history buffs, the baroque Sainte-Réparate Cathedral anchors the Old Town. Built in the 17th century and named after Nice’s patron saint, its gilded interior is a quiet contrast to the bustling streets outside. Then, head to Castle Hill (Colline du Château)—a fortified site since the 11th century, though only ruins remain today. Climb the winding stairs (or take the free elevator near Tour Bellanda) for jaw-dropping views of Nice’s terracotta skyline and the yacht-dotted harbor. Fun fact: The hill’s artificial waterfall, added in the 19th century, was a Victorian-era attraction to lure tourists!
Evening: Sunset Drinks & Niçois Cuisine
As the sun paints the sky peach and gold, join locals at Le Plongeoir, a quirky restaurant-bar perched on a rocky outcrop above the sea. Built on a former 19th-century diving platform, it’s the perfect spot for a pastis (anise-flavored aperitif) paired with olives. For dinner, squeeze into La Merenda, a tiny, no-reservations bistro run by a former Michelin-starred chef. Dishes like petits farcis (stuffed vegetables) and tripe stew are homely yet unforgettable. End the night wandering Place Masséna, where the checkerboard pavement glows under red-and-white LED arches—a modern art installation juxtaposed with the square’s 19th-century Italianate buildings.
Tips:
- Castle Hill elevator: Free and located at the end of Rue des Ponchettes (look for signs).
- Cours Saleya Market: Closed Mondays (except for the antique market).
- La Merenda: Arrive by 6:30 PM to avoid long waits—cash only!
Day 2: Art, Alpine Air & Culinary Delights
Morning: Museums & Mediterranean Flavors
Begin your day in Nice’s leafy Cimiez district, once a Roman settlement and later a playground for 19th-century aristocrats. Here, the Marc Chagall National Museum (Musée National Marc Chagall) houses the largest collection of the artist’s biblical-themed works. Chagall himself helped design the museum’s stained-glass windows and mosaic garden, blending art with spirituality. Insider tip: The audio guide (€3) offers fascinating insights into his use of color and symbolism.
A short walk away, the Matisse Museum resides in a 17th-century Genoese villa surrounded by olive groves. Matisse lived in Nice for nearly 40 years, and this museum traces his evolution from Fauvism to his iconic paper cut-outs. Don’t miss his La Danse sketches—they’ll make you see the Riviera’s light in a new way. For a mid-morning treat, head to Fenocchio Glacier in Old Town. Since 1966, this institution has dished out 100+ ice cream flavors, from classic pistachio to daring rosemary-fig. Grab a cone and wander to Place Rossetti, where the candy-striped Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate towers over gelato-loving crowds.
Afternoon: Coastal Drives or Artistic Detours
If you’ve rented a car (book a car rental in Nice France online), take the Moyenne Corniche—a cliff-hugging road engineered in the 1920s—to Èze Village. This medieval eagle’s nest, perched 429 meters above the sea, offers dizzying views and cobblestone alleys lined with perfumeries. Stop at Fragonard to learn how Provence’s lavender fields become perfume, then hike the Nietzsche Path (1.5 hours) for a philosopher’s-eye view of the coast.
Prefer public transit? Hop on a 20-minute train to Antibes, a fortified town Picasso adored. His 1946 stay at Château Grimaldi inspired La Joie de Vivre—a whimsical ode to Mediterranean life now displayed in the Picasso Museum (€8 entry). Wander the Marché Provençal afterward for olive wood souvenirs or a pan bagnat sandwich, a Niçois staple of tuna, eggs, and olives on crusty bread.
Evening: A Feast for the Senses
Return to Nice for a final night of indulgence. Book a table at Jan, a Michelin-starred hideaway in Old Town where South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen reimagines Niçois classics. Try the lavender-infused duck breast paired with a Bandol rosé. Afterward, join locals at Le Volume jazz bar near Place Garibaldi, where live music spills onto the street.
Optional Alpine Escape: Visiting in winter? Swap the coast for a day tour from Nice France to Isola 2000, a ski resort 90 minutes away. Rent gear on-site and carve down slopes with views of the Mercantour National Park—surreal for a morning swim-to-ski switch-up!
Tips:
- Marc Chagall Museum: €10 entry; free first Sunday of the month. Tram Line 1 stops at “Cimiez.”
- Èze Village Parking: Limited! Arrive before 10 AM or park at the base and take the €1 shuttle.
- Jan Restaurant: Reserve weeks ahead—it’s tiny and wildly popular.
Where to Stay in Nice France
Choose boutique hotels in Nice France like Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo for personalized charm, or splurge at the iconic Le Negresco, a palace hotel brimming with art and history. For budget-friendly stays, Hôtel Suisse offers unbeatable sea views near Castle Hill.
Beyond Nice: Day Trip Adventures
While this itinerary focuses on Nice itself, the region’s diversity invites further exploration. Popular day tours from Nice France include:
- Monaco: Glamorous casinos and the Prince’s Palace, just 30 minutes by train.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: A medieval village adored by artists like Chagall and Matisse.
- Gorges du Verdon: Europe’s “Grand Canyon” for hiking and kayaking (2-hour drive).
For detailed guides on these excursions, check out our dedicated day trip itineraries.
Before You Go: Key Tips for Your Nice Adventure
- Flights to Nice France: Land at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), a hub for European carriers like Air France and EasyJet. Direct routes from New York or Dubai often connect via Paris.
- Getting Around: Nice’s compact center is best explored on foot, but tram Line 1 links the airport to Old Town in 20 minutes. For seamless arrivals, airport transfer services can whisk you directly to your hotel—ideal for families or late-night flights. Trains from Gare de Nice-Ville reach Monaco in 20 minutes, while buses serve coastal villages like Villefranche-sur-Mer.
- When to Visit: Avoid July-August crowds—opt for May’s rose gardens or September’s harvest festivals.
From its sunlit beaches to its hilltop panoramas, Nice, France, is a destination that balances relaxation with cultural depth. Whether you linger over a marché lunch or chase Riviera vistas, this city promises memories as vivid as its cerulean coastline.