French Friday – Notes on Nice France
The French Riviera is a very special region of France. One of glamour, warm weather, and vacation. In particular, Nice France holds a special place in many Frenchman's hearts. It makes a great stopover on a South of France road trip.
When I did it, I rented a car from the Nice airport and headed off to enjoy this very famous part of France. You can also take the train from Paris to Nice, but you know how I love a road trip! I've got a few of my favorite spots to share.
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Cannes Film Festival
There is something about the Cannes Film Festival that always represents the beginning of summer for me and my thoughts turn to the Côte d'Azur and the French Riviera region where you will soon find a large concentration of tourists in St. Tropez, Cannes, Nice, and Monaco – all ready to embrace the sunshine and unique lifestyle of that region.
The Scenery
Of all the notable towns I like Nice the best. It has just the right influence of Italian from across the border, it's a paradise with soft light to inspire artists and photographers alike, amazing food to satisfy the most discerning foodie, as well as sights and sounds that will keep you occupied morning-noon-and-night!
As the high season begins I thought I would share a sampling of what you can do in this amazing city by the sea.
It is no wonder that Nice is called Nice la Belle (Nice the Beautiful) because it is absolutely gorgeous year-round allowing any visitor the opportunity to explore every corner without worrying about any bad weather getting in your way. If you visit nowhere else, you must take a stroll on the Promenade des Anglais that runs the length of the seafront where you will find beaches, cafes, and lovely places to stop and take in the world.
If you need to get out of the sun for a bit there are several museums to take in including the amazing Matisse Museum, the Chagall Museum as well as the Nice Archaeology Museum, and Roman Ruins, where you can see the ruins of a Roman arena and bathhouses.
Strolling along the Promenade des Anglais will lead you to two places that you'll want to check out. One is the Cours Saleya, a fantastic market where you can see and buy delicious foods, beautiful flowers, and on certain days, antiques.
The other spot to visit is the Place Massena considered Nice's main commercial street, not only will you find plenty of shopping but you can also take in the neoclassical architecture which is a great photo opportunity.
Another must-do walk when visiting Nice is to climb the steps of the Colline du Château to “Le Chateau” which rests on a summit that offers an amazing view of the Baie des Anges, Old Nice, and the Port, which are some of the most photographed panoramic viewpoints in France. There are idyllic paths in the shade of the trees, great views, and a large grassy park with Roman ruins and a waterfall.
The Food
Eating, oh my! The best thing to do is to take advantage of Nice’s coastal location and Mediterranean lifestyle to enjoy seafood and Italian-inspired menus. Some of my favorites are Boni (15 rue Tonduti de l'Escarène); Le Savanna (6 passage Emile Negrin); Au Petit Gari (2 Place Garibaldi – 66 bd Rosso); and La Gauloise Brasserie (28 ave Malaussena). Also, if you love Japanese food So Good Sushi is the best sushi in Nice.
Besides where to eat there is what. Don’t forget to try out these local specialties: Socca (a rustic chickpea-flour crepe); Nicoise salad; Pissaladiere (oven-baked focaccia topped with caramelized onions, black Nicoise olives, and anchovies); farcis niçois (tiny stuffed vegetables); and sardines.
Hotels in Nice
There are tons of hotel options for visiting Nice. You can choose a seaside hotel or one in the hills, you really can't go wrong with whichever you choose.
On the luxury side, there is the Palais De La Mediterranee Hotel Nice and the Hotel Château Saint-Martin & Spa. In an intermediate price range, you will find the Le Meridien Hotel Nice and Hôtel La Pérouse. For those more budget conscious there are still many choices including Villa Saint Exupéry Gardens and Ibis Nice Centre Notre Dame.
More on Nice
- I love these 7 additional day trips from Nice.
- Cannes is a great road trip from Nice.
These are my notes on Nice, what about you?
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Lovely!
Nice is on my list of French places to visit too – food, antiques, proximity to Monaco and the hot sun I really can’t wait to go!
Murissa
What a gorgeous tribute! Your photos are so stunning… When we backpacked through Europe we had expected to breeze through Nice but fell in love instead. I have always wanted to go back!
@Abby, you should, I know you would love it!
Love it that you got Colline du Chateau in there, as well. I love Nice, too. We were married in my best friend’s family villa 15 minutes away in Beaulieu, so we know Nice well. xx
@Daisy, how wonderful, great spot for a wedding…as long as it wasn’t too hot 😉
Oh that looks soooo beautiful! I would love to see that town one day!
I, too, share your love of Nice! Reading your post took me back to the first time I visited when I was in high school. I’m moving to Marseille in September, and Nice will be my first weekend trip!
how beautiful lovely pictures of such of a great place wow whish one day i could travel the world this is one place id go to
Oh My. Those are some lovely views! I would love to travel there. The architecture is beautiful!
So many wonderful pictures of such a beautiful place. Makes me want to pack my bags and dig out my pass port!
#4
Ok…I’m jealous! I want to be there, NOW! haha I would love to be a part of all of that beautiful stuff! Great wording huh? That is why I don’t write posts! haha
God bless!
Thank you for this great article! I am looking into visiting my half sister, whom I’ve never met, we are both 54 years old. Nice or St Tropaz was the closest to her, as far as famous tourist places.
@Anita, I hope you have a wonderful time in Nice!
Hello!
it’s not a pissaladière on your photo ! there is not cheese on a pissaladière… 😉
@Niçoise, thanks for letting me know, I updated the photo!