An Adventure in Nice of the French Riviera

One of the must-see locales of the French Riviera is the beautiful town of Nice.  There is so much to do and explore in the area along with plenty of nice places to stay.

The Culture

Nice is on the southeastern coast of France. It sit at the foot of the French Alps and along the Mediterranean coast.  Although the city has been there from as far back as the Greeks it has changed hands many times, including being part of Italy.  Not surprisingly, there is a large Italian influence in the architecture, as well as the cuisine.  Although they speak French and English, true Niçois speak the language of Niçard.

The City

Ideally, the most scenic places to stay are along the Promenade des Anglais. The the Promenade des Anglais runs along the Mediterranean bay of Nice.  Whether or not you stay at the Hotel Negresco, a visit to the hotel is a must.  The hotel is a museum of sorts, but to explore you either have to stay in the hotel or dine at one of their restaurants. The restaurants Le Chantecler or La Rotonde both come highly recommended.

While staying in Nice, you will definitely want to walk, run or cycle on the beautiful Promenade des Anglais.  The four-mile paved walkway has an absolutely gorgeous view of the Mediterranean with benches and decorative white arbors along the way. 

If you prefer to be a sunbather, the shingle beach (large pebble beach) is next to the promenade, along the coast for the same four-mile stretch.  Since it is a pebble beach, remember to wear your flip-flops or aqua shoes.  The pebbles are not fun to walk on!  You can also spend the day at one of the beach restaurants tables or chase lounges, but you will be expected to buy food and drinks throughout the day.

The historic old town of Nice is located just north of and at the east end of the promenade.  Here you can find the cobble stone streets and old architecture along with tourist shops and many restaurants.  The Fontaine du Soleil (a fountain with a sculpture of the Greek god Apollo) is the centerpiece of the old town.

Activities

For the hiker, climb up the stairs at the base of the hill on the far east side of the promenade.  This will lead you to Colline du Chateau and La Cascade waterfall where you will get fantastic views of the Promenade des Anglais and Nice from above.

If it is your first time in the French Riviera, you may want to take a tour of to get a quick overview of the popular towns surrounding Nice. There are many tour options for small groups or, if you prefer, a private tour.  Most of the tours include Monaco, Antibes, and Cannes, but be sure to find a tour that includes the medieval town of Eze and a visit to the Frangonard perfumery.  Although, a tour may be all day, stops are short giving you only a brief visit in each area.

Whether you’re a French Riviera seasoned traveler or you like to explore on your own, France has a fantastic railway system. Tickets can be purchased at a train station or through the app: SNCF Connect. You can buy a ticket for the day and spend time in your favorite tourist spot(s).

For tips and advice on planning your vacation abroad, read our articles 10 Vacation Packing Hacks and European Family Vacation Planning.