Nice - The Jewel of the French Riviera
I sure picked the best location to spend my first two weeks in France. Nice is a beautiful city that’s located on the south east coast and gives you easy access to lots of cute villages along the French riviera. I went into this journey without much knowledge of the city or what I wanted to see. I knew that I wanted to be on the coast and whatever energy I was pulled into doing, I was going to do. It was my way of staying present - no planning, just doing.
Lodging
Although there are so many cute hotels around every block in Nice, I stayed at an Airbnb and hostel as I normally do if I’m traveling alone, plus I’m on a budget. I choose Airbnb’s because it’s a great way to experience a different place as a local and that aspect is important to me. And I love receiving information about the area from my host, a local.
SafeTy
I felt very safe in Nice. There is police walking around to guard the streets and it felt really comforting as I did walk around during night time by myself. During the day it’s perfectly safe also. I didn’t experience anyone stealing anything, but it’s always a good idea to keep your purse or wallet in front of you. Also, masks are worn inside places - dining, shopping, museums, etc. You must have your covid vaccine to socialize inside anywhere at the moment, but subject to change in the future.
Transportation
European transportation is amazing as always. Arriving from the Cote D’Azur Airport, either take a taxi or the tram. In my opinion, avoid taking an Uber (the drivers I found don’t speak English and it’s challenging for them to navigate where you are at the airport. I learned the hard way). The best option if you’re traveling with family and have a few luggages is to take the taxi and that will cost you around 40-50 Euros to get to Nice Ville (city center). It’s about a 20 minute drive. After I had a failed Uber experience, I opted for the tram which cost me 1.5 euros and takes 40 minutes. I love public transportation so I almost always choose that option. Tickets can be purchased right outside the terminal. No need to purchase any train tickets in advance, unless you’re traveling by train to another city like Paris.
The tram, train and bus are easily accessible by walking. The two main train stations are called Nice Ville (central) and Nice Riquier. I used Google Maps to find out the times of my trains. You use these train stations to get to villages around the coast such as Antibes, Monaco, Cannes, etc. You use the trams and bus to get around the city. I basically walked a lot to get around and explore.
Food
Food is amazing of course, but there are a few things you must try. Because I stayed there longer, I bought groceries to cook during the week and would go here and there out. Mostly my eating out was ice cream and indulging on a few sweets. Now because we’re the cusp on the end cycle of the pandemic, if you dine in you do have to show your “passe sanitaire” or health pass aka Covid Vaccine card. The French have a QR code system where you take your phone out and they scan it. I just showed my CDC white card and it is widely accepted…as the French museum security guy said in a french accent “ah the American white card”. With that being said, let’s get to the good stuff shall we. Places you need to try, if you’re in Nice:
Chez Rene Socca - a must located in old town. Socca is cooked chickpea flower and it’s amazing. Costs 3 euros and you need to pay with cash.
Fenocchio - ice cream shop. So good and so many many flavors! There are a few of these around Nice. Cost for one scoop is 2.5 euros.
Angea Les Macarons - Really cool bakery and if you like macarons, than you’ll love ice cream inside a macaron. Also located in old town.
Blumenmarkt - market everyday practically. Located near the ocean - old town. They have everything - food, flowers, soap, clothes, and more.
Caffe Vergnano 1882 - Pretty good coffee, a little pricy but came highly recommended. Lots of coffee shops every corner though so your pick.
Things to do
Given that I was there for two weeks, I always found something to do even if it was just taking a walk in the neighborhood or by the beach. Honestly, two weeks is the perfect amount of time if you’re traveling solo, as a couple or a family. I saw lots of families in Nice vacationing so it’s amazing. Lots to do for the kiddos. Okay I’ll get right to it:
Opera Plage - Great public beach and also a private side if you desire a luxury experience. Expect there to be rocks instead of sand so bring your water shoes with you. I went in the water with my slippers on I kid you not…baby feet. There is a patch of sand to tan though but still bring the water shoes. If you want a sandy beach and calm waters, go to Antibes (village next door - 10 min train ride). Also prepare to see topless ladies, I sure joined them. Hey, c’est la vie!
Port of Nice - The port is awesome and so pleasant to visit to just walk around and wonder at the different boats if you’re into boating. I went there a few times to walk around and it’s open 24 hours.
Castle Hill - Love love this. An amazing view of the city. Breathtaking views everywhere - the plants and vegetation is wonderful to look at also. Wear sneakers though because it’s a hike up there. Get ready for a lot of stairs but the view is worth it. Great activity for everyone - even kids. At the top, there’s a cafe and bathrooms accessible. Also a park for the kids. It’s also a good idea to have a romantic picnic up there (male readers take notes). Plus, there’s a manmade waterfall that’s so beautiful. I loved it clearly.
Art Museums - I went to a few here. If you love art like myself, Nice is the place to be. Famous master painters lived in Nice at one point so there’s a Marc Chagall Museum and Matisse Museum. These are the ones I visited, but there were other ones. Wish I knew before, but there was a 15 euro pass that allowed you to go to six museums (died a little inside). Now you know in case you go.
Fontaine du Soleil - (translates to Fountain of the Sun) Not to be missed, it’s located at the southern end of Place Massena and that is at the center of the city. The fountain was inaugurated in 1956. On it are five bronze statues representing Earth, Mars, Mercury, Venus and Saturn that were sculpted by Alfred Janniot. A 23 foot (seven meters) high statue of Apollo sits at the centre of the fountain.
Carousels - If you’re traveling with kiddos, there are carousels in every square or major “Place” which is awesome and also charming. Of course, there’s an ice cream shop right next to them so major bonus.
Parks - parks everywhere. Nice takes care of their parks and they are so pretty. Sometimes there is art installations going on. Also, the people are super into recycling and being environmentally friendly. I noticed this through my AirBnb hosts.
Shopping - located near the Place Massena, that whole strip is filled with shops and restaurants. If you’re into shopping, you will enjoy Galeries Lafayette which is a huge mall with everything in it.
Whew! I feel like I covered so much, but not enough. In all honesty, Nice is wonderful and the perfect getaway for however long you desire. There’s great food, beautiful beaches, cute cobblestone streets, perfect centrally located for you to take day trips to other villages on the coast. I will do another post on the villages I visited soon, huge highlight for me. Highly recommend going - I loved it and you will too!