Nautical Days in the French Riviera: 2 Days in Nice, France
LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 16, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: APRIL 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 18 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Ready to dive into glistening blue water that looks like ‘Glacier Freeze’ gatorade?
Bask under the golden sun, stroll along vibrant Promenade des Anglais, or dive into the rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and history that Nice—the jewel of the French Riviera—has to offer!
Nestled against the shimmering Mediterranean, Nice is an illustrious destination delivering the perfect blend of breezy relaxation and European coastal charm.
Whether sampling local Niçoise cuisine, exploring bustling flower markets, or soaking in panoramic views of the striking blue-green water, a visit to idyllic Nice promises an unforgettable Côte d'Azur holiday!
2 Days in Nice Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the best things to see and do during 2 days in Nice, France within the detailed travel guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
10:00 - 11:00 AM: 👜 Peruse Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice’s main shopping street (1 hr)
11:00 - 11:45 AM: 🌴 Stroll through Place Masséna and the surrounding garden (45 min)
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM: 🪨 Walk down Promenade des Anglais and up to Colline du Château (45 min)
12:30 - 1:00 PM: ⛵ Descend into Port Lympia and admire vessels anchored in the harbor (30 min)
1:00 - 2:00 PM: 🫓 Eat lunch at Chez Pipo to try traditional Niçoise socca, or chickpea flatbread (1 hr)
2:00 - 2:30 PM: ⛪ Circle back around to Old Town, in the center of which sits Place Rosetti (30 min)
2:30 - 3:30 PM: 🎨 Admire vintage instruments inside 17th-century private mansion, Palais Lascaris (1 hr)
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM: 🛌 Return to your lodging and rest before dinner (2 hr)
6:00 - 7:30 PM: 🌊 Listen to crashing waves during a seaside dinner at Le Plongeoir (1 hr 30 min)
8:00 - 8:30 PM: 🍦 Cap off the night with a sweet gelato macaron treat from Amorino Gelato (30 min)
Day 2
10:00 - 11:00 AM: 💅🏻 Craft a custom, travel-sized scent during a perfume making class at Molinard (1 hr)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 💐 Wander through the colorful Cours Saleya flower market (1 hr)
12:00 - 1:30 PM: 🎠 Savor classic French cuisine at La Rotonde in the Le Negresco Hotel (1 hr 30 min)
1:30 - 2:15 PM: 🎭 Admire orante Riviera art and Belle Époque artifacts in Villa Masséna Musée (45 min)
2:15 - 4:15 PM: 🍹 Sip on a little beverage while lounging in the sun at Plage Beau Rivage (2 hr)
4:15 - 5:15 PM: 🛐 Walk back through town and tour the Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas (1 hr)
How to Get Around Nice?
WALK: While public transportation options around Nice are abundant, walking through the prominent pedestrian streets and quaint alleyways is most rewarding. From the center of town, no landmark is more than 30 minutes away. Plus, leisurely strolls reveal hidden gems tucked away in lesser-known corners of the city—highlights you’d only discover on foot!
BUS + TRAM: Over 140 bus routes within the 51 surrounding towns and villages serve the Nice Metropolitan Area. Three tram lines service the city as well, with line #1 offering north and east connections through central Avenue Jean Médecin and Place Masséna, line #2 providing an airport connection through the city center to Port Lympia, and line #3 connecting the airport and Saint-Isidore via the Allianz Riviera Stadium. Combined tram and bus tickets can be purchased depending on the length of your stay.
TAXI: Taxis can be hailed on the street, booked in advance via the FreeNow app with the fare and estimated duration displayed up front, or flagged at a taxi stand. Secure reservations at Central Taxi Riviera, with airport rides incuring a flat rate of €32.
TRAIN: The TER—or Trains Express Régionaux—connects the main French Riviera cities between Cannes and Ventimiglia. When embarking on a day trip from Nice, this is likely the transportation you’ll use. Save time at the station by buying tickets online, which are valid for all trains running during that day along the selected route. In other words, freely travel on other TER trains that day instead of the specific departure time indicated on the ticket.
RIDE: Rent bicycles using the Lime or Pony apps. Once downloaded you’ll be directed to the nearest bike, which can be unlocked by scanning the QR code. A similar self-service process is offered for electric, Vespa-style scooters via the Yego mobile app. Otherwise, hire one of the many tricycle-cart drivers stationed around Place Masséna, who charge a flat rate depending on the distance to the destination.
How to Get from Paris to Nice?
As a Trainline affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
FROM: Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) (94390 Orly, France)
TO: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) (19 Rue Costes et Bellonte, 06200 Nice, France)
TRANSPORTATION: Air France flight (1 hr 25 min, direct, $100-300 roundtrip depending on the season)
FLY: The quickest way to travel to Nice, France from the French capital is via a quick flight from the ORY airport. Air France and easyJet are two airline providers serving this route, however easyJet charges extra for carry-on luggage, which often makes their fare more expensive in the end. Flying out of Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) adds 10 minutes to the flight time. Since this much larger, international airport is located an hour outside the city center, flying out of smaller, more accessible Orly is more convenient.
TRAIN: Alternatively, take an SNCF train from Gare de Lyon in Paris to Nice-Ville. The quickest route with no stops takes at least 5 hours and 34 minutes to arrive in Nice for ~$71. Given the convenience and time-savings, just hop on a quick flight over to Nice.
DRIVE: If you’re well versed in European driving etiquette, drive 940 km south to the French Riviera. This route takes at least 9 hours and 30 minutes if no stops are made along the way.
Where to Stay in Nice, France?
CENTRAL STAY: Michelle Et Julien’s Airbnb ($276.78 for two nights, split among two people)
LAST MINUTE DEAL: Nice Hotel Cote D'Azur ($149.99 for one night, split among two people)
Michelle Et Julien’s Airbnb
A reasonably priced accommodation located a stone’s throw away from the center of town, this 4.9-star studio is offered by superhosts Michelle and Julien on Airbnb. Steps away from lively Place Massena, the spacious studio makes the perfect base from which to discover Nice.
This Airbnb was absolutely perfect for my short time in Nice, stocked with everything I could need for only ~$100/night! I loved coming back to the pastel colors brightening the room, as the space felt intentionally designed to reflect the aesthetics of town. The smattering of restaurants, bars, and shops at the foot of the building (including Amorino Gelato across the street) was an added plus, and staying in this central location meant getting anywhere else was a breeze!
-
Find a double bed, television with international channels, dining area with a table and two chairs, fully equipped kitchen with American appliances, and a renovated stone bathroom complete with a rain shower—perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day exploring.
Located on the 1st floor of a building without an elevator—meaning you have to drag your luggage up a few flights of stairs upon arrival, but hey that’s Europe!—the window overlooks a courtyard with a quaint Italian restaurant.
The instructions provided by the superhosts make it abundantly clear how to get inside via annotated pictures, and they’ll be at your disposal to help with any questions or concerns that may arise during the stay!
Nice Hotel Cote D'Azur
As seems to be the pattern during my France trips, I encountered a transportation strike that necessitated flexibility. During my final day in Paris, I received a cancellation notice for an outbound flight to Nice the next day, with an explanation that air traffic controller was going on strike. Adapting to the situation at hand, I moved the flight a day earlier and immediately headed to Orly Airport to catch this new plane—which also meant I needed a new hotel before arriving a night earlier than planned. With a quick “hotels Nice France” search I found a last minute deal at Nice Hotel Côte D'Azur, and secured a deluxe room for only $75 per person which typically costs at least €275 per night!
Boutique 4-star Nice Hotel Côte D'Azur provides express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a terrace, free WiFi throughout the property, and a bar. They were kind enough to hold my luggage the next morning prior to our subsequent Airbnb check-in, and the 24-hour front desk was always available to answer questions.
-
Upon my late arrival, I enjoyed a bottle of sparkling water and cheese board in the shared lounge equipped with evening entertainment.
As the only guests using the space, we chatted with the two employees manning the bar and graciously accepted their local recommendations.
Once inside our deluxe air-conditioned room, I found an electric tea pot, fridge, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and a private marble bathroom.
The hot chocolate and coffee packets that came with the kettle were surprisingly divine to drink in the morning, and a long steamy shower in the luxurious bathroom was the perfect way to relax after unexpected travel stress.
While I didn’t partake in this offering, buffet and continental breakfast options are available every morning.
If you’re in a pinch and need last-minute Nice France hotel accommodations, look no further than Hotel Nice Côte D'Azur!
What to Do in Nice?
Day 1
Avenue Jean Médecin
Begin this first day in Nice strolling down Avenue Jean Médecin which intersects with Rue Massena, Nice’s main shopping street with luxury boutiques and department stores. While I expected to do more commercial damage in Paris, I had to seriously restrain myself from making purchases in Nice. The boutiques have an incredibly interesting array of items, as the aesthetic isn’t as coastal as true islands yet incorporates many breezy Mediterranean styles.
Upon passing By Colette, I knew I had stumbled on my dream store. Bold, bright, quirky, and eccentric pieces line the walls, with colorful jewelry, accessories, and tchotchkes filling every nook. My mission to not spend any more on clothes came to a grinding halt, and I soon walked out with a blue striped cheetah print button down, black clogs studded with silver charms, and a gold flower ring for under $100! Do yourself a favor and make a stop inside.
Along the way pass the Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, a vast neo-Gothic church from 1864 recognized for its imposing twin towers and sparkling stained glass windows.
Place Masséna
Shop until you drop, then walk back down the avenue towards Place Masséna, the main square in town. Featuring a mix of architectural styles, including Classicism and modern design, notice an abundance of red ochre buildings which reflect Nice's historical ties to Italy.
This cultural hub is a focal point for events, including the annual Nice Carnival, and on any given day street performers and other buskers look to entertain the crowd. This major pedestrian area connects several important avenues and notably features a checkerboard tile pattern surrounding the central “Fountain of the Sun” statue. This water feature includes a prominent likeness of Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, circled by other planetary deities.
Turn right before the statue to explore the Albert 1st Gardens, one of the oldest green spaces in the city. Created in 1852, luscious lawns, delightful fountains, and art installations decorate the public park. At the southern entrance, a perched winged Victory statue celebrates the accession of Nice to France in 1860, which ended centuries-long Italian domination in the region. As the garden approaches the coastline, stumble upon a delightful carousel!
Colline du Château
Continue this scenic stroll with an oceanside walk down Promenade des Anglais to the hillside outcrop overlooking the Bay of Angels, Old Town, and the Port of Nice. Known as Castle Hill, the castle for which the hill is named was destroyed in 1706 by the troops of Louis XIV.
Castle ruins, ancient Roman remains, and medieval settlements are persistent testaments to the strategic importance of this location throughout the history of Nice France. In modern times, this viewpoint is among one of the most photographed and iconic scenes of the city.
The hill isn’t just a historic site; it’s also a beautiful park. Well-maintained pathways, lush gardens, and a man-made waterfall make it a pleasant urban oasis perfect for a stroll or picnic. Families, photographers, and history buffs looking for a natural break from the bustling city below can reach the point by traversing winding paths circling the hillside. Regardless of how you arrive, a trip to Nice isn’t complete without seeing the bird’s eye view from Colline du Château.
Pro Tip:
To avoid taking steps to the top of the hill, use the free elevator at the end of the Promenade des Anglais, specifically at: 1 Rue des Ponchettes, 06300 Nice, France.
When I arrived at the overlook, a friendly photographer was stationed taking vintage camera shots for tourists. Offered as a free service, I ended up tipping him a few euros after walking away with a mock newspaper printout fashioned with my hilltop portrait as the header image! This was such a fun souvenir to collect from Nice, and with a free price tag the only required payment is the energy exerted walking up to the overlook!
Prior to ascending the hill, check out the famous #ILoveNice statue located just around the corner of the ground-level promenade, right past the Colline du Château elevator.
Port Lympia
Descend via Allée Professeur Benoît onto Montée Eberlé, which takes around 30 minutes to reach Port Lympia. Established in the 18th century, this port played a crucial role in the town’s economic development as a gateway of commerce connecting Nice with other parts of France, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
The port features distinctive Genoese buildings reflecting the historical influences of the period when it was expanded. In addition to the abundant maritime activities originating from this point, find restaurants, cafes, and shops flanking the vibrant cultural hub. Stroll around admiring the impressive vessels, and when you’re ready head to Chez Pipo for lunch to taste traditional Niçoise cuisine.
Lunch - Chez Pipo
Dine at Chez Pipo for lunch, a local institution famous for serving the best socca in town. Made from chickpea flour, their gluten-free, crispy yet soft pancakes justify your visit! More than a dish, socca is a true Niçoise tradition enjoyed amongst locals for generations.
Originally an ironworks turned socca business in the early 1930’s, inside discover a simple, rustic feel with charming local authenticity. The oven—located in the middle of the restaurant so you can bear witness to the cooking of your long-awaited lunch—is among the oldest in the city and was built on the site of the old forge. Stones from the Biot quarry give it an exceptional heating quality, and after watching this socca spectacle you get to dig into a warm plate of your own flatbread—fresh out of the oven!
Dine at Chez Pipo without reservations from Wednesday to Sunday, between 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM for lunch and 5:30 - 10:00 PM for dinner. After filling up on socca, circle back into Old Town to continue this blast from the past experience exploring the history of a French Riviera town.
Palais Lascaris
Place Rossetti is the central square serving as the recreational hub for this particular neighborhood. A largely pedestrianized zone, Place Rossetti is the perfect place to enjoy the ambiance of Old Nice while admiring the impressive Baroque cathedral dominating the square, Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate. This 17th century religious site dedicated to Nice’s patron saint is noted for its beautiful façade and richly decorated interior, while the plaza as a whole reflects the city’s historical ties via picturesque Niçoise architecture with inherently Italian influences.
Nestled amongst these unassuming streets is Palais Lascaris, one of the most beautiful museums in Nice showcasing rare artworks, antiques, and an impressive collection of over 500 ancient musical instruments—the majority of which were bequeathed by Antoine Gautier. It’s easy to walk by this 1648 building without realizing its impressive contents, as the low-key Baroque façade blends in amongst the surroundings.
A residence of the noble Lascaris-Vintimille family until the Revolution, it was acquired by the city of Nice France in 1942. The subsequent transformation into a museum provided insights into 17th and 18th century aristocratic life while serving as a key venue for music history and instrument craftsmanship.
Inside find intricate stucco work, monumental grand staircases, and lavishly decorated period salons for the low price of €5. Palais Lascaris is open every day except Tuesdays from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Dinner - Le Plongeoir
FROM: Michelle Et Julien's Airbnb (Rue Massena, 06000 Nice, France)
TO: Le Plongeoir (60 Bd Franck Pilatte, 06300 Nice, France)
TRANSPORTATION: taxi ride via FreeNow (14 minute, direct, ~€20)
A trip to Nice wouldn’t be complete without dinner at Le Plongeoir. Arguably the most famous landmark in town, this iconic spot sits precariously over the crashing waves below on an outcropping affixed with three high-dive boards. While diners can’t actually dive into the blue-green water below, this charming theme grants the restaurant its namesake, which is physically embodied by the statue of a young jumper on the top board.
-
While social media often doesn’t convey the whole picture, this place is worth the hype.
Upon entering Le Plongeoir I was greeted by a wildly charming manager, who made sure we were taken great care of throughout the entire dinner. From kindly taking a photo of my mother and I with silly ad libs guaranteed to make us smile, to offering us both warm fuzzy blankets as the cool evening air rolled in—we received the highest quality of service.
The view is as crazy in person as it looks on camera, and sitting near the edge of the platform really delivers the sense that you’re dining precariously above the serene sea.
In terms of the meal, I thoroughly enjoyed the linguine with mussels, coated in Espelette pepper and basil tomato sauce. The pasta was plated gracefully, and while the portion looks small in this photo, the plate was actually quite deep and I wasn’t able to finish the entire dish. The pepper is definitely a kick you taste—but as someone who can’t handle too much spice, I didn’t find it overwhelming.
To drink I ordered the signature Diving Board, a gin concoction accompanied with lemon juice, cane syrup, and topped with Prosecco. You certainly get your money’s worth with this cocktail, as my drink was quite strong!
The booking confirmation notes a required minimum spend of €50 per person, but this wasn’t enforced when I paid the bill. We were pretty close to the €100 mark with our combined meals, but I was pleased to see they didn’t charge us extra to hit this exact figure! All in all, this was a divine dinner. If you can secure a spot ,consider Le Plongeoir a must for your Nice itinerary.
Dessert - Amorino Gelato
FROM: Le Plongeoir (60 Bd Franck Pilatte, 06300 Nice, France)
TO: Amorino Gelato (2 Rue Massena, 06000 Nice, France)
TRANSPORTATION: taxi ride via FreeNow (12 minute, direct, ~€20)
You can’t have a meal without a sweet treat, so return back to town after dinner and stop at Amorino Gelato. There’s conveniently a location right across the street from Michelle Et Julien's Airbnb!
Two words: Gelato. Macarons. Amorino had the brilliant idea of combining two of the world’s greatest treats into one ultimate dessert. If you’re salivating just thinking about how good that sounds, upgrade and get a grandioso size that’s 3x bigger than a regular macaron. This might just be heaven on earth.
-
If I didn’t say this place was to die for, I’d be lying. Shamefully enough, during my two-day trip to Nice I visited Amorino Gelato three times because it was just that good.
By the time I walked in and ordered from the same cashier for the third time, I had tried the pistachio, paradise, and raspberry flavors.
Each one was better than the next, and I’m heartbroken realizing I don’t know when I’ll get to taste these perfect morsels again.
If you’re visiting Nice, do me a favor and get a grandioso gelato macaron for me!
Day 2
Molinard
Begin your second day in Nice with a travel experience that’s sure to rouse the senses. Head to Molinard perfume boutique to craft your perfect scent during a hands-on perfume making workshop. Throughout the class, learn how master mixologists combine different bases, fragrances, and essential oils to make sweet-smelling concoctions before putting your own skills to the test! You’re in the best hands at Molinard, as these master perfumers have been creating renowned fragrances in the French Riviera since 1849!
Once seated at the perfume creation station, receive a brief lesson from an expert instructor about the typical composition of perfumes combining top, heart, and base notes. From there, sample the ingredients used to make top-shelf scents and determine your favorite from the catalog of over 90 vials on the rotating turntable! Experiment with different notes to find a combination that hits it on the nose, and once satisfied a perfumer will denote the exact measurements comprising your signature scent. Follow the quantities provided to mix your own perfume like the pros, and soon you’ll have 50 mL of a scent uniquely your own to take home!
It’s no secret that scents are tightly coupled with memory, so what better reminder of your time in Nice than a custom perfume that’ll evoke glimpses of your travels every time you wear it! Don’t worry about flying back with this souvenir either—the vial is well under the 100 mL limit!
The most compelling part of this whole experience was the realization that Molinard records the exact composition of your specific scent under the code listed on your worksheet. Take the time to craft a scent you love because you can reorder it again indefinitely into the future!
Cours Saleya Flower Market
Just down the road find the vibrant Cours Saleya Flower Market, a long-running market series open daily except on Mondays from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Walk 5 minutes down Rue Saint-François de Paule from Molinard to bask in the beauty of quaint striped stalls filled with bouquets of colorful flowers.
Sublime scents from regional fresh cut flowers fill the air, and among other varieties expect to see the famous lavender of Provence. In addition to flora, shop for local fruits, vegetables, produce, and order from food trucks selling their wares alongside artisans of the area. Spending my last afternoon in France strolling through the market, I used all my spare euros to buy a bouquet! If you do the same, they make for the perfect prop in a nearby beach photoshoot!
Lunch - La Rotonde
After exploring the market, continue the opposite way down Promenade des Anglais for 20 minutes to the pink dome of the famous Le Negresco. A historic luxury hotel constructed by Henri Negresco, the opulent establishment was designed to attract affluent clientele from around the world with an extensive 6,000-piece art collection spanning five centuries, one of the many facets contributing to its prestigious reputation.
Inside—aside from dazzling chandeliers—find the white and gold toned La Rotonde, which is conveniently where you’ll dine for lunch! With a carousel horse theme, this chic expression of the French Riviera is an institution close to the heart of Nice residents. The great brasserie serving up fine French cuisine has been around for over a hundred years and maintains a welcoming ambiance with a touch of lavish glamour.
-
As with all of my Nice dining experiences, the waitstaff were incredibly friendly and professional —and La Rotonde was no different. We were promptly greeted and seated before being served a smattering of bread and biscuits, which were followed by an amuse bouche.
I love when restaurants provide little surprises, and upon receiving this treat I knew this was to be another delightful meal.
Fusing the everyday with the exceptional, I feasted on black truffle artichoke ravioli encased in an arugula emulsion. Emulsions are the type of high-quality cooking techniques I watch crafted on Iron Chef and wish I could taste through the screen, so being served one during a casual lunch in this contemporary brasserie speaks to the expertise of executive chef Virginie Basselot.
Serving up dishes comprised of the finest local products from sea and soil, anything you discover on the menu at La Rotonde is sure to be divine—for lunch, enjoy the dish of the day with dessert for only €39!
Villa Masséna Musée
Next door is the Villa Masséna Musée, an architectural jewel of the Promenade des Anglais built between 1898 and 1901. Through scenography—the design of theatrical scenery—combining graphic arts, furniture, and period objects, this museum showcases the art and history of the French Riviera from Nice’s annexation to France through the Belle Époque.
Among other notable pieces, Napoleon's death mask is highlighted alongside Empress Joséphine's tiara offered by her brother-in-law Joachim Murat, King of Naples. Meet landscape painters from the 19th century and bear witness to the work of art that is the ground floor of this neoclassical Villa, thanks to the sumptuous interior decoration envisioned by architects Hans-Georg Tersling and Aaron Messiah. Open daily between 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, the museum entry costs €10, however the historic gardens surrounding the property can be viewed for free.
Plage Beau Rivage
Assuming you visit during a bout of warm, sunny weather, cap off this second afternoon with a quintessential beach experience. Conveniently located off the famous promenade, this accessible beach club is a staple in the area. While Nice lacks the white sand characteristic of Caribbean beaches, its smooth pebble stones are easily enjoyed while lounging on a daybed.
Plage Beau Rivage offers a private beach area with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a restaurant. Paddle board, kayak, and other water sport equipment rentals allow you to enjoy the clear blue Mediterranean water in whichever way you see fit. Make a restaurant reservation by clicking the button below, lounge chairs can only be reserved by calling +33 04 92 00 46 80. A lounge chair along the first line is €33 and €28 along the rear line. An umbrella costs an additional €5, and a towel also costs an additional €5—come prepared to save a few euros!
Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas
Spend the last few hours of daylight exploring one more striking cultural landmark hidden within the outskirts of town. Contrasting against the predominantly Western European architecture of the region, this Russian Orthodox cathedral is one of the most beautiful outside Russia featuring traditional onion-shaped domes and vibrant colors.
A symbol of historic ties between Russia and France, Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas was constructed to serve the large Russian community which settled in Nice during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, built upon the site where the son of Tsar Alexander II died.
The cathedral boasts an array of religious icons, frescoes, and woodwork that are exemplary showcases of Russian ecclesiastical art, remaining a vital center for Nice Orthodox worshippers today. Open every day from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and then from 2:00 - 6:00 PM, wander inside without paying any fees!
How Much Do Two Days in Nice Cost?
Following the above itinerary detailing things to do in Nice France cost me $685.73, or $342.87/day, as a recent graduate on a budget:
Transportation
€20.49 - Roundtrip taxi ride from Michelle Et Julien's Airbnb to Le Plongeoir, split among two people
$159.10 - Roundtrip flight from Paris ORY to Nice
Food
€11.90 - Double socca and a Coca-Cola from Chez Pipo
€55 - Linguine and a gin cocktail from Le Plongeoir
€11.80 - Two grandioso macarons from Amorino Gelato
€48 - Black truffle ravioli from La Rotonde
€15 - Glass of prosecco from Plage Beau Rivage
Activities
€5 - Palais Lascaris ticket
$92.24 - Custom perfume class at Molinard
€10.00 - Villa Masséna Musée ticket
Lodging
$138.39- Two nights at Michelle Et Julien's Airbnb, split among two people
Souvenirs
$97.31 - Button down, silver studded clogs, and flower ring from By Colette on Avenue Jean Médecin
€7 - Lily bouquet from the Cours Saleya Flower Market
Evidently, this was not a destination where I stuck to a strict budget. While I hadn’t originally planned to shop more in Nice after coming over from Paris, By Colette sold everything I could want and more, and my spending got the better of me. To add on to a luxurious Nice experience, reserve a day bed at Plage Beau Rivage and hit some of the higher-end stores on Rue Paradis.
On a tighter budget, skip the perfume making experience at Molinard (or don’t!…this is one of my most unique travel experiences and I can’t recommend it enough). Otherwise, bypass paid museums and visit free historic sites like the cathedrals around town.
What to Wear in Nice?
Nice is the perfect place to go all out with your outfit—a strikingly colorful coastal town with a subtropical climate creates the ideal environment to push the limits with your ensemble. Be bold and beachy—don’t shy away from bright colors and prints, instead put pieces together you’d never pair back home!
Capture the essence of French Riviera chic with an effortless blend of sophistication and casual elegance in Nice. Pairing high-quality staples with touches of local flair and lightweight fabrics, imagine yourself strolling along Promenade des Anglais in a flowing pastel sundress and comfortable leather sandals. Opt for patterns that embrace the vibrant energy of town made from breezy materials perfectly suited for the sunny days ahead:
Abstract Aesthetics
embody the modern art scene in Nice with abstract aesthetics which could be hung in museums themselves
Crochet Creations
stay cool on hot sunny days in crochet creations that let the ocean breeze pass right through
Pastel Pieces
pop against the colorful buildings in pastel pieces that look even better with your French Riviera tan
Boho Boxers
boho boxers create a playful androgynous look that’s fun in the sun; complete the set with a matching button down!
Beach Bags
woven straw totes add a beachy element to your Mediterranean ensemble and are big enough to fit all your things
Strappy Sandals
strut around town in strappy sandals secure enough to walk in all summer long
Should You Visit the French Riviera?
Absolutely, a million times—yes! With its dazzling blend of azure seas, sun-drenched beaches, and a glamorous lifestyle, the French Riviera is the perfect Mediterranean paradise. Plus. it circumvents some of the travel difficulties that inherently come with visiting stunning mountainside towns like Positano or Capri.
Here, the allure of quaint coastal towns and luxurious harbors call to you as relaxing beach days intertwine with historic exploration into the region's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Whether meandering through the vibrant streets of Nice, sipping rosé in Saint-Tropez, or basking in the glitzy glamor of Monaco, the Riviera offers a unique escape that captivates the senses. With an enchanting mix of relaxation, joie de vivre, and sophistication, the French Riviera belongs at the top of your travel bucket list—a truly unforgettable destination that epitomizes the essence of the Mediterranean dream.
When it comes to Nice, it sounds very cliche—but these are truly some of the nicest people I’ve encountered abroad. Likely attributed to the significantly tourist-driven economy, every service personnel I encountered treated me with the utmost respect and kindness. From the attentive manager at Le Plongeoir who checked in few times during dinner, to the sweet taxi driver who pulled over to get a water bottle out of his trunk when my dry throat kept me coughing in the backseat. Coming over from Paris this was particularly noticeable, as the French locals I encountered in the capital weren’t exactly mean or standoffish as stereotypes typically portray, but they merely acted with uninterested apathy.
The delightful demeanor I encountered in Nice France only added to the pleasant experience, unequivocally making this my favorite stop from our France tour—and yet another reason you should add the French Riviera to the top of your travel bucket list!
✺ TRAVEL TOOLS ✺
Nice Customized Map (Google Maps)
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
✺ READ MORE ON THE BLOG ✺
![How to Drive Moonview Highway IRL: Mario Kart Japan [2025]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/652732149424c20baf5e26c9/1738472940390-H4PXMWODU3MAQVIIOJ8I/IMG_1412+copy+%281%29.jpg)
![Tokyo’s Top Sites – How to Buy Shibuya Sky Tickets [2025]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/652732149424c20baf5e26c9/1736655941250-HONDE4J7JOOEN5NJNNLJ/IMG_8461+copy+%281%29.JPG)
