2 Nautical Days in Nice
TRAVEL DATES: APRIL 25-27, 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 23 MIN
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Ready to dive into glistening blue water that looks just like ‘Glacier Freeze’ gatorade?
Bask in the golden sun, stroll along the 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 for travelers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and European cultural exploration.
As a central hub along the Côte d'Azur, don't miss the chance to venture into the lesser-known, yet equally enchanting villages and towns dotting the coastline or the picturesque hinterlands. Whether you’re sampling the local Niçoise cuisine, exploring the bustling flower markets, or soaking in the panoramic sea views of striking blue-green water, a visit to the charming city of Nice promises an unforgettable coastal holiday!
Two Day Nice Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the best things to see and do in Nice, France within the detailed travel guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
10:00 - 11:00 AM: 👜 Peruse around 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 (30 min)
1:00 - 2:00 PM: 🫓 Eat lunch at Chez Pipo to try traditional Niçoise socca (1 hr)
2:00 - 2:30 PM: ⛪ Circle back around to the Old Town, the center of which is Place Rosetti (30 min)
2:30 - 3:30 PM: 🎨 Tour the 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 the crashing waves during dinner at Le Plongeoir (1 hr 30 min)
8:00 - 8:30 PM: 🍦 Cap off your night with a sweet treat at Amorino Gelato (30 min)
Day 2
10:00 - 11:00 AM: 💅🏻 Craft a custom scent during a perfume making class at Molinard (35 min)
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 famous Le Negresco Hotel (1 hr 30 min)
1:30 - 2:15 PM: 🎭 Admire orante Riviera art and artifacts of the belle époque in Villa Masséna Musée (45 min)
2:15 - 4:15 PM: 🍹 Sip on a little bev 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 the public transportation options around Nice are abundant, I found it to be the most rewarding to walk through the prominent city streets and hidden alleyways. Assuming you’re staying around the center of town, no landmark is ever more than a 30 minute walk away, and traversing the city yourself will allow you to discover the hidden gems tucked away into lesser-known corners of the city—highlights you’ll only discover on foot!
BUS + TRAM: Over 140 bus routes in the surrounding 51 towns and villages serve the Nice Metropolitan Area. Three tram lines service the city, with line #1 offering north and east connections through the city center of Avenue Jean Médecin and Place Masséna, line #2 providing an airport connection through the city center all the way to Port Lympia, and line #3 connecting the airport and Saint-Isidore via the Allianz Riviera Stadium. Various 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, or picked up at a taxi stand. Secure reservations at Central Taxi Riviera, noting that airport rides incur a flat rate of €32.
TRAIN: The TER—or Trains Express Régionaux—connects all the main cities of the French Riviera between Cannes and Ventimiglia, so if you’re taking a day trip from Nice this is likely the transportation you’ll use. Save time at the station by buying your ticket online, which is valid for the selected route on all trains running during the day. In other words, you can travel on any other TER train that day besides the specific one indicated on your ticket.
RIDE: Rent bicycles at your leisure using the Lime or Pony apps, which once downloaded, will direct you to the bike nearest to your location, which can then be unlocked by scanning the QR code. A similar self-service process is offered for electric, Vespa-style scooters via the Yego mobile app. You can also hire one of the many tricycle-cart drivers stationed around Place Masséna, who will charge you a flat rate to your destination depending on the distance traveled.
How to Get from Paris to Nice?
FROM: Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
TO: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
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 capital is via a quick flight from the ORY airport. Air France and easyJet are two airline providers that commonly serve this route, however easyJet charges extra for carry-on luggage, which often makes their fares more expensive in the end. Flying out of the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) will add 10 minutes to your flight time, and since this much larger, international airport is located about an hour outside of the city center, I found flying out of smaller, more accessible Orly to be more convenient.
TRAIN: Alternatively, you could take an SNCF train from the Gare de Lyon station in Paris to the Nice-Ville station. The quickest route with no stops will still take at least 5 hours and 34 minutes to bring you to Nice for ~$71, so given the convenience and time-savings, I’d highly recommend just hopping on a quick flight over to Nice.
DRIVE: If you’re feeling really crazy and are well versed in European driving etiquette, you can also drive 940 km south to the French Riviera, which will take 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
FROM: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (19 Rue Costes et Bellonte, 06200 Nice, France)
TO: Michelle Et Julien’s Airbnb (Rue Massena, 06000 Nice, France)
TRANSPORTATION: taxi (16 min, direct, €40)
If you’re seeking a reasonably priced accommodation located a stone’s throw away from the center of town, look no further than the 4.9-star rated studio offered up by superhosts Michelle and Julien on Airbnb. Steps away from lively and colorful Place Massena, this fully renovated and spacious studio will make the perfect base for you to discover Nice.
Inside you’ll find a double bed, television with international channels, dining area with a table and 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 of exploration.
Located on the 1st floor of a building without an elevator—meaning you’ll have to drag your luggage up a few flights of stairs when you arrive, but hey that’s Europe!—your window overlooks the courtyard where a quaint Italian restaurant is stationed below. The instructions provided by the hosts make it abundantly clear how to get inside via annotated pictures, and they’ll be at your disposal for the reminder of your stay to help with any questions or concerns that may arise!
This Airbnb was absolutely perfect for our short time in Nice, affixed with everything we could need for only ~$100 a night! I loved coming home to the bright pastel colors decorating the studio, and it really felt like the space was intentionally designed to reflect the aesthetics of the overall town. The smattering of restaurants, bars and shops at the foot of the building (including Amorino Gelato directly across the street) was an added plus, and staying in this central location meant getting anywhere else in town was a breeze!
Nice Hotel Cote D'Azur
FROM: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (19 Rue Costes et Bellonte, 06200 Nice, France)
TO: Nice Hotel Cote D'Azur (18 Av. Durante, 06000 Nice, France)
TRANSPORTATION: taxi (11 min, direct, €40)
As seems to be the pattern during my trips to France, we encountered another transportation strike that required us to be a bit flexible with our plans. During our final day in Paris, I received a cancellation notice for our outbound flight to Nice the next day, with an explanation that the air traffic controllers were going on strike. Quickly adapting to the situation at hand, we moved our flight a day forward and immediately headed to Orly Airport to catch our new plane—however this also meant we needed a new hotel booking as we’d be arriving a night earlier than planned. With a quick “hotels Nice France” search I found a last minute deal at the 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 Hotel Nice 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 our luggage the next day prior to our Airbnb check-in time, and the 24-hour front desk was always available to answer all our questions.
Upon our late arrival, we enjoyed a bottle of sparkling water and a 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, we found an electric tea pot, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private marble bathroom with a shower. The dried 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 a stressful travel day. While we 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?
FROM: Michelle Et Julien's Airbnb (5 Rue Massena)
TO: Avenue Jean Médecin
TRANSPORTATION: turn right down Rue Massena and within a minute you’ll be on Avenue Jean Médecin!
Day 1
Avenue Jean Médecin
After getting settled in your lodging, begin your first day in Nice strolling down Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice’s main shopping street with luxury boutiques and department stores. While I had expected to do most of my commercial damage in Paris, I had to physically restrain myself to keep from making more purchases in Nice. The boutiques lining this avenue have an incredibly interesting array of items on display, as the aesthetic isn’t as coastal as true islands, yet incorporates many of the breezy styles you’d expect to find in the Mediterranean.
Upon passing By Colette, I knew I had stumbled into my dream store. Bold, bright, quirky, and eccentric pieces line the walls, with colorful jewelry, accessories, and tchotchkes filling any gaps along the way. In here my mission to not spend any more money on clothes came to a grinding halt, and I walked out with a blue stripe and cheetah print button down, black clogs studded with silver charms, and a large gold flower ring for under $100! Do yourself a favor and make a stop inside.
Along the way, you’ll pass the beautiful 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 turn and walk back down the avenue towards Place Masséna, the main square in town. Featuring a mix of architectural styles, including Classicism and modern design, you’ll notice an abundance of red ochre buildings which reflect Nice's historical connections with Italy.
This cultural hub is a focal point for events, including the annual Nice Carnival, and on any given day you’ll likely encounter street performers and other buskers looking to entertain a crowd. The major pedestrian area connects several important avenues and notably features a monochrome checkerboard pattern in the tiles 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.
While you’re here, turn right before you arrive at the statue to explore the Albert 1st Gardens, one of the oldest green spaces in the city. Created in 1852, you’ll find luscious lawns, delightful fountains, works of art, and plant species decorating the public park. At the southern entrance, a statue with a perched winged Victory stand was erected to celebrate the accession of the County of Nice to France in 1860, which ended the centuries-old Italian domination of the region. As the garden approaches the coastline, you’ll also stumble upon a delightful carousel.
Colline du Château
FROM: Place Masséna (Plassa Carlou Aubert, 06000 Nice, France)
TO: Colline du Château (Rue des Ponchettes, 06300 Nice, France)
TRANSPORTATION: walk 23 minutes down Promenade des Anglais then ascend the stairs at the end of the road
Continue your scenic stroll through Nice with an oceanside walk down to the hillside outcrop overlooking the Bay of Angels, the Old Town, and the Port of Nice. Known as Castle Hill in English, the castle for which the hill was named was destroyed in 1706 by the troops of Louis XIV, however the area remains steeped in history and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The ruins of the castle and the ancient Roman and old medieval settlements on the hill are a testament to the strategic importance of this location throughout the history of Nice France, while in modern times this viewpoint is among one of the most photographed and iconic scenes of the city.
The hill is not 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 a picnic. Families, photographers, and history buffs looking to enjoy a natural break from the bustling city below can reach the point by traversing various winding paths circling the hillside. Regardless of how you arrive, a trip to Nice is not complete without experiencing the bird’s eye view seen from Colline du Château.
If you don’t want to take the stairs to the top of the hill, there’s a free elevator at the end of the Promenade des Anglais, specifically located at: 1 Rue des Ponchettes, 06300 Nice, France.
Pro Tip:
When we arrived at the overlook, a friendly photographer was stationed taking shots for tourists with his vintage camera. Offered as a free service, we ended up tipping him a few euros, but either way you’ll immediately end up with a mock newspaper printout fashioned with your hilltop portrait as the header image! This was such a fun souvenir to collect from Nice, and with a free price tag your only payment is the energy exerted walking up to the overlook!
Prior to ascending the hill, be sure to 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 down the overlook via Allée Professeur Benoît onto Montée Eberlé, which should take around 30 minutes before you arrive in Port Lympia. Established in the 18th century, this port played a crucial role in the economic and cultural development of Nice as a gateway of commerce connecting Nice with other parts of France, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
The port area features distinctive Genoese-style buildings that reflect the historical influences of the period when it was expanded. In addition to the abundance of boating and yachting maritime activities originating from this point, you’ll also find various restaurants, cafes, and shops flanking this 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
FROM: Port Lympia (06300 Nice, France)
TO: Chez Pipo (13 Rue Bavastro, 06300 Nice, France)
TRANSPORTATION: walk 4 minutes down Rue Rusca onto Rue Bavastro
For lunch, you’ll be dining at Chez Pipo, a local institution famous for serving up the best socca in town. Made from chickpea flour, this gluten-free, crispy and soft pancake alone justifies your visit here. More than a dish, socca is a true Niçoise tradition that has been enjoyed amongst friends and family for generations.
Originally an art ironworks turned socca business in the early 1930’s, inside you’ll discover a simple, rustic feel with local charm and authenticity. The oven—located in the middle of the restaurant so you can bear witness to the cooking of your long-awaited pancake—is among the oldest in the city and was built on the site of the old forge. The stones from the Biot quarry give it exceptional heating quality, and after watching the socca spectacle you’ll be able to dig into a warm plate of your own flatbread—fresh out of the oven!
You can dine at Chez Pipo without reservation from Wednesday to Sunday, between 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM for lunch and then between 5:30 - 10:00 PM for dinner.
Palais Lascaris
FROM: Chez Pipo (13 Rue Bavastro, 06300 Nice, France)
TO: Palais Lascaris (15 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice, France)
TRANSPORTATION: 14 minute walk towards Old Nice via Rue Bonaparte, Rue Sincaire, and Rue St. Francois
After filling up on socca for lunch, circle back into the Old Town of Nice to continue this blast into the past experience exploring the historical aspects of a French Riviera town. In Old Nice, you’ll find Place Rossetti as the central square serving as the social and recreational hub for this particular neighborhood. A largely pedestrian zone, Place Rossetti is a place for strolling and enjoying the ambiance of Old Nice while admiring the impressive Baroque cathedral dedicated to Nice’s patron saint dominating the square, the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate. This key historical and religious site in the city was built in the 17th century and is notable for its beautiful façade and richly decorated interior, while the plaza as a whole reflects Nice’s historical ties in the picturesque buildings lining the area which exhibit classic Niçoise architecture with its inherently Italian influences.
Nestled amongst these unassuming streets is Palais Lascaris, one of the most beautiful museums in Nice showcasing many rare artworks, antiques, as well as an impressive collection of over 500 ancient musical instruments—the majority of which were bequeathed by the notable Antoine Gautier from Nice. Chances are you could easily walk by this 1648 building without realizing its impressive contents, as the low-key Baroque façade blends with the other buildings in the neighborhood.
A residence of the noble Lascaris-Vintimille family until the Revolution, it was acquired by the city of Nice France in 1942 and subsequently transformed into a museum providing insights into the aristocratic life of the 17th and 18th centuries while serving as a key venue for those interested in music history and instrument craftsmanship.
Inside you’ll 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 Tuesday from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Dinner - Le Plongeoir
A trip to Nice wouldn’t be complete without dinner at Le Plongeoir. Arguably the most famous landmark in town, this iconic spot will have you dining precariously over the crashing waves below on an outcropping of rock affixed with three high-dive boards. While you can’t actually walk up to one and dive into the blue-green water below, this charming theme grants the restaurant it’s namesake, which is physically embodied by the statue of a young jumper on the top board.
You’ve most likely seen the content of this restaurant before—unless you’re living under a rock (maybe this rock?) that is—and while oftentimes social media doesn’t show the whole picture, I can confidently say this place is worth the hype. Immediately upon entering Le Plongeoir we were greeted by a wildly charming manager, who made sure we were taken great care of throughout our 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 began to roll in—we received the highest quality of service. The view is as crazy in person as it looks on camera, and if you happen to be seated near the edge of the platform you really get the sense that you’re dining in and above the serene sea.
In terms of the actual 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 a bit small in this photo, in practice the plate was quite deep and I wasn’t even able to finish the whole dish. If you’re not big into spices, be warned that the pepper included in this dish is definitely a kick you’ll taste—but as someone who can’t handle too much spice, I didn’t find it to be overwhelming.
For my drink I ordered the signature Diving Board, a gin concoction accompanied with lemon juice, cane syrup, and topped with prosecco. You’re certainly getting your money’s worth with this cocktail, as my drink was quite strong! Speaking of money, the Le Plongeoir booking confirmation notes a minimum required spend of €50 per person, but they didn’t actually enforce this when we went to pay our bill. Granted we were pretty close to the €100 mark with our combined meals, but I was pleased to see they didn’t actually go as far as charging us extra just to hit this exact figure! All in all this was an 11/10 dinner, and if you can secure a spot consider Le Plongeoir a must on your Nice itinerary.
Dessert - Amorino Gelato
You can’t have a meal without following it up with a sweet treat, so return back into town after dinner and visit Amorino Gelato. If you’re staying at Michelle Et Julien's Airbnb, there’s conveniently a location right across the street! If I didn’t say this place was to die for, I’d be lying. Shamefully enough, during our two-day trip to Nice we came back to Amorino Gelato three times because it was just that good.
I have two words for you: Gelato. Macarons. Yes, Amorino had the brilliant idea of combining two of the worlds greatest treats into one ultimate dessert, and if you’re already salivating just thinking about how good that sounds, you can upgrade and get a grandioso size that’s three times bigger than a regular macaron. I know—this place might just be heaven on earth. 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 just realizing that 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
FROM: Michelle Et Julien's Airbnb (5 Rue Massena)
TO: Molinard (20 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice, France)
TRANSPORTATION: 6 minute walk down Place Massena
Molinard
Begin your second day in Nice with a travel experience that’s sure to rouse your senses. Head to Molinard perfume boutique to craft your perfect scent during a hands-on perfume making workshop. Throughout the class, you’ll learn how master mixologists combine different bases, fragrances, and essential oils to make sweet-smelling concoctions before putting your skills to the test! At Molinard, you’re in the best hands, as these master perfumers have been creating renowned fragrances in the French Riviera since 1849!
Once you’re seated at the perfume creation station, you’ll receive a brief lesson from an expert instructor about the typical composition of perfumes combining top, heart, and base notes. From there, it’s up to you to sample the different ingredients commonly used to make top-shelf scents and determine which are your favorite from the catalog of over ninety vials on the rotating turntable! Experiment with blending your favorite notes to find a combination that hits it right on the nose, and once you’re satisfied your perfumer will craft 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 in a vial!
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! You don’t have to worry about flying back with this souvenir either — the vial is well under the 100 mL liquid limit you’ll find at the Nice airport!
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, so 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 you’ll find the colorful Cours Saleya Flower Market, a long-running market open every day except Monday 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 fresh cut flowers of the region will fill the air, and among other varieties you can absolutely expect to see the famous lavender of Provence. In addition to flora, you’ll also find local fruits, vegetables, produce and food trucks selling their wares alongside artisans of the region. Since I spent my last afternoon in France strolling through the market, I had to use my spare euros to buy a bouquet! I highly recommend you do the same, especially since they make for the perfect prop of a nearby beach photoshoot.
Lunch - La Rotonde
After exploring the market, continue the opposite way down Promenade des Anglais for 20 minutes until you see 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—you’ll find the white and gold toned restaurant, La Rotonde, which is conveniently where you’ll be dining 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 brasseries 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 was then followed by an amuse bouche. I love when restaurants provide little surprises like this, and upon receiving this treat I knew we were going to have another delightful meal.
Fusing the everyday with the exceptional, I feasted on black truffled artichoke ravioli which was encased in an arugula emulsion. Emulsions are the type of high-quality cooking techniques that I watch 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 of sea and soil, anything you discover on the menu at La Rotonde is sure to be divine—and if you’re dining for lunch you can enjoy the dish of the day with dessert for only €39!
Villa Masséna Musée
Next door to Le Negresco you’ll find the Villa Masséna Musée, an architectural jewel of the Promenade des Anglais built between 1898 and 1901 by Danish architect Hans-Georg Tersling. Through a scenography—or design of theatrical scenery—which combines graphic arts, furniture and objects from the period, this museum showcases the art and history of the French Riviera from the annexation of Nice to France until the end of the Belle Epoque.
Among other notable pieces, Napoleon's death mask made by Doctor Arnolt is highlighted alongside Empress Joséphine's tiara offered to her by her brother-in-law Joachim Murat, King of Naples. Inside you’ll meet the landscape painters of the 19th century, and bear witness to the work of art that is the ground floor of the neoclassical Villa, thanks to the sumptuous interior decoration envisioned by architects Hans-Georg Tersling and Aaron Messiah. Open every day between 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, €10 will bring you inside the museum, however you can also admire the historic garden surrounding the property for free.
Plage Beau Rivage
Assuming you’re visiting Nice during a bout of warm, sunny weather, cap off your second day with a quintessential afternoon beach experience.
Conveniently located right off the famous Promenade des Anglais, this easily accessible beach club is a staple in the area. While you won’t find the white sandy beaches characteristic of the Caribbean, the smooth pebble stones are easily enjoyed while lounging on a relaxing daybed.
Plage Beau Rivage offers excellent facilities, including a private beach area with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a restaurant alongside paddle board, kayak, and other water sport equipment rentals to help you enjoy the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean in whatever way you see fit. You can make a restaurant reservation by clicking the button below, however for lounge chair reservations you’ll need to call +33 04 92 00 46 80. Last season, the price for a lounge chair was €33 along the first line and €28 along the rear line. An umbrella cost an additional €5, and a towel also cost an additional €5—so come prepared to save a few euros!
Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas
FROM: Plage Beau Rivage (107 Quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice, France)
TO: Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas (Avenue Nicolas II, 06000 Nice, France)
TRANSPORTATION: 30 minute walk down Promenade des Anglais onto Rue du Congrès, turn left onto Rue Rossini, continue right down Boulevard Gambetta, and then turn left onto Boulevard du Tzarewitch.
If you’ve got time to spare, spend the last few hours of daylight exploring one more striking cultural landmark hidden within the outskirts of the town. Contrasting amidst the predominantly Western European architectural styles found in the region, this Russian Orthodox cathedral is renowned for its show of the rich ornamental style typical of Russian religious buildings. Built in the early 20th century, it’s considered one of the most beautiful Orthodox cathedrals outside Russia featuring traditional onion-shaped domes and vibrant colors.
Serving as a symbol of the historical ties between Russia and France, Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas was constructed to serve the large Russian community that settled in Nice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, built upon the site where the son of Tsar Alexander II died.
Inside, the cathedral boasts an array of religious icons, frescoes, and woodwork that are exemplary of Russian ecclesiastical art, remaining as a vital center for the Orthodox community of worshippers in Nice. Open every day from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and then from 2:00 - 6:00 PM, you can wander inside the church 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 per 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 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 - Cheetah button down, silver studded clogs, and gold flower ring from By Colette on Avenue Jean
€7 - Lily bouquet from the Cours Saleya Flower Market
Evidently, this was not a destination where I stuck to a strict budget. While I had not originally planned to shop more in Nice after coming from Paris, By Colette’s shop sold everything I could ever want and more, and my spending got the better of me. To add on to a luxurious Nice experience, consider getting a day bed at Plage Beau Rivage and hitting some of the higher-end stores on Rue Paradis.
If you’re on a tighter budget, skip the perfume making experience at Molinard (or don’t!…this was one of the most unique travel experiences I’ve had thus far and I can’t recommend it enough). You could also opt out of the 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 perfect environment for you 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 the town made of breezy materials perfectly suited for the sunny days ahead:
Abstract Aesthetics
embody the modern art scene in Nice with abstract aesthetics that could be hung in a museum 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 look 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 that are 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 glamorous lifestyle, the French Riviera is the perfect Mediterranean paradise to visit, and it circumvents some of the travel difficulties that come with stunning mountainside towns like Positano or Capri.
Here, the allure of quaint coastal towns and luxurious harbors will call to you as relaxing beach days intertwine with historical explorations into the region's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're meandering through the vibrant streets of Nice, sipping rosé in Saint-Tropez, or basking in the glitz of Monaco, the Riviera offers a unique escape that captivates the senses. For anyone seeking an enchanting mix of relaxation, adventure, and sophistication, the French Riviera should be at the top of your travel list—a truly unforgettable destination that epitomizes the essence of the Mediterranean dream.
When it comes to Nice in particular, it sounds very cliche—but these are truly some of the nicest people I’ve ever encountered abroad. Likely attributed to the significant tourist-driven economies found within similar beachside towns, every service person we encountered treated us with the utmost respect and kindness. From the attentive manager at Le Plongeoir who checked in with us a few times during dinner, to the sweet taxi driver who pulled over to get a water bottle when my dry throat kept me coughing in the backseat. Coming directly from Paris this was particularly noticeable, as the French locals we encountered there weren’t exactly mean or standoffish, but they merely acted with uninterested apathy. The delightful demeanors we encountered during our time in Nice France only added to our pleasant experience, unequivocally making this our favorite stop from our French tour—and yet another reason you should add the French Riviera to the top of your travel bucket list!
