Curator’s statement
With summer quickly approaching, I thought about my favorite summer holidays that I've taken. South of France was a no-brainer because I loved being sun-kissed on the French Riviera, surrounded by small towns, big cities and having the French language spoken as music to my ears. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, it is a popular spot for a holiday at any time of the year. The French Riviera is misconstructed for being luxurious and expensive. With this guide I will provide tips on how to make the Côte d’Azur less overwhelming, and more affordable than you think!
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Where to stay in Nice, France and the French Riviera
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Things to do in Nice, France and the French Riviera
Nice:
Cours Saleya Markets - Shops where you can find food, antiques, clothing, jewelry and more in the heart of Nice
The Promenade Anglaise - A promenade along the Mediterranean coast of Nice filled with benches and artistic creations.
Colline du Château aka Castle Hill Park - Best view of the Nice 'Gatorade' beach just a few 100 steps above LOL it is worth it!
Place Massena - The black and white tiles make this area not only aesthetic to look at, but also to walk in. Go shopping, sip a coffee and people watch and listen to the various street artist performances with the Apollo statue in the background (Fontaine du Soleil).
Beaches: Fun fact- Most beaches in southern France have paid beach clubs!
Plage Beau Rivage, Opéra Plage, Le Galet, Ruhl Plage, Castel Plage - these are pebble beaches on the Nice promenade.
Villefranche-sur-Mer - Cutest sand beach just a 15-minute bus-ride from Nice, France.
Day Trips:
Eze & Monaco/Monte-Carlo:
Nice to Eze to Monaco to Menton– Take bus 82, about a 30-minute ride to Monaco. We missed the bus, but we did uber and it was a nice experience! You can take the bus to Monaco and then to Menton. There is a one-way train back from Menton to Nice-ville (make sure to check when the last train departs).
You can see the greenery of Eze with the contrast of the blue ocean, the variety of luxury cars in the streets of Monaco, the yellow walls and churches of Menton! Worth the trip all in one day was possible.
Cannes
Cannes/Antibes/Grasse - Depart from Nice-Ville station by train to Cannes. You can enjoy the beaches of Cannes, followed by a ferry ride or have a private boat day.
St Tropez
St Tropez - Train ride from Nice-Ville train station and have a day to explore the beautiful city. (It is about 2-2.5 hours away).
Places to eat & drink in Nice, France and the French Riviera
Nice:
Bocca Mar and/or Bocca Nissa - Sister restaurants, Bocca Mar is on the beach front and super aesthetic. The Octopus is a must!
Plage Les Canailles Nice
La Réserve de Nice - A must upscale dining & book in advance!
Mamma Mia - Walk-ins ok! There is a food only and a drinks only section for the same restaurant.
Farago on the roof (drinks/views)
Bclub Rooftop
Waka bar -Very busy at night, mostly for young adults.
Others:
Le Café du Jardin - Book in advance!
Mcdonald's Monaco - One of the best Mc Donald's with a view of Monaco.
Ice Cream - Amorino!! A cute macaroon on your ice cream!
Petrie de la Gare- Cute on the go cafe for breakfast pastries and more.
Need to know
I stayed in Nice and it was easier to take day trips from there. The busses and trains from Nice go to many different locations at many times during the day. It was very convenient.
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Travel Advisor
Samar Asfour
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Nice, France. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, The Two Sides of Los Angeles, CA.