Nice, known as ‘The City of Love’ aside from Paris, it is a stunning, romantic, and under-appreciated travel destination. The 19th-century mansions in Nice’s promenades and boulevards, as well as its countless vantage points are all sources of this city’s beauty. The landscape has been a beloved location by artists, Nice is one of Europe’s top destinations for art galleries.
Where is Nice in France?
Nice, a city on France’s southeast coast, is tucked right in the middle of the French Riviera. With the turquoise waves of the Mediterranean Sea to the south and picturesque hills and mountains as a backdrop, it offers a Mediterranean climate and stunning natural beauty as the departmental capital of the Alpes-Maritimes in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur area. Despite being a popular tourist destination and an attractive area to live in, Nice is recognized for its higher cost of living and visiting. However, with proper planning and budgeting, it is still a viable alternative.
Explore the Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Nice’s picturesque Old Town, or Vieux Nice, is located right below Castle Hill. Since the overflowing through the city in an underground channel since 1972, it borders the Promenade des Anglais to the South and the Paillon River to the north.
It is a maze of alleys lined with neighborhood shops and eateries darkened by high apartments. The squares that are frequently active until the early hours are flooded with glaciers, creperies, and cafes. You will notice the Italian feel from the town which is no accident given that Nice was not formally a part of France until 1860.
Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais, known as The English Walkway is a very wide walkway that runs directly along the Mediterranean, it’s Nice’s most well-known landmark and crown jewel. It stretches for miles and provides access to beautiful but rocky beaches. The English influence on these locations runs deep and can be seen in constructed hotels that were built such as Westminster and West End.
Visit the Musée Matisse
The Musée Matisse, which showcases the works of renowned French artist Henri Matisse, should not be missed by art enthusiasts. This museum showcases a remarkable collection of Matisse’s masterpieces and provides a fascinating look at his artistic progress. It is flanked by the picturesque olive groves of the Cimiez district. Walking around the galleries, I couldn’t help but be affected by the vibrant colors and ethereal lines that defined Matisse’s signature style.
Visit Cours Saleya Market
In the center of Nice’s town, the Cours Saleya Market is constantly bustling with activities. The centre is covered with striped awnings which provide cover for the goods sold at the open-air market. Locals and visitors alike come in large numbers to stop or just to see the diverse and vibrant displays. Cours Saleya organizes 4 markets throughout the week.
The Marche Aux Fleurs, also known as the Flower Market runs from Tuesday until Sunday and is the most well-known.
Try the local food
Nice offers a unique style of cooking, there are a few regional dishes that you must try before leaving Nice. This City has made significant contributions to France’s culinary cuisine. My favorite is Salade niçoise, which features a hard-boiled egg, green beans, anchovies, tomatoes, and cailletier olives. This goes beautifully with Belle or Bandol rose wines.
Bask in the Sun at Nice’s Beaches
Nice is a sanctuary for beach lovers thanks to its breathtaking coastline and Mediterranean environment. The pebbled shoreline and crystal-clear seas of Nice’s beaches offer a calm refuge. Immerse yourself in swimming and tanning, whether you go to public beaches or indulge in beach clubs. I was relaxing on warm stones, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves. The tranquil coastal paradise of Nice welcomes you to bask in its splendor.
Is Nice Worth Visiting?
Nice is definitely worth visiting, and I would consider it a must-visit for a 10-day in-France itinerary.
The best way to travel around in Nice
Nice has great modes of transportation such as Trains, Trams, buses, or Uber which are relatively cheap. However, my personal favourite is cycling especially around the Promenade des Anglais since it is flat and long.
How long is enough to visit Nice?
Typically 2 days is enough to enjoy all of Nice’s main hotspots, however, I would recommend at least 3 days to enjoy Nice with more time for leisure to enjoy its culture.
Best months to visit Nice?
April through June and September through October are considered excellent times, while July and August are the warmest and are preferable for a beach visit.
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