Part one of my post on what to do in the French Riviera (Nice)! Also, check out Part two for places 8- 15! The following sections are included in this post (click to navigate directly to the section):
- 1. Walk to Old Port
- 2. Old Port
- 3. Phare de Nice Lighthouse/Le Plongeoir
- 4. Castle Hill
- 5. Beaches
- 6. Old Town
- 7. Cours Saleya Markets
CHOOSING A CITY BREAK (FRENCH RIVIERA)
)It was pretty much a spur-of-the-moment decision for me to book this long weekend in the French Riviera. I was originally looking for flights to other European cities, thinking that a trip to the French Riviera would be more expensive. Especially during the summer period. Nevertheless, Nice was showing as one of the least expensive European city breaks! Undoubtedly, Nice is the type of holiday destination that I love. It is not just a sun and beach destination. It is also a city full of culture. Indeed, it has the perfect selection of markets, museums, beautiful architecture, and colourful buildings. Also, there are plenty of pretty streets to wander in the Old Town area!
About Nice
Nice is along the Mediterranean Sea and is the Capital city of the French Riviera, which sits at the foot of the Alps. Notably, its mild Mediterranean climate became increasingly popular in the 18th century. Hence, many aristocratic families, especially the English, started to spend time here during the winter months. Consequently, the promenade ‘Avenue des Anglais’ is named after the influence of the English in the construction of this avenue. Also, the beautiful light found in the natural environment of Nice is popular with artists. Many of the greats spent time here (such as Matisse and Chagall).
Architecture of Nice
This colourful Capital of the French Riviera is an Instagrammers dream! Nice is known for its orange, red and pink buildings and distinctive pinky-red Mediterranean rooftops. Furthermore, much of the Old Town area of Nice dates back to medieval times. Its Art Deco style dates back to the La Belle Époque period. Undoubtedly, this influence is seen throughout the city. For example, you will see many corner buildings (often rounded instead of at a right angle). Also, you will find a lot of ironwork in the design of the buildings. However, this style of design began to disappear in the late 1930s with the politicization of Classical Modernism.
GETTING TO NICE, FRENCH RIVIERA (Flights)
Firstly, I searched Skyscanner for an idea on the price of flights. However, I am dubious of booking directly through this website as I recently had a bad experience with them. I booked flights to Vancouver through them. Shockingly, the third-party agency took my money but failed to provide the flights! Thus, this was a disaster as I was due to fly to Vancouver the following week! But the agency held my money – therefore, I didn’t receive the refund in time to book another flight. Moreover, flights were going up every day! There was a lot of confusion when I contacted their customer services team. This agency was Vayama (they are not a scam agency. However, it is always best to book directly through the airline/s rather than relying on a third-party agency).
I still find it helpful to search Skyscanner to research the options and costs available. Once you have an idea of the cheapest options available, you can then refer to the official airline/s website and book directly through them (presuming flights are in a similar price range as per your Skyscanner search).
I found reasonably priced flights from Dublin to Nice with Aer Lingus. I then booked a cheap return to Dublin with Ryanair.
ACCOMMODATION (NICE, FRENCH RIVIERA)
For hotel options, I searched Booking.com and found quite a cheap room for the three nights that I was visiting. However, it was quite a basic hotel. Therefore, I wouldn’t highly recommend it online for your trip. Nevertheless, this hotel suited me as I did not intend to spend long in it. Feel free to contact me directly if you would still like the name of this hotel!
The hotel was clean, and breakfast included. This was great – it allowed me to save time instead of finding somewhere to eat every morning. Also, the hotel was just off the main shopping street, Avenue Jean Medecin. Thus, only about a 15-minute walk to the Old Nice area. I saw a few other well-priced hotels on Booking.com. However, they were not central to the Old Nice area (where you will find the main hub of activity).
Best Area/s to Stay
Ideally, close to the Old Town or Old Port area are the perfect locations to stay in Nice. Avenue des Anglais is the main Promenade along Nice beach. The section of the Promenade closest to Old Nice is a great location to stay. That is if you can afford a hotel along here! Hotel Negresco is a stunning building – if you want to treat yourself, this is a hotel to consider! Another luxurious hotel along Avenue des Anglais is the Hyatt Regency.
1. WALK TO THE OLD PORT
While there is not as much shopping and activity in the Old Port area (compared to the Old Town), it is still a lovely walk over to the Old Port from the Old Town area. Moreover, you will find spectacular views overlooking the beach, Promenade des Anglais and Nice along this short walk. It is roughly a 15-minute walk along Quai de Rauba Capeu from the Castel Plage beach area to the Old Port. Additionally, the Old Port is a pleasant area to wander.
There is a stunning viewing point along this walk at Pointe de Rauba-Capeu. This viewing point has become more popular for photographs in recent years following the installation of the #ilovenice sign. Also, there is a replica of this sign at the Nice airport. Monument aux Morts de Rauba-Capeù (Monument of the Dead) is located close by Pointe de Rauba-Capeu too. This monument honours Nice citizens killed during WWI.
It is possible to enjoy a walk over to the Phare de Nice Lighthouse from here. It is less than a 10-minute to the lighthouse from the Monument of the Dead.
2. OLD PORT NICE
In the Port area, you will find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars to sit outside and relax in. There are plenty of options to drink and dine outdoors (overlooking the Port) here. Also, you will likely find a colourful array of boats lined up and docked along the Port. I dined here on my first evening and enjoyed a glass of wine while sitting outside in the summer air. It was so very relaxing!
Dining
I dined in Gigi Restaurant, along the Port. Here, I was able to sit outside overlooking the boats in the Port over a tasty pizza and glass of wine. I even returned here to dine another evening! Also, it was reasonably priced and such a relaxing area to eat in rather than parts of the busy Old Town area.
A lovely mother and daughter dining at the table beside me informed me that they had especially come to dine in this restaurant. This was due to the Gluten-free menu on offer – they loved their meal too!
3. PHARE DE NICE LIGHTHOUSE/LE PLONGEOIR
Phare de Nice Lighthouse
You can find a nice view of this lighthouse from Le Plongeoir. If you wish to walk to it, you will need to exit off the main road (close by Monument aux Morts). It is less than a 10-minute walk to the lighthouse from this monument.
Le Plongeoir
Only about a 15-minute walk from the Old Port area is the popular restaurant, Le Plongeoir. Indeed, this restaurant’s location makes it unique – it is perched on top of rocks over the sea! The restaurant has a lounge bar area. Also, it has diving boards attached from the side of the building!
The restaurant offers a Mediterranean-influenced menu that evolves through the different seasons. Note that the restaurant shuts for some time during the off-season.
4. CASTLE HILL
My trip to Castle Hill was one of the highlights of the trip! It is a must-see for tourists! The steps and elevator to the top of Castle Hill are close to the Old Town area. There is no cost to take the steps or elevator up to the park. Also, the park is free to enter too. The steps up to the park are a little steep. Thus, they can be demanding in the summer sun!
This popular attraction offers spectacular views overlooking Nice and its beautiful shoreline. The Hill reaches 92 meters above sea level. A medieval castle previously stood on the Hill from the 11th century until the 18th century. The castle was attacked several times until it was finally destroyed in 1706 by the command of Louis XIV.
Bellanda Tower
The Bellanda Tower is a cylinder-type construction along the rock edge of the Hill. It was once home to the famous composer Hector Berlioz. This Tower is located close to the steps up to the park. Also, the top of the Tower is a perfect resting spot to catch your breath along your journey up! The Tower is a reconstruction of one of the bastions of the former castle (built in 1826).
At the Top!
At the top of the Hill, you will find stunning panoramic views of the city, shoreline, and the Old Port. Furthermore, you will be able to see the ruins of defensive walls and a cathedral, walk by the artificial waterfall and visit the cafe area by the observation deck. The impressive waterfall can be seen from ground level while walking around parts of the city. Also, there is a cannon at the top of the Hill – it is shot at noon each day! Additionally, there are two historic cemeteries (Jewish and Catholic) at the top of the Hill.
Castle Hill is the most famous public garden in Nice. Indeed, I regret that I had not allocated more time for wandering this park. There is quite a lot of ground that you can cover while up here. There are some nice pathways at the top of the Hill. However, I found that it was not well signposted along the trails. At the time, I did not even realize there was another viewing point (overlooking the Old Port) on the other side of the Hill! I regret not seeing this view. Hopefully, I will return to see it one day.
5. BEACHES: NICE, FRENCH RIVIERA
The beaches of the Nice shoreline stretch for several miles. Those longing for sandy beaches to lay and walk on, a trip to Nice may not be for you! Indeed, the beach areas are composed of rocks. Thus, a pair of jelly shoes or strong flip-flops would be a good idea for Nice! Still, the beaches are usually quite packed during the summer months. People tend to bring suitable sunbeds/padded beach mats, etc., to lie on the rocks and enjoy the sun.
There are several Private Beach areas along the shoreline. Here, you can find sun-loungers, waiter service, shower, toilet facilities, etc. Some private beach areas include Castel Plage, Blue Beach, Plage Beau Rivage Nice, and Sporting Plage. If you intend to visit a private beach, it may be advisable to pre-book during the high season. It can get busy along the beach this time of the year. Also, all of these private beach areas are just off Promenade des Anglais which offers a pleasant walk overlooking the beach area.
6. OLD TOWN NICE (FRENCH RIVIERA)
The Old Town is very central. For sure, one of my favourite things in Nice is to wander the old cobbled and narrow streets here. The beachside entrance to the Old Town is close by the foot of Castle Hill, near Castel Plage private beach.
Both Place Massena and Place Garibaldi are only a short walk from here too. In the Old Town, you will find a variety of shops, restaurants, galleries, market squares, churches, stunning architecture, and beautiful pastel-hued buildings. Also, the shadowed streets of the Old Town offer a nice break from the strong summer sun!
The vibrant Place Rossetti square is where you will find the popular Baroque style Nice Cathedral (‘Cathedral of Sainte Reparate’). The Cathedral sits alongside the beautiful Bell Tower. Place du Palais de Justice square offers weekly markets (books, crafts, paintings, postcards). However, the most popular outdoor market is Marche du Cours Saleya.
7. COURS SALEYA MARKETS (Old Town)
The Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya outdoor market is held every day (except Mondays). It offers a beautiful and colourful selection of flowers. Cours Saleya Market takes place here too. It has a colourful selection of local fruit and vegetable produce. Another market held here during the summer months is Marché Artisanal Nocturne. It offers a selection of crafts. Additionally, the market square holds Marché à la Brocante. It is an antiques/flea market (it sometimes moves to the Old Port area).
Also, Cours Salyea is very close to the beach. Thus, it offers a pleasant area to wander when in need of a break from sunbathing! Once the market closes each day, the square converts into outdoor dining under the sky.
Dining
I ate in Brasserie L’F, in the Cours Saleya market square. I’ve read some bad reviews about this restaurant (mainly concerning the staff). However, I found the staff lovely and the food was quite good and well priced too. Also, the restaurant’s location provides a nice spot to sit outside and people-watch in the square. Furthermore, the restaurant is ideally located between the beach and the cobbled streets of the Old Town.
Thanks for reading! Read Part Two for the remaining 8 spots to visit in Nice, the French Riviera, and let me know if there is anywhere else you would include on this list!
Anita
xx
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