Nice, France

Nice, the crown jewel of the French Riviera, is known for its Mediterranean charm, stunning coastline, and rich cultural history. Whether you're exploring its historic Old Town or taking a scenic day trip along the coast, Nice offers something for every traveler. This 3 to 5-day itinerary covers all the essentials and hidden gems of Nice, with day trip options to nearby stunning destinations.

Day 1: Exploring Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Morning:

• Start your day with a visit to Cours Saleya, the bustling outdoor market in the heart of Vieux Nice. Stroll through colorful stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties. Grab a socca (a traditional chickpea pancake) from one of the vendors for a light snack.

• After the market, stop by Place Rossetti, a lively square home to Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, a stunning Baroque cathedral. Treat yourself to a gelato from Fenocchio, known for its vast array of flavors.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, try Le Safari, a restaurant on Cours Saleya offering traditional Niçoise dishes like salade niçoise and pissaladière.

• Afterward, explore the charming alleys of Vieux Nice, full of colorful buildings, artisanal shops, and cafes. Visit Palais Lascaris, a Baroque mansion showcasing historic musical instruments and aristocratic life in Nice.

• Head to Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views of Nice, the Old Town, and the Mediterranean. Stroll through the park’s gardens, waterfalls, and historical ruins.

Evening:

• Dine at La Petite Maison, renowned for Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. It’s located near Place Masséna, one of Nice’s most vibrant squares.

• After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Promenade des Anglais, the city’s famous seaside promenade that stretches along the Baie des Anges.

  
  

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning:

• Visit the Musée Matisse in the Cimiez district, dedicated to Henri Matisse, who lived and worked in Nice. The museum houses a vast collection of his paintings, sculptures, and personal belongings.

• Afterward, walk to the nearby Monastère de Cimiez, a peaceful historic monastery with gardens overlooking the city.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, head to Le Bistrot du Port, a seafood restaurant near Nice’s Old Port with fresh Mediterranean dishes.

• Explore the Musée Marc Chagall, which showcases the largest public collection of Chagall’s works, including his famous biblical-themed paintings and stained-glass windows.

• End the afternoon at Place Masséna and the nearby Jardin Albert I, a scenic garden filled with fountains, statues, and palm trees.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Peixes, a trendy seafood restaurant in the Old Town, known for its fresh ceviche and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

• End your evening at La Part des Anges, a cozy wine bar where you can sample local Provence wines.

  
  

Day 3: Nice’s Coastal Beauty

Morning:

• Start your day with a hike or bus ride to Parc du Mont Boron, where you’ll find beautiful hiking trails and incredible views of the French Riviera. Visit Fort du Mont Alban for panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean and the surrounding coastline.

• Head to Coco Beach, a small, quieter beach near Nice, perfect for a morning swim or relaxation.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at Le Plongeoir, a unique restaurant perched on rocks over the Mediterranean, offering stunning views and delicious seafood.

• After lunch, take a boat tour from the Old Port to explore the coast around Cap Ferrat or take in the beauty of the Riviera from the water.

Evening:

• For dinner, try Le Comptoir du Marché, a bistro in Vieux Nice serving classic French dishes with a modern twist.

• Afterward, head to Wayne’s Bar in the Old Town for live music and a lively atmosphere.

  
  

Day 4: Day Trip to Eze or Monaco

Option 1: Eze Village

• Morning: Take a half-day trip to Eze, a picturesque medieval village perched on a cliff above the Mediterranean. Wander through its narrow streets, visit artisanal shops, and enjoy the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique) for stunning views of the coast.

• Afternoon: Dine at La Chevre d'Or, a Michelin-starred restaurant with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. After lunch, visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory to learn about the craft of perfume-making.

• Evening: Return to Nice and enjoy dinner at Le Bistro Gourmand, a modern restaurant offering innovative French cuisine.

Option 2: Monaco

• Morning: Take a day trip to Monaco, just 30 minutes from Nice by train. Start at the Prince’s Palace, where you can watch the Changing of the Guard at noon.

• Afternoon: Visit the Oceanographic Museum, followed by lunch at Café de Paris near the glamorous Casino de Monte-Carlo.

• Evening: Return to Nice for dinner at L’Escalinada, where you can enjoy Niçoise and Provençal specialties in a charming setting.

  
  

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Local Culture

Morning:

• Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on the Cap Ferrat peninsula, a luxurious villa with stunning gardens and views of the Mediterranean. Explore the beautifully themed gardens and the opulent interior of the villa.

• Continue to Villa Kerylos in nearby Beaulieu-sur-Mer, an elegant villa inspired by ancient Greek architecture.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Le Safari back in Nice, located on Cours Saleya. Enjoy local dishes like bouillabaisse and ratatouille.

• Spend your afternoon shopping in Nice’s boutiques or browsing the Galeries Lafayette department store.

Evening:

• For your final dinner, book a table at Jan, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a fusion of South African and French cuisine.

• After dinner, take a final walk through Promenade du Paillon, a beautiful park with fountains, gardens, and sculptures, before ending your night at a cozy bar in Vieux Nice.

  
  

Tips:

• Public Transport: Nice has a great public transport network of trams and buses. The Vélo Bleu bike-sharing system is also a great option for exploring the city.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer the best weather and fewer crowds compared to the busy summer season.

• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on local specialties like socca, salade niçoise, pissaladière, and pan bagnat. For dessert, try tarte aux citrons or a refreshing gelato.

• Day Trips: If you have extra time, consider taking day trips to nearby destinations like Antibes, Cannes, or Saint-Paul-de-Vence.