NICE ITINERARY: 4 DAYS IN THE FRENCH RIVIERA

 

Are you headed to Nice and want to make the most of it? You’ve landed on the right page. I am here to share with you a 4-day Nice Itinerary.

 

 

Nice in the south of France is a popular destination for everyone in Europe, US and across the globe. It attracts around 5 million tourists a year, and compared to Paris, it is a completely different vibe. It is a true Mediterranean piece of paradise. Straight flights from NYC to Nice make it an even more attractive destination. Alright, before I give too much away, let’s get into it.

 

This blog post is all that I experienced in the French Riviera. If you’re headed there, this can be your Nice itinerary.

 

 

I. Let’s talk all things Nice

Why Nice in the French Riviera?

I highly recommend making Nice in the French Riviera your base for this trip. Nice is central, very easy to get to from NYC on a straight flight, there are many things you can do in the city if you intend to stay in one place or take the train to nearby towns and cities if you want to explore the French Riviera, which I highly recommend.

 

When to visit?

While it may sound like a good idea to visit in the summer, I’d say avoid it, it is too hot and humid. Shoulder season is best for the weather and crowds.

 

Which Neighborhoods?

There are many hotels to stay in, frankly I found them to be quite expensive as I was planning to stay in Le Carré D’Or. It is a central part of town, closer to the beach, safe and calm at night. I chose to stay in an Airbnb, which I hadn’t done in a while.

Other notable neighborhoods, and perhaps better than Le Carré D’Or are Jean-Médecin and Vieux Nice (old town), which is very charming. I wouldn’t recommend staying too far from the shore, as you are no longer in the central part of town and will probably waste time commuting.

 

How long to stay in Nice?

It depends on how many nearby towns you want to visit. For Nice alone, you need 3 days to get a good feel. If you are taking day trips to Cannes, Èze, Manton or Monaco, add a day for each.

 

What is transportation like?

I don’t think you need to use public transport in Nice. Everywhere is super walkable. But you can take the tram or get an Uber if you want to.

It is very easy to use the train station at Nice-Ville. I used it for a two-way trip to Cannes and then for my final one to Paris. All very affordable. I believe a ride to Cannes is 9 Euros, discounted when purchased two-way; and my ride to Paris was 19 Euros.

 

Are people nice in Nice?

I have a perspective on French culture and I talk about that in my blog post on Paris (click if that interests you). While I don’t consider Parisians mean, I found the locals in Nice more accustomed to tourists. Most people speak English in stores and restaurants, if they don’t, they go out of their way to try to understand you.

 

II. Your Itinerary

Day One: Beach in Nice

#1 Check in at your hotel & with yourself

I got off my 8-hour flight, feeling not so great, I took the tram to my Airbnb. My host greets me, and I check in. I think the first day when you’re jet lagged and can’t truly explore the city in a meaningful way, especially if you find yourself in a beach town, it’s great to just go lay in the sun. It takes a while to shake off the everyday busy mode and get into the mood of doing nothing.

 

#2 Promenade des Anglais

I think I have to introduce this palm tree lined 5-mile promenade along the coast that you can walk on, or sit and people-watch.

 

#3 Private Beach: Ruhl Plage

I quickly changed and packed my bag. Took a quick walk on Promenade des Anglais and head to Ruhl Plage. It is a very popular beach/ restaurant. Get ready for large crowds. They do take reservations. Thankfully, they had a single chair available, and I took it. They have an entrance fee, additional charges for chair, towels, etc. It is a very well-maintained place, and service was excellent, but the chairs were placed a little too close to one another. That seemed to be the norm in Nice, when I checked out other private beaches.

The beaches in Nice are all pebbly, so if your footwear isn’t right, you will really not enjoy yourself. I highly recommend getting the Melissa Jelly Sandals (this isn’t sponsored). They were great for going in and out of the sea without issues. If anything, make sure to buy a pair that is true to size and not loose, as water will make everything slippery.
It would be an understatement to say that Rhul Plage had the best food for a beach I have been at (like ever). It would also be an understatement to say anything other than they serve the best Niçoise salad that I have ever had (and I have tried a lot). I combine that with a St Germain Spritz, as blissful as you can get under the sun.

If you do not want to pay the fees of a private beach, you can walk on the Promenade des Anglais and you will find public beaches.

 

#4 Dinner & Drinks

I finish the day with a drink and dinner at the Westminster Hotel and Spa. They have a lovely terrace overlooking the Promenade des Anglais.

 

Day Two: Explore 

#1 Breakfast

I head to Boulangerie Jeannot for breakfast. They are super friendly and have a variety of pastries and sandwiches. They have a decent size seating area outside the restaurant, so it makes it easier to enjoy your breakfast and hit the road. I go back to Promenade des Anglais and walk East.

 

#2 ILOVENICE

Make sure to stop by the #ILOVENICE sign to take photos, it is right across the street before you head to Colline Du Chateau, another landmark location.

 

#3 Colline Du Chateau

Colline Du Chateau, while it no longer has a chateau (castle), it is a beautiful place to hike up or take the elevator to the top and enjoy the view of Nice. The hike up to the top is not that difficult. You can spend some time exploring after you reach the top and enjoy the view overlooking the sea and the city.

The View of Nice.

Left to right: View from up top at Colline du Chateau. The flea market, Les Puces de Nice.

 

#4 Les Puces de Nice Lympia

As you are marching your way down from the top – do so from the back of the hill (or the opposite of where you marched up). So, you can visit Les Puces de Nice. A little flea market with some interesting gems. I saw a Hermes Ashtray from the 80’s that might hunt me for the rest of my life. It was so simple. I was so afraid of not being able to bring it back home in one piece, so I passed on it.

 

#5 Port Lympia

Not as luxurious as Port of Cannes, but nevertheless you will see a selection of boats and yachts. It is beautiful just to walk around and soak it all in.

 

#6 Late Lunch

Depending on how much time you’d like to spend walking, you can head for a late lunch or early dinner at Le Plongeoir. You must get a reservation beforehand. I highly recommend looking into this a month or two before your visit, earlier if visiting during the high season. If they are booked online, send them an email, they will follow up with you. If they do so, make sure to make the payment online to reserve your table, as soon as they reach out to you with an availability. Le Plongeoir has a gorgeous view of the sea, the food is yummy too!

 

#7 Promenade Du Paillon, Place Massena, Jardin Albert 1er & Galerie Lafayette

On my way back to my Airbnb, I take a walk by the Promenade Du Paillon, Place Masséna, Jardin Albert 1er. Then head to Galerie Lafayette Nice Masséna. If you have been to the Galerie Lafayette in Paris, this is much smaller. They have a great selection of brands; you can spend two or three hours here.

Left to Right: Fontaine du soleil (mentioned later). Place Masséna.

#8 Dinner

Everywhere I searched about Nice, someone was raving about Chez Moi. I was so thrown off by their decoration, but had to try it. I was given the option to sit outdoors by the street, across from the restaurant; which was ok. I wouldn’t recommend it, but it’s an option if you are on a budget. Dinner is 35 Euros.

 

Day Three: Cannes

I catch my train at Nice-Ville. It’s a 30-minute ride and I am in Cannes.

Cannes is another city on the French Riviera. Known best for the Cannes Festival. You should make every effort to avoid visiting the city during that time of the year, (unless of course you want to be there), as prices of hotels and everything hikes up.

There is something quite different about Cannes compared to Nice. It still feels very Mediterranean and relaxed, but elevated.  Here is what to do in Cannes.

• At the cost of sounding shallow, it is really fun to shop in Cannes. Rue D’Antibes is where you will find the best shopping. It feels a little more luxurious and extra to shop in Cannes.
• Le Suquet, is the old town in Cannes. It is beautiful and again really shows its Italian influence. It is beautiful to walk around and soak it all in.
• Marché Forville is their local open-air market. A great selection of street food, local fresh produce, flowers, and spice. As I write this it is closed on Mondays.
• All the beaches in Cannes have fine sand, unlike Nice. So, if that’s your preference you might want to visit Cannes for its beaches. Private and public beaches are available.
• If you are not headed to Paris and want to buy some french pharmacy items, I highly recommend the Pharmacie Anglo-Française Cannes. I almost did my french pharmacy shopping here! They had everything I was looking for.
• The Carlton Cannes Hotel, is worth visiting and walking around in. You can enjoy a drink or dine on the terrasse even if you’re not staying there. It’s a nice experience. It gave me White Lotus vibes.
• Honorable mention for lunch or dinner: Scalini.

I take the train back to Nice.

Top left, clockwise: The Carlton Cannes Hotel, LADURÉE, Streets of Cannes, Fontaine de la Place du Général de Gaulle.

 

Day Four: Vieux Nice (Old Nice)

#1 Jog

I decide to take a quick jog at Les Promenade des Anglais. It is right by the shore, so it can get really sunny and hot. I move in the direction of Jardin Albert 1er and Promenade du Paillon. It is a little more bearable. I stopped by Fontaine du soleil (look for photo) for a little break. It is surrounded by a beautiful architecture. I go back to my Airbnb for a quick change.

 

#2 Market

The market is an open-air market, open almost every day, but the selection of the shops changes from day to day. As I write this, it is closed on Mondays. Somedays it turns into a flea market, flower market…etc. The day I visited was heavily dedicated to plants, soaps and straw bags. I had some Socca there, which is a Nice Specialty, a chickpea based pancake.

 

#3 Brunch

I grab a crepe at La Vieille Crepe. They have a large selection of savory and sweet options. It is a busy place but has a lot of tables.

 

#4 Explore Old Nice

I walk further to see the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice, and Pl. Rossetti. You can visit the cathedral for free. You’re going to want to look up and absorb the beautiful architecture in this area, colorful buildings and cobblestone streets – all very Italian influenced as the region was once part of Italy. Small boutiques and tiny restaurants are everywhere. I stop by Fenocchio, hands down one of the best gelatos I’ve had. Flavors are so authentic, not too sweet, so refreshing. I still remember what pear tasted like. I walk around in the narrow streets and explore Old Nice.

Left to Right: Streets of Vieux Nice, Fenoccio’s gelato.

 

#5 Shopping: Jean-Médecin Neighborhood

No, I haven’t forgotten about shopping in Europe and especially Nice. It seemed like the stores were well stocked and I could find all the things I needed. Luxury brands had the classic items that are usually very hard to find in Milan or Paris during high and shoulder season. Chanel in particular that was of interest at the time for me. I also had great luck at Ba&Sh, Isabel Marant, Massimo Dutti and Etam Lingerie. Particularly Ba&Sh, the service was outstanding, they had almost all the items that were sold out in the US at the time.

Pretty self-explanatory:)

 

#6 Dinner & Desert

I need to return back to my Airbnb to pack, so I grab a quick dinner with a sandwich and Salmon Tartare at Le P’tit Resto. I had to run back to Fenocchio for gelato number two of the day.

 

III. Other notable mentions in Nice

• Marc Chagall National Museum – if you are a fan of Marc Chagall, must-see.
• Musèe Matisse. If you are a fan of Henri Matisse, it’s refreshing to finally see the original work.
• Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, a Russian Orthodox Church. A historical place to visit, beautiful architecture and landscape.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice
• Opera of Nice, you can watch a performance or take a guided tour

 

 

This post was all about the French Riviera and your Nice Itinerary. I hope it helps you plan your next trip!

 

I highly recommend visiting Nice, it’s a great place to reset from your busy lifestyle.

  

As always, merci for stopping by and reading.

See you next week,

Girl on the Upper East Side

 

If you enjoyed reading this, you might enjoy my blog post on Paris!