Curator’s statement
The South of France transcends its postcard reputation. This region has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to explore the food scene, hang out at the beach, or immerse yourself culturally. The optimal strategy: Establish a base in Nice and venture out on day trips to explore all of the amazing coastal towns along the Cote D’Azur.
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Things to do in Nice
Hike from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer: Take the AllTrails 3.8-mile coastal path and reward yourself with lunch along the water when you get there. Make sure to follow a photo guide, as the steps back up to the main road are easy to miss.
Explore Vieux Nice (old town) and its countless boutiques: Sample some Nicoise specialties, such as socca, salade Nicoise, and pissaladiere. Right before sunset, walk up to the château and take in a panoramic view of the city. Head back down to la Cours Saleya for an aperitif before dinner.
Gatorade water is real: Go swimming in La Baie des Anges (specifically at sunrise) and watch the planes fly above you and land at the airport. Pro tip: Rent a sunbed at a beach club if you want to avoid stepping on the rocks.
Day trip to the village of Èze: Take the local bus up to Èze village and explore the cobblestone streets (check out the exotic gardens while you’re there). Get to the bus stop early, as crowds will start to build up quickly and you might get turned away. In the afternoon, hike down to Èze beach to jump in the sea, then take the train back to Nice Ville in time for dinner.
Day trip to Antibes (train from Nice Ville station): Take the train to Antibes and walk into old town from the station. Rent a bike to explore the downtown or head to Plage Juan-les-pins for a beach day.
Walk to La Reserve and enjoy some small cliff-jumping away from the big touristy crowds. It's a 35-minute walk along the port, so wear comfortable shoes and expect rocky terrain once you get there.
Places to eat & drink in Nice
L’Alchimie Restaurant: A modern take on Mediterranean cuisine, L'Alchimie Restaurant is only open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. The three-course meal is surprisingly affordable and lets you try an appetizer, entree, and dessert for only €38.
La Pizza Cresci: Nice used to be a part of Italy and therefore features some amazing Italian food. This is one of the best pizza places in the whole city, and the portions are massive.
Colita: Great option if you’re looking for some traditional Mediterranean meat/fish plates. The poulpe à la flamme is a personal favorite.
Chez les Garcons: Great brunch spot near le Port de Lympia. Slightly off the beaten path, on a vibrant side street, so expect more locals in the area.
Le Bistrot de Jan: French-inspired dishes with African flair. This is a great option if you’re looking for a slightly elevated dinner experience with a Michelin-starred chef. I would make a reservation ahead of time during busy seasons to guarantee a table.
La Cave Nature: Hidden in a small pocket of Villefranche-Sur-Mer, this is a perfect lunch spot with outdoor seating. The menu is seasonal and ever-changing, but all plates are shareable and incorporate local, fresh ingredients.
Need to know
Get the Lignes D’Azur card to use on buses and trams around the city. You can re-upload money directly to the app on your phone or use a physical transit card at the pay stations.
Nice only has pebble beaches. Head to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes/Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Cannes for sand.
Make sure you are taking trains out of Nice Villes and not Nice Saint-Augustin. Tickets are cheaper in person at the stations, but you’ll want to get there 20 minutes early in case lines are long.
La Cours Saleya is incredibly versatile, ranging from a farmers market in the morning, to lunch/dinner service during the day, to bars at night. With that said, I would recommend exploring nearby areas for dinner, as most of the restaurants on that strip are designed for mass tourism.
Travel Advisor
Isabelle Birebent
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