Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur is undeniably one of the most beautiful regions of France. It is home to an outstanding city whose reputation is well known: Nice. Would you like to explore it and push the discoveries a little further? Find my advice for a successful stay.
- 1 Nice: the jewel of the French Riviera
- 2 First of all, book a car for your stay in Nice
- 3 Make a plan to organize your stay
- 4 Don’t hesitate to bring a guide who will assist you during the whole trip
- 5 Establish a budget for paid activities and visits
- 6 Choose a well-located accommodation in the Nice area
- 7 For more comfort, opt for the French Riviera Pass
- 8 Want to eat well after a long visit? Take note of some good addresses
Nice: the jewel of the French Riviera
Nice‘s territory surprises by its contrasts. Here, you can spend the morning in the mountains and then lounge by the sea for the rest of the day (or vice versa). The beaches are mainly covered with pebbles even if some of them, like Opéra Plage, are covered with sand. There is no shortage of activities in the hinterland of this city in the Alpes Maritimes where the days are almost always sunny.
Venture up to the fort of Mont Alban and enjoy the panorama of the Baie des Anges. You can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Promenade des Anglais from the castle hill. It is on the Promenade des Anglais that you will find the Masséna museum. When you enter the museum, you will be propelled into collections that trace the history of the Riviera and reveal the evolution of art over the centuries.
First of all, book a car for your stay in Nice
While it’s great to stroll through some of Nice’s neighbourhoods on foot or cycle along the coastline, it’s still more pleasant and comfortable to explore the Riviera by car. Focusing on driving will certainly prevent you from appreciating the charms of the old town and its picturesque streets.
You will also struggle to fully appreciate the beauty of the buildings that house fascinating stories. Simplify your life by booking a VTC from Nice-Cab, a company located in Nice! A driver who knows the Alpes Maritimes like the back of his hand will take you to the treasures of the Riviera, from the most famous to the most secret.
Book a car in Nice
Make a plan to organize your stay
The Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur is a huge region that seduces by the diversity of its facets. From Nice, you can easily go to Cannes and its famous “croisette”, the meeting place of the movie stars during the annual Festival.
In Cagnes, the Grimaldi castle-museum is worth the detour as much as the Loup, a coastal river nestled in a magnificent natural setting. From the exotic gardens of Eze, you will have a breathtaking view of Villefranche sur Mer and Saint Jean Cap-Ferrat. In Menton, the old town and the port are as fascinating as the Jean Cocteau Museum.
Don’t hesitate to bring a guide who will assist you during the whole trip
The length of your stay on the French Riviera will determine the possibilities of visits and excursions. By organizing yourself in advance, you will be able to define an itinerary including all the sites you wish to see:
– Place Masséna in Nice
– The Renoir Museum in Cagnes
– The casino in Monaco
– The greenhouse of the Madonna in Menton
– The beach of Marinières in Villefranche sur Mer
– The port of Ants in Beaulieu sur Mer
– The seaside of Cap-Ferrat…
You will appreciate having a guide who will make you enjoy each step.
Fountain du Soleil at Place Massena. Nice, France
Establish a budget for paid activities and visits
When you stay in Nice and its neighboring cities, it’s normal to want to try everything. There are so many museums to visit, so many water activities to try and yet, this is only the tip of the iceberg because from the coast to the hinterland, each city has its own wonders.
It is therefore important to set a budget. Find out beforehand, as prices are subject to change. Then prioritize the activities and paid visits. The ones you consider must-sees should be at the top of your list!
Choose a well-located accommodation in the Nice area
Unsurprisingly, hotels and vacation rentals are plentiful on the Côte d’Azur. However, some accommodations are better located than others. Don’t rush to make a reservation. Instead, take the time to compare the different options.
Of course, you will have to compete with the prices, but also look at the location. The atmosphere of the neighbourhood, the ease of access to the main roads that will allow you to easily reach Beaulieu and other neighbouring cities… are all criteria that will help you choose an accommodation that meets your ideal.
Choose the best accomodation
For more comfort, opt for the French Riviera Pass
Still haven’t decided which paid activities you want to prioritize? Good news: there is a pass that works in Nice as well as in the surrounding towns. You can choose between a 24h, 48h or 72h validity.
This pass will allow you to take advantage of many museums, but also to participate in key activities such as boat trips on the azure sea, snorkelling, bike rental, free tastings… You will save money while making the most of what the region can offer you.
Want to eat well after a long visit? Take note of some good addresses
Whether you choose to stroll the streets or take advantage of your rental car, it is unthinkable not to taste the local flavours. Take a tour of the bakeries to taste the famous pissaladière.
On the harbor side, stop at the Confiserie Florian which offers delicious flowery and fruity sweets. In the heart of Old Nice, the Alziari store offers premium quality olive oil. Not far from there, the restaurant A Buteghinn’a offers great local specialties in a sunny atmosphere.
Live your Nice getaway to the fullest by setting a schedule and a budget, but don’t hesitate to let yourself be tempted by a few improvisations once you’re there. It’s not so much the length of your stay that counts but the way you enjoy it!