In July this year my mum and I headed South to Nice for a five day trip away. It was my first time in the Cote D’Azure and I reckon it won’t be my last. We both had a lovely time and there is so much to see and do.

Nice is a picturesque city located on the southeastern coast of France, along the French Riviera. It is the fifth-largest city in the country and attracts millions of tourists each year. The city has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, making it an ideal destination for sun seekers. Nice is renowned for its beautiful coastline, with its famous pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters. But the charms of Nice extend beyond its coast. The city is known for its colorful Old Town, known as Vieux Nice, which is a maze of narrow streets, bustling markets, and charming squares. The city offers an enchanting experience for travelers seeking a taste of the French Riviera’s charm.

Top tips

Public transport in Nice is really good. It is €1.50 for a journey anywhere! The first time you buy a ticket from the machine you’ll pay an extra €2 for a reusable card that you can then top up. You can buy single tickets on the bus but you can’t buy tickets on the metro at all. I definitely recommend using the machines, which can be found at all metro stops and some bus stops, as you can get access to all the deals there. Make sure you tap your card when you get on the transport otherwise you haven’t paid for your journey and could get fined if caught!

Nice Museum Pass: €15. This gives you access to all ten municipal museums for four days. If you so two museums then you have made your money back. You can either purchase these in advance online or they can be bought at any of the museums. We did the Musée Matisse and the Musée du Palais Lascaris. (We also did the Marc Chagall Museum but that is not included in the pass sadly).

The Promenade des Anglais

The Promenade des Anglais is a famous and iconic promenade located along the Mediterranean coast in Nice, France. It stretches for approximately 7 kilometres.

The history of the Promenade des Anglais dates back to the 18th century when it was initially built as a walkway for English visitors who frequented Nice for its mild climate and beautiful coastal scenery. The British aristocracy played a significant role in the development of Nice as a popular holiday destination, and they were instrumental in the creation of the promenade.

Over the years, the Promenade des Anglais has undergone several transformations and expansions. Today, it is a wide promenade lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops. The government recently reduced a large proportion of the road from 5 lanes duel direction to a two lane one way. This has allowed the pedestrian area to be widened and also reduced traffic noise. A bold move that got a lot of push back but the end result is fantastic I think.

The promenade is also known for its distinct blue chairs, which are placed along the walkway, facing the sea. These chairs have become an iconic symbol of Nice and provide a perfect spot for visitors to sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Castle Hill

Don’t expect to see a castle as such here. There are some of the ruined walls and some more modern view points and balcony’s. But the hill does have a long history with a cathedral and castle first being referenced in the 11th century. By then the hill houses a Medieval Chateau, a grand Cathedral, and a hilltop village, these were then enclosed by a walled fortress. The citadel complex stood strong until the castle itself was demolished in 1706 at the request of Louis XIV after it had been handed over to the French a year earlier.

You can get to the top of the hill either by the stairs or the elevator. The entrance to the elevator is located at Rue des Ponchettes. The lift is free but bear in mind there can be quite a queue to get to it so be prepared to wait.

Aside from the castle ruins, you can also explore the surrounding area and take in the breathtaking views of the city. This is a very popular spot for sightseeing as there are spectacular panoramic views of the city and the sparkling blue sea.

Cours Saleya

This is a market square located in the heart of Nice’s old town. It very much feels like one of the most happening areas of the old town.

The market at Cours Saleya takes place every day except Monday, offering a wide range of products. In the morning, it transforms into a bustling flower market, where you can find an array of colorful blooms, plants, and bouquets. Although you do have to be prepared to get up fairly early to get to here (I fully admit I never did this)

In addition to the flower market, Cours Saleya also hosts a daily food market. Here, you can find a tempting selection of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and seafood. It’s a great place to sample local specialties and pick up ingredients for a picnic or a delicious meal. The fruits are the highlight though. I especially recommend picking up a box of watermelon. Delicious! There are a number of souvenirs stalls as well.

Beyond the markets, Cours Saleya is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The outdoor seating areas of the cafes spill onto the square, creating a lively and convivial atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee, enjoy a meal, or simply people-watch.

In the evening, Cours Saleya takes on a different feeling. The market stalls are replaced with lively bars and restaurants, creating a vibrant nightlife scene. Something I really liked about the culture in Nice (and many other places in Europe) was how late in the evenings there were still so many family’s out and about. In the U.K. you pretty much never see parents and young kids about after 21:00. In fact late nights in city centre Aberdeen is pretty much just folks out drinking.

Old Nice (Vieux Nice)

Nice is renowned for its beautiful old town, known as Vieux Nice or Old Nice. Stepping into this charming neighborhood feels like stepping back in time. There are so many beautiful old buildings. I love all the vibrant colours. Especially when contrasted against the very bright blue sky. When you are winding the historic streets you can forget just how much of Nice there is beyond the old town limits. The area feels much bigger than it is due to the many interlocking streets and narrow paths. Every little street and lane you turn up there are things to discover

Within the streets is the Place Rossetti. This lively square is dominated by the stunning Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, a Baroque-style cathedral that dates back to the 17th century. During the day it has a gently buzzing atmosphere but at night it is the place to be with the square covered in dinner tables all of which were full.

As well as all the history to explore there are so many independent cafes, restaurants and shops everywhere. Make sure you take the time to just explore.

We had coffee at ‘Homo’ which is a bougie modern cafe with coffee and brunch options. Definitely not traditional but their iced oat milk latte was fantastic. And the fruit salad we ordered was absolutely huge!

Musée National Marc Chagall

Should you ever find yourself in Nice I highly recomend the Musée National Marc Chagall.

Partly because of this absolutely lovely urban oasis café (you don’t need to pay for the museum to use it). But mostly because the gallery itself is fascinating.

It’s unusual because it was built whilst Chagall was still alive and as such he had a say in how the building was designed and the way his art was displayed. Each room has been shaped with specific pieces of art in mind.

Chagall was Jewish, born in 1887 in Belarus, and forced to flee persecution from country to country. Those experiences shaped the art that he created in a way that is both beautiful and heart wrenching. It makes you think and reflect for sure.

Musée du Palais Lascaris

The Musée du Palais Lascaris is a historic museum located in the old town of Nice, France. It is housed in the Palais Lascaris, a former noble residence that dates back to the 17th century. It’s worth seeing just for the building. It is an architectural gem, with its grand staircase, ornate ceilings, and beautifully decorated rooms.

The museum showcases the rich history and culture of Nice, particularly focusing on the period from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It offers visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the aristocracy during that time. Each room is meticulously restored to its original glory, giving visitors a sense of stepping back in time.

One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of musical instruments, which is one of the most significant in Europe. It features over 500 instruments from different periods and cultures, including string, wind, and percussion instruments. I loved looking at all of these. My personal favourite was the walking stick flute, always good for things to be multipurpose you know! There were several instruments made out of ivory as well. I guess that makes sense when you consider that ivory was traditionally used for carving intricate figures and sculptures.

Musée Matisse

The Musée Matisse is a museum dedicated to the French artist Henri Matisse in Nice. It houses an extensive collection of his artwork, showcasing the various periods and styles of his career.

The museum is situated in the magnificent 17th-century Villa des Arènes, which itself is a work of art. Inside the museum, you’ll find a diverse range of Matisse’s works, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and even his personal belongings. The collection spans his early works to the later, more experimental periods, allowing you to explore the evolution of his artistic style.