A French Riviera Itinerary: 48 Hours In Nice

What better way to start off the day than by strolling around the historical part of town? Grab a coffee and discover a succession of pastel colors accentuated by the sunlight. The heat can quickly become overpowering – especially during the summer – so Old Nice is a great way to get some fresh air. Admire the typical southern architecture, such as: the louvered shutters. It is also the ideal opportunity to see the open-air markets, and the famous flower market in La Cours Saleya as well as the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, past La Place Rossetti.

For lunch, we suggest a cozy little spot in Old Nice: La Merenda. With no website, no phone number, and hidden in the depths of the old town; you have to know it to find it! La Merenda is a small canteen adored by everyone who has ever been there. Chef Le Stanc offers an innovative, yet traditional cuisine, such as: Tripes a la niçoise, daube a la Provençal, and (of course) his famous pesto tagliatelle. Le Merenda mixes simplicity and comfort. This restaurant isn’t for everyone, however if you like the idea of eating elbow to elbow on a bar, in a friendly atmosphere, then this is the address for you!

The Saint-Nicolas Cathedral in Nice is one of the most beautiful sights to see. Listed as a historical monument, this cathedral is considered as one of the most important Russian edifices outside of Russia. Even though it may not be at the top of your list when visiting Nice, it is certainly worth the detour! The interior of the cathedral is richly decorated with murals, statues, sculpted woodwork, and numerous more. Construction began in the 20th century under the patronage of the Tsar Nicolas II, and his mother, the Empress. We recommend taking a guided tour, which lasts approximately 40 minutes, to fully embrace the imposing architecture.

Located near La Promenade des Anglais on the Marriott Hotel’s roof, this bar is the ideal spot to decompress after a long day of sightseeing. Grab a cocktail, a tapas board, and admire the beautiful view that Farago has to offer. Both acting as a bar and a restaurant, enjoy delicious dishes in a relaxed environment, including: truffle eggs, cheese boards, burrata, and even prime ribs. All the products are fresh and local! The best part? The panoramic view of Nice. Farago is one of the trendiest spots in Nice with its gin bar, lounge, swimming pool, dining room, and Instagrammable interior. Do you wish to dine in a vibrant, upbeat spot with a great drink selection while overlooking the city? Farago it is!

After conquering Paris, Hotel Amour settled in Nice. Located a few steps away from the Negresco Hotel, in le Quartier des Fleurs, lies this impressive hotel. Do you long for a disconnected vacation? This hotel thought of everything! In the 36 rooms offered, none of them have a television or a telephone. The goal? To ensure that the clients enjoy their stay on the Mediterranean coast without any distractions. Each of the rooms are uniquely decorated with different colors. Hotel Amour à la plage has numerous amenities: a patio with a bar, a restaurant, and a rooftop with a pool. If you prefer the beach, you are in luck! The hotel also boasts a private beach on La Promenades des Anglais, with a waterfront restaurant.

Impossible to bypass! La Promenade des Anglais is probably the most famous boardwalk in the world. Sadly, many people know the name after the deadly attack that took place on July 14^th, 2016. The boardwalk was created in 1832 by the reverend Lewis Way, as a way to access the coast. It wasn’t until 1930 that it was inaugurated by the King of England’s brother. La Promenade des Anglais is seven km long, and a true paradise for joggers, roller-skaters, and palm trees. Facing the sea, the boardwalk is a must-do and a must-see in Nice. Enjoy the numerous blue chairs – provided by the city – to admire the beautiful landscapes.

Devotee of originality, wellness, and coffee? Then you will love Baolab! Located Rue Pastorelli, this healthy restaurant is a great place to stop for a fresh and light meal. The menu is composed of buddha bowls, soups, salads, and overall healthy dishes. Try La Tartine Jardiniere: a toast with zucchini, avocado, feta, and honey (doesn’t that sound like heaven?) For dessert, Baolab has your back! Almost every dessert – even the muffins – are gluten-free and vegan. A healthy home-made cuisine, mainly using organic products, who wouldn’t love it? And before you go, don’t forget to order a coffee from their exhaustive list! Brazilian, Colombian, or even Guatemalan; Baolab has it all! We heard that the coffees are the best ones in Nice, but that’s just between us…

The Phoenix Park represents the perfect family afternoon getaway! You can admire both flora and fauna, such as: tropical plants, pink flamingos, crocodiles, exotic birds, and numerous other species. The Park also possesses a lake where many species live peacefully, as well as one of the biggest European greenhouses named “The Green Diamond.” Covering seven hectares of land, its construction took around 26 months! Built in 1990, the park allows you to wander six different tropical climates to discover rare plants and species. There are also accommodation for kids: an accrobranching course, play areas…etc. Located in the middle of Nice, The Phoenix Park remains a green oasis.

This bar/restaurant is the ideal way to end a full day! Côte Lounge is an excellent spot for a drink but also for dinner or lunch. Experience the chef’s creative Mediterranean cuisine through dishes, such as: salad with salmon, codfish, home-made pizzas, beef tartare…etc. We recommend trying the Truffle Rigatoni – extraordinary! Try one of their dishes, either in the cozy lounge, or on the outdoor terrace. Côte Lounge welcomes you in a lavish décor, rocked in a friendly atmosphere. You can also enjoy some freshly prepared cocktails, with salty or sweet tapas!

This is probably the most famous hotel in Nice! Located on La Promenade des Anglais, the Negresco is one of the last of its kind. First opened in 1913 – designed by the architect Edouard-Jean Niermans – this five-star resort is one of the last 20^th century hotels. As soon as it opened, its owner – Henri Negrescu – witnessed its immediate appeal. Famous stars, politicians, and international clients came from all over the globe to stay in this prestigious establishment. For many, the Negresco represents glamour and high society. Staying at The Negresco, is traveling through several different centuries of art. Admire the numerous paintings, sculptures, and 6,000 furniture pieces from different periods, especially the portrait of Louis XIV (the only other copies are displayed at the Louvre and in Versailles.) The Negresco is more than a hotel, it is a French legend.

Bon Voyage!

Eve spent three days in Nice.