A French Riviera Itinerary: 48 Hours In Nice

Chapter I: The pearl of the Blue Coast.

Between mountain and sea, lies the city of Nice. Nicknamed “Nissa la bella,” you instantly understand why the second you are there. Each year, more than four million tourists come to discover the city’s attractions. Having a rich cultural heritage, museums are embedded in Nice’s genes as well as good cuisine, jazz, and flamboyant events. We guarantee you will fall in love with the capital of La Côte d’Azur.

HOW TO GET THERE

The easiest way to reach Nice is by plane. From Paris Charles-De-Gaulle to Nice Côte d’Azur, it is approximately a 1h30 flight. The airport is located at three kilometers from the city of Nice, so you can either rent a car or take the bus. Since Nice is a fairly dense city, everything can be done by foot. We don’t recommend driving because you will have a hard time parking (especially during the summer as there is an influx of tourists!)

Another option is the train from Paris to Nice. It is a six-hour train ride since you are basically crossing France in its entirety.

DAY 1

Morning: Discovering the Old 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.

The streets of the Old Nice
The streets of the Old Nice. FACEBOOK Ville de Nice

Lunch: La Merenda

4 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice

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!

La Merenda
La Merenda. FACEBOOK La Merenda Nice

Afternoon: Visiting an orthodox cathedral

Av. Nicolas II, 06000 Nice

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.

The Saint-Nicolas cathedral in Nice
The Saint-Nicolas cathedral in Nice. FACEBOOK Ville de Nice

Drinks and Dinner: Farago on the Roof

Rooftop de l'AC Hotel by Marriott Nice, Rue Honoré Sauvan, Entrée, 59 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice

The beautiful view from the roof
The beautiful view from the roof. FACEBOOK Farago on the Roof Nice

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!

Farago
Farago. FACEBOOK Farago on the Roof Nice

Sleep: Hotel Amour à la plage

3 Av. des Fleurs, 06000 Nice

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.

Hotel Amour in Nice
Hotel Amour in Nice. FACEBOOK Hôtel Amour Nice
The chic interior
The chic interior. FACEBOOK Hôtel Amour Nice

DAY 2

Morning: La Promenade des Anglais

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 14th, 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.

The famous boardwalk
The famous boardwalk. FACEBOOK La Promenade des Anglais

Lunch: Baolab

39 Rue Pastorelli, 06000 Nice

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…

Baolab Café Nice
The entrance. FACEBOOK BAOLAB
Baolab
Baolab. FACEBOOK BAOLAB

Afternoon: The Phoenix Park

405 Prom. des Anglais, 06200 Nice

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.

The greenhouse in the park
The greenhouse in the park. FACEBOOK Parc Phoenix

Drinks and Dinner: Côte Lounge

4 Rue de France, 06000 Nice

One of their signature cocktails
One of their signature cocktails. FACEBOOK Côté lounge

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!

The interior of the restaurant
The interior of the restaurant. FACEBOOK Côté lounge

Sleep:  The Negresco

37 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice

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 20th 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.

The Negresco hotel
The Negresco hotel. FACEBOOK Hôtel Negresco Nice
Eve McGuardian

Contributor

Eve was born and raised in NYC and later on, moved to Paris. She grew up in an international home and is fluent in both French and English. Every chance she gets, she travels; either to discover a new culture or as a volunteer in an organization. The most memorable cities she has been to are: Ischia, a little island off the coast of Naples for the people, Istanbul for the culture, and Paris for the architecture.

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