Nice, France-7-day-itinerary

Nice, France: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Old Town

  • Morning: Arrive at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) and take a taxi or bus (Line 98) to your accommodation in the city center.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up. Visit the Old Town (Vieux Nice), a charming area filled with narrow streets, shops, and restaurants. Explore the Cours Saleya Market, a bustling marketplace selling local produce and souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Comptoir du Marché, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Niçois cuisine.

Day 2: Promenade des Anglais and Chagall Museum

  • Morning: Start the day with a leisurely stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, a 7-kilometer waterfront promenade offering breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Musee Matisse et Chagall (Chagall Museum), showcasing an impressive collection of Marc Chagall’s works, as well as those by Henri Matisse. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens and sculptures surrounding the museum.
  • Evening: Dine at La Merenda, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving creative Mediterranean cuisine.

Day 3: Castle Hill (Coursolles) and Market Day

  • Morning: Head to Castle Hill (Coursolles), a historic hill offering panoramic views of the city. Visit the Château de Nice (Nice Castle), which now houses a museum showcasing the history of the city.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming neighborhood of Saint-Barnabé, known for its picturesque streets and colorful buildings. Don’t miss the bustling market, where you can find local produce, souvenirs, and street food.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Table d’Alain, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Provençal cuisine.

Day 4: Beach Day and Water Activities

  • Morning: Spend the day relaxing on the beach or try your hand at water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Quai des États-Unis, a scenic promenade offering stunning views of the Baie des Anges. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront and enjoy the street performers and live music.
  • Evening: Dine at Le Grand Café de Turin, a historic café serving traditional Italian cuisine.

Day 5: Gorges du Loup and Fréjus

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Gorges du Loup, a beautiful gorge carved by the Loup River. Take a leisurely hike along the river and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
  • Afternoon: Head to the nearby town of Fréjus, known for its Roman ruins, thermal baths, and historic architecture. Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Maison de la Rivière, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Provençal cuisine.

Day 6: Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Cimiez

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Russian Orthodox Cathedral (Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe), a stunning example of Byzantine architecture. Explore the surrounding gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Head to the charming neighborhood of Cimiez, known for its historic villas, gardens, and museums. Don’t miss the stunning views of the Baie des Anges from the top of the hill.
  • Evening: Dine at La Terrasse, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Niçois cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute sights. Head back to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) for your departure flight.
  • Tips: Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as salade niçoise, pissaladière, and ratatouille.

Accommodation:

Nice has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury villas. Consider staying in the city center or near the beach for easy access to public transportation and attractions. Some recommended hotels include:

  • Hotel Negresco: A historic hotel offering stunning views of the Baie des Anges.
  • Hotel Le Negresco’s sister hotel, Hotel Beau Rivage, is another excellent option with a more modern design but equally beautiful location.

Transportation:

Nice has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams. Consider purchasing a Tournist Pass, which grants you unlimited access to public transportation for 24 or 48 hours. You can also rent a bike or take a taxi if needed.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as salade niçoise, pissaladière, and ratatouille.
  • Don’t miss the stunning views from Castle Hill (Coursolles) or the Promenade des Anglais.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, Quai des États-Unis.
  • Visit the charming neighborhoods of Saint-Barnabé or Cimiez for their picturesque streets and historic architecture.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Nice, France!