Exploring Nice

Nice, France is an enchanting city that has something to offer to every visitor, whether you wish to catch some rays on the pristine pebble beaches, soak up some culture in Vieux Nice and at the many museums, or simply eat your way through the town. Once under Italian territory, Nice is the perfect combination of both French and Italian cultures, which is reflected in the delicious cuisine as well as the laid back attitude of the locals.

Vieux Nice

Opera House

Courthouse

For a quintessential day exploring Nice, I would suggest to first grab a creamy cappuccino on the way to one of the daily markets in Vieux Nice on the Cours Selaya. Each morning, the old town boasts a superb farmer's market with local produce, fish, breads and tantalizing sweets. For breakfast I tried a pistacchio filled croissant from a market vendor, and it was fantastic! While in Vieux Nice, let yourself get lost wandering through alleys and passing by the numerous restaurants, while the scent of French delicacies waft through the air.

Marzapan at the market

Then, hike to the top of town via stairs from old Nice to catch a glimpse of the incredible aerial views Colline du Chateau has to offer of the beautiful city. The panoramic view of the ocean, terra cotta town, and Nice port are absolutely jaw dropping. I could have spent all day marveling the sights, but instead ventured down the other side of the hill to the port to check out all the yachts and pretend that I belonged there with the rich and famous. After coveting just about every sailboat and massive yacht in the port, it's time to cool off in the topaz ocean and people watch on the pebble shores.

Views of the port

After working up an appetite from the morning's adventures, head back to Vieux Nice for lunch, and I recommend pizza or pasta, since the French put a delightful spin on the traditional Italian cuisine. Order a bottle of rose and waste the afternoon away enjoying great food and company. When you can't stand the art of doing nothing anymore, take a stroll along the Promenade Des Anglais and grab a cone of French ice cream 'glace'. While I tried many interesting and delicious flavors of glace, I must say my favorites were the rose and lavende (lavender) flavors!

Promenade Des Anglais

Hotel Negresco

If you have an itch to shop, venture to Avenue Jean Medecin for a plethora of shops, including one of my favorite department stores, Galeries Lafayette. If you like to vintage shop as much as I do, don't miss the wonderful shop Caprice Vintage, tucked away on a hidden street in old Nice. If you have a sweet tooth, you must check out Canel Confiseur, for the most extravagant and colorful spread of chocolates, marzapan, and sweets shaped as any object imaginable such as animals, fruits, etc!


The perfect way to end such a busy day is with a great bottle of wine over a candle-lit dinner. There are tons of restaurants sprinkled throughout the old town, and it can get confusing looking at menu after menu trying to make a decision, so I'll make your decision easier. Go to Chez Juliette for a pleasant French meal, and you won't be disappointed. The escargot were phenomenal, as was everything else I ate here.