From bustling Old Town to palm-lined beaches, have a relaxing city break in Nice
WITH a bustling Old Town and gorge beaches, you’re guaranteed a Nice time in this French fancy.
Enjoy a feast of pancakes and maze of wineries and eateries.
Walk a heavenly path
The city might be known as the playground of the rich and famous, but the highlight of Nice is free of charge: looking out across the Bay of Angels while ambling along the beautiful Promenade des Anglais is bliss.
The delightful five-mile stretch is lined with palms, pergolas and enticing restaurants and bars.
Or you can tackle the climb to the summit of Colline du Chateau. It’s a steep hike, but you’ll pass an impressive waterfall, and once you reach the top there’s a lovely park where you can rest your legs.
Settle on the grass for a picnic or grab a bite from the cafe. If you don’t fancy the trek there’s a lift all the way up.
Marvel at Matisse
Nice is an art-lover’s dream. Henri Matisse lived there for nearly 40 years and the city’s Musée Matisse is home to one of the largest collections of the artist’s work in the world.
Entry is free and it’s open every day except Tuesdays ().
If you’re itching for more Matisse, then you can visit his grave in the Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez cemetery, which is just round the corner from the museum.
The city’s vibrant Old Town is a gorgeous maze of winding cobblestone streets, pretty pastel buildings, wineries and eateries.
But the main event is The Cours Saleya flower market, which has been open since 1897.
The impressive displays are made for the ‘gram, while the market also sells crafts and delicious street food – including a lot of melted cheese.
It’s open every day except Mondays, from 6am to 5.30pm ().
Feast on pancakes
In the heart of the Old Town, tuck into an “elephant ear” – AKA breaded veal chop – at La Favola.
At £25 it is pricey, but it lives up to its name in size. Being so close to neighbouring Italy, the pizzas, £13, are also delicious.
If you’re on a budget, then do as the locals do and snack on traditional Nice dish socca, a delicious chickpea pancake, for £5 ().
For gorgeous views of the Bay of Angels, book a seat at Calade restaurant on the top floor of the Radisson Blu, with panoramic vistas from the terrace and a top-notch menu.
Our picks are the braised lamb shank, £26, and rock octopus a la plancha, £23 ().
Ice cream is an after-dinner must, and nowhere whips up a whippy better than Fenocchio.
Choose from chocolate orange to Irish coffee and even beer sorbet ().
Sip a glass act
Wine lovers should head straight to Cave de la Tour in the Old Town.
One of the city’s oldest bars, it boasts an array of local wines by the glass from £5 ().
If you’re more of a party animal, then hit Movida, which looks out over the beach and offers two terraces with DJs, tasty tapas and great cocktails – our fave was the French Touch: gin with Chambord, St Germain and bitter lemon, £10 ().
Sleep in style
Located on the Promenade des Anglais, the recently renovated Radisson Blu Hotel will have you living it up Riviera style.
With a private beach, roof terrace complete with pool and sun beds, plus bike hire and a breakfast buffet that puts your usual morning bowl of cereal to shame, you can’t go wrong.
Double rooms cost from £120 ().
BTW
- Nice is the fifth largest city in France.
- Pablo Picasso and F Scott Fitzgerald both lived there.
- Return flights to Nice from the UK start from £32 ().