Guidebook for Nice
Food Scene
One of my favourite places! It looks completely underwhelming but this is by far the best value for lunch in Nice and SOOOO delicious. Order the 13 euro 3 course deal regardless of what the special is as it is ALL good! Local Niçois cuisine, jammed to the gunnels with locals but don't try to get a table after midday. As soon as you hear the midday cannon scamper over there. Queue if you have to. And don't eat much for brekkie! Plus you won’t need dinner either!! The chocolate fondant is out of this world!!
13 locals recommend
Bar de la Bourse
7 Pl. Saint-FrançoisOne of my favourite places! It looks completely underwhelming but this is by far the best value for lunch in Nice and SOOOO delicious. Order the 13 euro 3 course deal regardless of what the special is as it is ALL good! Local Niçois cuisine, jammed to the gunnels with locals but don't try to get a table after midday. As soon as you hear the midday cannon scamper over there. Queue if you have to. And don't eat much for brekkie! Plus you won’t need dinner either!! The chocolate fondant is out of this world!!
Wonderful family run restaurant with amazing food! Be sure to book though!
169 locals recommend
Chez Acchiardo
38 Rue DroiteWonderful family run restaurant with amazing food! Be sure to book though!
You must eat here! But you will need to book a week in advance and it is worth doing this as soon as you arrive as the place is tiny and can only take so many covers. Seriously good food. Dirt cheap. Absolute must for either lunch or dinner!
60 locals recommend
Chez Palmyre
5 Rue DroiteYou must eat here! But you will need to book a week in advance and it is worth doing this as soon as you arrive as the place is tiny and can only take so many covers. Seriously good food. Dirt cheap. Absolute must for either lunch or dinner!
We stumbled upon this place and the famous actor Jean Belmondo was there! Really good local food. It’s opposite the theatre at the top of the Promenade du Paillon. Both locals and tourists visit.
50 locals recommend
Lou Balico
20 Av. Saint-Jean-BaptisteWe stumbled upon this place and the famous actor Jean Belmondo was there! Really good local food. It’s opposite the theatre at the top of the Promenade du Paillon. Both locals and tourists visit.
Fresh veggies piled up at the door, cheeses ageing before your eyes and dishes cooked with whatever is fresh in season. I always make sure I visit this restaurant at least once when I am in Nice. If there are the stuffed courgettes on the menu - order them!!
41 locals recommend
L'Atelier du port
45 Rue BonaparteFresh veggies piled up at the door, cheeses ageing before your eyes and dishes cooked with whatever is fresh in season. I always make sure I visit this restaurant at least once when I am in Nice. If there are the stuffed courgettes on the menu - order them!!
This restaurant is a bit more expensive but worth it. Melt in your mouth burrata and tomato salad. Their lunch menu is a good deal and you could treat yourself here while holed up reading a good book! Wonderful wines on offer too!
12 locals recommend
Bistrot Chaud-Vin
6 Rue ChauvainThis restaurant is a bit more expensive but worth it. Melt in your mouth burrata and tomato salad. Their lunch menu is a good deal and you could treat yourself here while holed up reading a good book! Wonderful wines on offer too!
‘La bonne cuisine est la base du véritable bonheur’ - ‘Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness’. (Auguste Escoffie) Fantastic value, wonderfully changing, always fresh menu on offer. Order the specials and you will not be disappointed! Book or arrive early as the locals will beat you to it otherwise!
75 locals recommend
Comptoir du Marché
8 Rue du Marché‘La bonne cuisine est la base du véritable bonheur’ - ‘Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness’. (Auguste Escoffie) Fantastic value, wonderfully changing, always fresh menu on offer. Order the specials and you will not be disappointed! Book or arrive early as the locals will beat you to it otherwise!
Fabulous for people watching! Or sit inside with the locals and order local Niçoise specials. Wonderful for Sunday lunch or a large group booking.
145 locals recommend
Le Safari
1 Cr SaleyaFabulous for people watching! Or sit inside with the locals and order local Niçoise specials. Wonderful for Sunday lunch or a large group booking.
Go here when you are ravenous as the portions are enormous! You will recognise this place from the queue of people clamouring for a table. Excellent food, bountiful and great value!
175 locals recommend
La Voglia
2 Rue Saint-François de PauleGo here when you are ravenous as the portions are enormous! You will recognise this place from the queue of people clamouring for a table. Excellent food, bountiful and great value!
Every day your senses will be thrilled with the array of gorgeous fresh fruit, flowers, vegetables, olives, cheeses and other provençal treats. On Mondays, Cours Saleya turns into a sprawling Antique Market or ‘Brocante’, where you can find antiques, collectibles and fascinating French bric-a-brac. Even better, the market is a 2 minute stroll from the apartment, so don't forget your basket!
619 locals recommend
Cours Saleya
Cours SaleyaEvery day your senses will be thrilled with the array of gorgeous fresh fruit, flowers, vegetables, olives, cheeses and other provençal treats. On Mondays, Cours Saleya turns into a sprawling Antique Market or ‘Brocante’, where you can find antiques, collectibles and fascinating French bric-a-brac. Even better, the market is a 2 minute stroll from the apartment, so don't forget your basket!
This is where the locals go to market! Catch the tram to Liberation and stroll along each street to stock up on fruit, veg and fish all at unbeatable value! Take lots of bags and a big basket as you will not be going home empty handed!
128 locals recommend
Liberation
This is where the locals go to market! Catch the tram to Liberation and stroll along each street to stock up on fruit, veg and fish all at unbeatable value! Take lots of bags and a big basket as you will not be going home empty handed!
Hunt for ice cream at Place Rossetti. This colourful and tiny place is surrounded by old mansions so close to one another, I wonder how the sunlight reaches Fenocchio, Niçois' favourite ice cream seller. Fenocchio has been making its own ice cream for more than 50 years and now offers more than 80 flavours. Some of the more unusual include lavender, tomato and Guinness!
297 locals recommend
Fenocchio
2 Pl. RossettiHunt for ice cream at Place Rossetti. This colourful and tiny place is surrounded by old mansions so close to one another, I wonder how the sunlight reaches Fenocchio, Niçois' favourite ice cream seller. Fenocchio has been making its own ice cream for more than 50 years and now offers more than 80 flavours. Some of the more unusual include lavender, tomato and Guinness!
Drinks & Nightlife
Head straight to the rooftop to visit my favourite place for an Aperol Spritz! Amazing views of Nice and the Mediterranean as well as the Promendade du Paillon! Not as touristy as the Meridien rooftop bar and better value!
38 locals recommend
Hôtel Aston La Scala Nice
12 Av. Félix FaureHead straight to the rooftop to visit my favourite place for an Aperol Spritz! Amazing views of Nice and the Mediterranean as well as the Promendade du Paillon! Not as touristy as the Meridien rooftop bar and better value!
Order a coupe de champagne and sit back to marvel at the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea! Fabulous people watching. You won't want to leave!
92 locals recommend
Movida
41 Quai des États-UnisOrder a coupe de champagne and sit back to marvel at the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea! Fabulous people watching. You won't want to leave!
Absolutely the best place to unwind after a hectic day’s shopping! They serve very generous servings of apéro (free nibblies!) with every drinkypoo purchased, so order a little ‘piscine’ (Rosé with ice cubes..mmmmmmm) and sit back and swoon… Also a fab place for lunch. Not a tourist in sight!
8 locals recommend
Villa Paradis Nice
5 Rue LongchampAbsolutely the best place to unwind after a hectic day’s shopping! They serve very generous servings of apéro (free nibblies!) with every drinkypoo purchased, so order a little ‘piscine’ (Rosé with ice cubes..mmmmmmm) and sit back and swoon… Also a fab place for lunch. Not a tourist in sight!
Arts & Culture
This is a great museum situated right on the Promenade des Anglais and houses a wonderful history of Nice. It has lovely gardens to have a baguette in after your visit and a great shop for souvenirs, posters and books about the Riviera.
303 locals recommend
Musee Massena
65 Rue de FranceThis is a great museum situated right on the Promenade des Anglais and houses a wonderful history of Nice. It has lovely gardens to have a baguette in after your visit and a great shop for souvenirs, posters and books about the Riviera.
Such a gorgeous place! Small, intimate and right on the rocky promontory overlooking the water. You really get a sense of what life was like for this genius and inhabit the place where he worked.
696 locals recommend
Musee Picasso
place mariejolSuch a gorgeous place! Small, intimate and right on the rocky promontory overlooking the water. You really get a sense of what life was like for this genius and inhabit the place where he worked.
I adore this place! Catch the #17 bus up the hill to Cimiez. Marvel at the vibrancy of his colours and learn more about his fascinating life. I adore the cut outs too, especially the swimming pool! Afterwards, wander through the gardens full of olive trees where the little paths are named after famous jazz musicians. Keep walking up towards until you reach the Franciscan monastery and church. Then walk through the gardens joining the chapel. Wonderful view of the chateau at the front and beautifully maintained flower beds!
700 locals recommend
Musee Matisse
164 Av. des Arènes de CimiezI adore this place! Catch the #17 bus up the hill to Cimiez. Marvel at the vibrancy of his colours and learn more about his fascinating life. I adore the cut outs too, especially the swimming pool! Afterwards, wander through the gardens full of olive trees where the little paths are named after famous jazz musicians. Keep walking up towards until you reach the Franciscan monastery and church. Then walk through the gardens joining the chapel. Wonderful view of the chateau at the front and beautifully maintained flower beds!
This is worth the trip to Saint Paul de Vence! Certainly not to be missed by serious art lovers and aficionados! Afterwards wander through the streets of St Paul, have a meal in one of the many restaurants and buy a little memento as you leave!
313 locals recommend
Fondation Maeght
623 Chem. des GardettesThis is worth the trip to Saint Paul de Vence! Certainly not to be missed by serious art lovers and aficionados! Afterwards wander through the streets of St Paul, have a meal in one of the many restaurants and buy a little memento as you leave!
This is the most divine, interesting and beautiful little museum hidden away in the Old Town. Once a home to royalty, it now houses old musical instruments and objects that will captivate and delight you! A hidden gem not to be missed and right next door!
214 locals recommend
Palais Lascaris
15 Rue DroiteThis is the most divine, interesting and beautiful little museum hidden away in the Old Town. Once a home to royalty, it now houses old musical instruments and objects that will captivate and delight you! A hidden gem not to be missed and right next door!
Shopping
This is the largest shopping mall in Nice and has some great shops. Great for a rainy day should that actually occur in Nice!
589 locals recommend
Nice Etoile
30 Av. Jean MédecinThis is the largest shopping mall in Nice and has some great shops. Great for a rainy day should that actually occur in Nice!
They have amazing sales and who doesn't love Galleries Lafayette????
297 locals recommend
Galeries Lafayette
6 Av. Jean MédecinThey have amazing sales and who doesn't love Galleries Lafayette????
The pedestrianised section of this street is a shopper's delight. Lots of high street and quirky shop options to choose from.
30 locals recommend
Rue de France
Rue de FranceThe pedestrianised section of this street is a shopper's delight. Lots of high street and quirky shop options to choose from.
If you love designer clothes but can't afford the price tag, you will LOVE Andréa's! Chance plays a big part, as the stock changes constantly, but you never know what bargain you will nab in this treasure trove of a shop! Best to park your other half in a cafe nearby as you won't want any distractions!
Dépôt-Vente Luxe Andréa T
2 Rue BlacasIf you love designer clothes but can't afford the price tag, you will LOVE Andréa's! Chance plays a big part, as the stock changes constantly, but you never know what bargain you will nab in this treasure trove of a shop! Best to park your other half in a cafe nearby as you won't want any distractions!
Sightseeing
This is where people have strolled for centuries. It is the best place to walk, people watch, admire the architecture, stare at the sea, breathe the air and be grateful to be alive. Remember also those who lost their lives on Bastille Day 2016 and be thankful for everything you have.
927 locals recommend
Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des AnglaisThis is where people have strolled for centuries. It is the best place to walk, people watch, admire the architecture, stare at the sea, breathe the air and be grateful to be alive. Remember also those who lost their lives on Bastille Day 2016 and be thankful for everything you have.
The perfect place to get lost, wander and dream! Read up on some of the fascinating history and check out the cannon ball on our building! The Old Town in steeped in history and ambience and you are spoiled for choice when your weary feet want to rest. An amazing myriad of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes!
The excellent Centre du Patrimoine gives daily guided tours of the Old Town's Baroque architecture, including the richly decorated Eglise de Jésus, the most complete example of the rise and rise of the Catholic Church, and the only civic example of the style, the Palais Lascaris.
Tours cost €3 and can be booked in English, by arrangement.
Heart of Old Town
The perfect place to get lost, wander and dream! Read up on some of the fascinating history and check out the cannon ball on our building! The Old Town in steeped in history and ambience and you are spoiled for choice when your weary feet want to rest. An amazing myriad of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes!
The excellent Centre du Patrimoine gives daily guided tours of the Old Town's Baroque architecture, including the richly decorated Eglise de Jésus, the most complete example of the rise and rise of the Catholic Church, and the only civic example of the style, the Palais Lascaris.
Tours cost €3 and can be booked in English, by arrangement.
My favourite thing is to walk all the way there from Nice (there is another wonderful coastal walk that takes you there) then have a nice lunch and catch the bus back. There is a wonderfully cheap place to eat near the marina called la baleine joyeuse - I have yet to encounter anyone else but French people eating here. A good sign!
385 locals recommend
Villefranche-sur-Mer
My favourite thing is to walk all the way there from Nice (there is another wonderful coastal walk that takes you there) then have a nice lunch and catch the bus back. There is a wonderfully cheap place to eat near the marina called la baleine joyeuse - I have yet to encounter anyone else but French people eating here. A good sign!
Èze is absolutely beautiful and Fragonard has their factory and huge shop there. You can take a tour of the factory and then buy discounted products! There are two buses that leave Nice to Èze but the bus stop is tricky to find. Both buses leave from the East side of town, 2 blocks inland from the Port at the Max Barel bus stop. Take the tram to the Vauban tram stop (direction Hôpital Pasteur), then walk around the small parking lot and go through the archway to the bus station and look for the bus #82 or #112. This is the same bus stop you go to to get to Isola 2000 in the winter for a little weekend ski!
376 locals recommend
Èze
Èze is absolutely beautiful and Fragonard has their factory and huge shop there. You can take a tour of the factory and then buy discounted products! There are two buses that leave Nice to Èze but the bus stop is tricky to find. Both buses leave from the East side of town, 2 blocks inland from the Port at the Max Barel bus stop. Take the tram to the Vauban tram stop (direction Hôpital Pasteur), then walk around the small parking lot and go through the archway to the bus station and look for the bus #82 or #112. This is the same bus stop you go to to get to Isola 2000 in the winter for a little weekend ski!
The absolute best way to max out on breathtaking views and get a feel for the whole area is to catch the #100 bus from Nice Port to Menton. You pass through all my favourite top spots - Villefranche sur mer, Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu sur mer, Cap d’ail and through Monte Carlo all the way to Menton. Great, sandy beaches at Menton, one of the most picturesque old towns, wonderful Italian restaurants (as it is the last French town before arriving in Italy) and lots of cute shops. I love Menton!
276 locals recommend
Menton
The absolute best way to max out on breathtaking views and get a feel for the whole area is to catch the #100 bus from Nice Port to Menton. You pass through all my favourite top spots - Villefranche sur mer, Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu sur mer, Cap d’ail and through Monte Carlo all the way to Menton. Great, sandy beaches at Menton, one of the most picturesque old towns, wonderful Italian restaurants (as it is the last French town before arriving in Italy) and lots of cute shops. I love Menton!
Either catch the train or the 100 bus (with the 10 ride multi pass for 1 euro a ride the bus is unbeatable value) and hop off at Monte Carlo. Climb the hill to Monaco and try to catch a glimpse of some royalty! Monaco is so clean and controlled it feels like Disneyland - not quite real. Even the policeman are immaculate. I love the Princess Grace Foundation shop. Even though it isn’t cheap, they have gorgeous things and a lot of it handmade by little old Monegasque women .
221 locals recommend
Monaco
Either catch the train or the 100 bus (with the 10 ride multi pass for 1 euro a ride the bus is unbeatable value) and hop off at Monte Carlo. Climb the hill to Monaco and try to catch a glimpse of some royalty! Monaco is so clean and controlled it feels like Disneyland - not quite real. Even the policeman are immaculate. I love the Princess Grace Foundation shop. Even though it isn’t cheap, they have gorgeous things and a lot of it handmade by little old Monegasque women .
Once a sleepy fishing village, now the port of jet setters to launch their yachts. Go to Saint Tropez to experience everything but don't leave without sampling the famous Tarte Tropezienne!!!: There is a boat that departs from Nice Port and takes you all the way there - for about 5 hours and then brings you back. Quite expensive though and each way takes around 2 hours - so a big day! Otherwise you have to get the train to Ramatuelle and then a bus, but ask at the Office du Tourisme to be sure of the most direct route. Alternatively hire a car but park in Sainte Maxime (also worth exploring!) and get the little ferry to Saint Trop for 12 euros return.
926 locals recommend
Saint-Tropez
Once a sleepy fishing village, now the port of jet setters to launch their yachts. Go to Saint Tropez to experience everything but don't leave without sampling the famous Tarte Tropezienne!!!: There is a boat that departs from Nice Port and takes you all the way there - for about 5 hours and then brings you back. Quite expensive though and each way takes around 2 hours - so a big day! Otherwise you have to get the train to Ramatuelle and then a bus, but ask at the Office du Tourisme to be sure of the most direct route. Alternatively hire a car but park in Sainte Maxime (also worth exploring!) and get the little ferry to Saint Trop for 12 euros return.
If you feel like a change of cuisine and language - pop on over to Italia!! Simple train ride from Nice. Definitely worth a visit to shop and eat pasta in a local trattoria. San Remo is wonderful! I once saw a bride in a leopard print gown. FABULOUS!
180 locals recommend
Sanremo
If you feel like a change of cuisine and language - pop on over to Italia!! Simple train ride from Nice. Definitely worth a visit to shop and eat pasta in a local trattoria. San Remo is wonderful! I once saw a bride in a leopard print gown. FABULOUS!
I love Antibes! Make sure you go to the little Picasso museum at the tip of the promontory. Wonderful walks, market (!!!) shops etc. Best to get the train, and then keep going to Juan les Pins and hire a bike to ride out to Cap d’Antibes. Ask at the Office du Tourisme when you arrive about bike hire, or google from the apartment and book ahead. There are wonderful markets at Antibes not to be missed!
558 locals recommend
Antibes
I love Antibes! Make sure you go to the little Picasso museum at the tip of the promontory. Wonderful walks, market (!!!) shops etc. Best to get the train, and then keep going to Juan les Pins and hire a bike to ride out to Cap d’Antibes. Ask at the Office du Tourisme when you arrive about bike hire, or google from the apartment and book ahead. There are wonderful markets at Antibes not to be missed!
The small and panoramic Train des Merveilles leads you into the deep countryside of the region, between the hills of Paillon and La Roya-Bévéra. On your way to Tende, the terminus, you will cross beautiful mountain villages such as Breil sur Roya or L'Escarène. The best time to take this scenic railway is in the summer when lavender turns the fields purple. Don't miss the 9.24am train from Nice if you want a guide to accompany you throughout the trip.
32 locals recommend
Valley of Wonders
The small and panoramic Train des Merveilles leads you into the deep countryside of the region, between the hills of Paillon and La Roya-Bévéra. On your way to Tende, the terminus, you will cross beautiful mountain villages such as Breil sur Roya or L'Escarène. The best time to take this scenic railway is in the summer when lavender turns the fields purple. Don't miss the 9.24am train from Nice if you want a guide to accompany you throughout the trip.
Parks & Nature
Catch the #81 bus from Nice (there’s a stop behind Monoprix at Place Garibaldi) and alight at the Port bus stop, which is the very last stop. This is also where you get the bus back. Turn left and climb the hill past the hotel Voile d’or ( this hotel has a great pool and poolside restaurant if you feel like treating yourself). Follow the signs to Paloma Plage and keep following the coastal path. This is my absolute favourite spot to swim and snorkel. Just jump off the rocks and off you go. Half way along the path there's an opportunity to turn right and climb the hill to the cemetery.
38 locals recommend
Cap Ferrat
Catch the #81 bus from Nice (there’s a stop behind Monoprix at Place Garibaldi) and alight at the Port bus stop, which is the very last stop. This is also where you get the bus back. Turn left and climb the hill past the hotel Voile d’or ( this hotel has a great pool and poolside restaurant if you feel like treating yourself). Follow the signs to Paloma Plage and keep following the coastal path. This is my absolute favourite spot to swim and snorkel. Just jump off the rocks and off you go. Half way along the path there's an opportunity to turn right and climb the hill to the cemetery.
A dazzling array of wonderful flora and fauna! Birds and exotic wildlife! Fabulous place to wander, take kids to play and have a picnic!
353 locals recommend
Parc Phœnix
405 Prom. des AnglaisA dazzling array of wonderful flora and fauna! Birds and exotic wildlife! Fabulous place to wander, take kids to play and have a picnic!
You can drive and park before hiking up tracks that will take you to some of the most breathtaking scenery you have ever witnessed. Not for the faint hearted though, so take plenty of water, sunscreen, a picnic and wear hiking boots! Stunningly beautiful!
266 locals recommend
Massif de l'Esterel
You can drive and park before hiking up tracks that will take you to some of the most breathtaking scenery you have ever witnessed. Not for the faint hearted though, so take plenty of water, sunscreen, a picnic and wear hiking boots! Stunningly beautiful!
These are two exquisite Islands off Cannes. Walk to the Port and get a little ferry to the Îsle de Lerins, which consists of two islands - Îsle St Margarite is slightly larger and there are a couple of beautiful restaurants. Îsle St Honorat is smaller and there is a real sense of peace as this is where practicing monks live and work, tending to their vineyard (you can buy the wine in the small gift shop attached to the monastery). Best take a picnic as there are no other shops. Just cicadas in the trees, the scent of pine in the air and some of the most wonderful swimming and snorkelling spots in the world!
520 locals recommend
Lérins Islands
These are two exquisite Islands off Cannes. Walk to the Port and get a little ferry to the Îsle de Lerins, which consists of two islands - Îsle St Margarite is slightly larger and there are a couple of beautiful restaurants. Îsle St Honorat is smaller and there is a real sense of peace as this is where practicing monks live and work, tending to their vineyard (you can buy the wine in the small gift shop attached to the monastery). Best take a picnic as there are no other shops. Just cicadas in the trees, the scent of pine in the air and some of the most wonderful swimming and snorkelling spots in the world!
Essentials
Just down the street and conveniently located next to the fish market in Nice, you can usually find this open most times in case you run out of milk!
84 locals recommend
Carrefour Express
7 Pl. Saint-FrançoisJust down the street and conveniently located next to the fish market in Nice, you can usually find this open most times in case you run out of milk!
My favourite boulangerie in the Old Town! Buy the baguette 'tradition' and you will never want to eat any other bread!
22 locals recommend
Boulangerie Saint François
3 Rue St FrancoisMy favourite boulangerie in the Old Town! Buy the baguette 'tradition' and you will never want to eat any other bread!
Fantastic food for a big shop. Take your shopping bags! Upstairs you can also stock up on other essentials that you may find you need. Let your teenage daughter loose in the beauty section and be her hero. Typically French. My holiday isn't complete without at least one visit to Monoprix!!!
288 locals recommend
MONOPRIX
30 Rue BiscarraFantastic food for a big shop. Take your shopping bags! Upstairs you can also stock up on other essentials that you may find you need. Let your teenage daughter loose in the beauty section and be her hero. Typically French. My holiday isn't complete without at least one visit to Monoprix!!!