48 hours in Nice
From the vibrant Musee Matisse to the absolutely stunning Paloma Beach in Villefranche Sur Mer and art and designer-filled St Tropez, there are so many things to do in and around Nice that it’s almost impossible to narrow it down.
See the Seven Statues of The Massena Square
Instead of creating a perfect itinerary, I’m going to share some of my favourite spots for you to decide. Start your evening with a visit to The Seven Statues of The Massena Square on your way to dinner. These fun and colourful status light up the night and live in the main square of Nice.
Dine at Peixes Opéra and walk Promenade des Anglais
As you wander through the square make your way to Peixes Opéra which is a lovely little restaurant we found in the Michelin Guide that specialises in ceviche and seafood dishes. After dinner, wander along the Promenade des Anglais and enjoy the sounds of the ocean.
Stay in Hotel Amour
We stayed in Hotel Amour which is a cute boutique hotel with a rooftop pool that you can’t miss due to the pink neon sign out front. The hotel has a popular restaurant in the terrace that serves Greek food and all-in-all it was a very relaxing stay (although the elevator was broken during our stay and our room was on the top floor which meant we really got a workout every day).
Devour the cheese room at Restaurant Jan
Foodies are likely to be obsessed with Restaurant Jan in Nice which is located in the Old Port District. We visited this gorgeous spot after a day in St Tropez as it was right near where our boat was docked. Not only does this One Michelin Starred fine dining restaurant serve incredible South African cuisine, it also has an entire room dedicated to the cheese course (pictured below)! The cheese room boasts 20 different types of cheese paired with an array of fruits and preserves that will not disappoint. Just be warned that you will be full of food and likely to be rolling home.
Take a boat to St Tropez
If you have time, a day-trip to St Tropez is a magical experience. Not only will you spend some scenic moments on the water to get there, but the town is filled to the brim with installation art and designer stores. Although this was more of a window shopping excursion for me as I wasn’t one of the lucky people carrying a shopping bag home with a luxurious French name on it such as Dior, Louis Vuitton or Chanel, it was a beautiful area to explore with its colourful streets and large-scale art to admire.
Make a splash in Paloma Beach
If you’re not into designer goods and art, I can recommend a day swimming and sunbaking at Paloma Beach in Villefranche Sur Mer. With clear waters and a restaurant nearby (great if you want to hire a lounger), this spot is the kind of place you aren’t sure exists because of how beautiful the pictures look. Trust me, that’s how it looks!
Marvel at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
If you’re in this area, it’s also the perfect opportunity to check out Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild which was built between 1907 and 1912 by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild. This pink mansion is one of the most beautiful sites on the Côte d’Azur. Filled with pretty porcelain things and situated in sprawling gardens, this decadent manor with hand-painted ceilings and walls is truly a marvel!
Shop in Rue Paradis and the golden triangle
Lastly, Nice is a wonderful city for wandering from the old town to shopping on Rue Paradis and exploring the plethora of flower markets. Enjoy all of the beauty that this city on the Côte d’Azur has to offer.
