5 Reasons Why You MUST Visit Nice

I Love Nice sign, France

The picture above sums up exactly what I thought of Nice! I Love(d) Nice!

Nice is one of those cities where you can just wander around for days and admire the scenery, the streets, relax on the beach. It’s a typical, lovely Mediterranean city and you just HAVE to go! Other than admiring the view, here is why you must visit Nice.

Admire the views with champagne at Chateau Eza

The first must do item isn’t necessarily in Nice but if you could only do one of these things it’s this one! Chateau Eza is a luxury 5 star hotel situated in Eze Village. It’s accessible via the number 112 bus from Nice and it takes around 40 minutes. The hotel can be reached by stairs from the bus stop winding through a number of restaurants and small art shops. We went up just to get some drinks and wow, the views!

The rosé champagne was around €28 (£25 / $31) a glass which is pretty pricey but sipping champagne and admiring the views is a pretty amazing experience! Beer and wine is more reasonably priced at around €10 (£9 / $11) each. We didn’t get food or stay the night so I’m not sure of the prices on either of those. The picture below doesn’t do it justice! When you go, make sure you sit outside and on the lower area for the best views. You won’t be disappointed!

View from Chateau Eza, France

View from Chateau Eza, France

Watch the sunset over the Castle on the Hill

Hopefully that brings in some readers trying to google lyrics to Ed Sheeran’s song! We didn’t actually watch the sunset but going up Castle Hill is worth doing at any point of the day. Castle Hill is a short walk from the Nice Port and it involves a number of stairs to get to the top. There are a few areas on the way to get some good views of the coastline along Promenade des Anglais.

Relax on the Beach – Promenade des Anglais

As a city next to the sea, it’s got some excellent beaches to wind down on. The pebble beach next to the Promenade des Anglais can be very busy at peak times. It’s a great place to relax, wander along or to have drinks and a picnic. The water is so blue and clear and the setting makes it somewhere that you could spend hours quite easily. One of the biggest reason why you must visit Nice.

The area was popular with the English aristocracy in the 18th century which prompted the creation of the Promenade. This street is filled with cyclists, runners and walkers enjoying the views and the walk. There are many bars, restaurants and shops right up the street. Some of the bars and restaurants have great views of the Mediterranean sea. Whether you sit on the beach or in a bar, enjoy the views!

Watch my why you must visit Nice YouTube video below…
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp6LBIYrYiw[/embedyt]

 

Day Trips to Monaco / Cannes

This one isn’t technically in Nice either but they’re so close that they kinda count, right? We hopped over to Monaco for a few hours, getting the 100 bus for just €1.50 each way. Monaco itself is actually a separate country. So if you’re trying to tick countries off (as I was) then you can get two countries in one! Monaco was another lovely place to walk around. You can visit the Monte Carlo casino which has featured in James Bond films and also Oceans 12.

If you’re a fan of cars then you can walk around the city along the Grand Prix circuit. There’s also The Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III. Five floors of classic cars. If classic cars aren’t your thing there will be plenty of high end supercars including Lamborghinis driving around outside which you can gawk at for free!

We didn’t get to Cannes but it’s only 40 minutes away from Nice. It’s something we’ll have to do next time we go.

Nice Coastline, France

Nice Coastline, France

Nice Bus Tour and The Cours Saleya

I’d recommend getting the bus tour around the city to hear a little more about the history of Nice and the area. There’s some really interesting material on it and it isn’t too long either. The price is only around €20 (£18 / $22) and it’s definitely worth it. The bus goes around Nice and you can get some really amazing views of the coastline.

The starting point of the bus tour is relatively close to The Cours Saleya. This is a large flower and food market just next to the Promenade des Anglais. It’s a lovely market to walk through and admire all of the food available. The smell of the fresh fruit mixed with the flowers is something else. The market is usually only in the mornings with the space taken over by restaurants in the afternoon so you can always come back later for more food.

I used my Revolut card everywhere in France, check out my review here.

UberX? No thanks, UberCopter please

With all of those nice (get it?) things being said, it’s expensive! Before you go to Nice, be prepared for the cost of things. This is the place where the transport company Uber provides helicopter journeys on request through their app! Uber Exec isn’t good enough here. Unfortunately UberCopter was never available for us but I’ve since read that it costs €160 per person from Nice to Cannes. How amazing would that be?! So yeah, it’s quite an expensive region…

It was our anniversary whilst we were over so in the afternoon, I hurriedly searched for somewhere to eat. I eventually decided on La Langouste as it featured quite high up on Trip Advisor’s restaurant ratings. We had two starters, two mains and a bottle of wine. The food wasn’t necessarily bad but I’d say it was quite average. The cost for this was €125 (£109 / $140)! An average lunch in a fairly average restaurant was around €40 (£35 / $45).

What things did I miss? Let me know if there are any other reasons why you must visit Nice.

5 Reasons Why You MUST Visit Nice

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35 Comments

  1. July 1, 2017 / 9:47 am

    I love Nice and been to the touristy part of the Cote d’Azur a few times. I think there are more than 5 reasons to visit this amazing city. 😀 😀 😀 It has so much to offer. But great post and great reasons 🙂

    • David
      Author
      July 1, 2017 / 2:35 pm

      It really does! I can’t wait to go back! Thanks for your comments 🙂

  2. Christina
    July 1, 2017 / 1:01 pm

    Nice, Monaco and Cannes sounds like a great trip. Its just up my alley. What lovely views. I’ve never been to that part of Europe.

    • David
      Author
      July 1, 2017 / 2:38 pm

      You should definitely look to go! I’m really disappointed we didn’t get to go to Cannes but good excuse to get an Ubercopter to Cannes next time!

  3. July 1, 2017 / 1:49 pm

    I’ve been to Nice and Monaco . I loved both just the same. You we’re right about ticking countries but they are well worth the visit .

    • David
      Author
      July 1, 2017 / 2:39 pm

      Definitely! We were only in Monaco for the day so it would’ve been nice to go in to a few more places but it was nice just to wander around in and enjoy the scenery!

  4. July 1, 2017 / 4:04 pm

    Sounds like exactly somewhere I would visit. I love scenery and also relaxing on beautiful beaches. Definitely one for the bucketlist.

    • David
      Author
      July 2, 2017 / 2:41 pm

      It’s just such an amazing area! So many different things to do and it’s nice to have the option of chilling on the beach, walking in the sunshine or enjoying some of the water sports. So many options!

  5. July 1, 2017 / 6:59 pm

    You had me at ‘visit Nice’ but the love the ideas. I am all about ubering a helicopter — i don’t even care how much it costs!!!!

    • David
      Author
      July 2, 2017 / 2:42 pm

      Haha I was exactly the same! Unfortunately my girlfriend said no 🙁

  6. July 1, 2017 / 7:42 pm

    That is quite a special meal – once in a lifetime and I looooove langoustine, and why not Uber copter to your favorite beach afterward. Chez chic n’est-ce pas?

    • David
      Author
      July 2, 2017 / 2:43 pm

      Haha when in Nice… 😀

  7. Katherine Nairn
    July 1, 2017 / 9:17 pm

    I love a good sunset set and Castle Hill sounds like a perfect spot. Also sounds super easy to tick-off two countries! I’ll definitely need to add it to my list of places. 🙂

    • David
      Author
      July 2, 2017 / 2:46 pm

      You should Katherine! Amazing place, such a lovely summer holiday location!

  8. July 3, 2017 / 1:48 am

    Nice is one of my favourite cities. I’ve been a handful of times, and I simply love it. It is also one of the most beautiful places to fly into, with its airport jutting out over the water! I was there for the Euros last summer, and the whole city had such an amazing energy. The food is spectacular as well. Highly recommend the Le Bistro du Formager for your next visit if you haven’t been. So much cheese, but worth it!

    • David
      Author
      July 3, 2017 / 7:46 pm

      The airport is such a cool place to fly into! Oh I would’ve loved to go to the Euros last year but had to sell my tickets in the end. I’ll have to add Le Bistro du Formager to my list for next time, thanks!

  9. July 3, 2017 / 3:31 am

    Ubercopter…now that is original! How cool. I visited Nice but only for a day on a cruise excursion. It was lovely and the pebble beaches surprised me. Also the amount of old guys in Speedos. LOL

    • David
      Author
      July 3, 2017 / 7:49 pm

      Haha I deliberately left those guys off my list! I wanted to attract people to Nice, not put them off! Haha

  10. July 3, 2017 / 8:15 pm

    Anything that says relaxing on a beach with a day trip to Monaco, looks to be a good place to spend some time. Looks like a bucket list destination for me.

    • David
      Author
      July 3, 2017 / 9:18 pm

      Oh for sure! It’s a place I’ll definitely be going back to too!

  11. July 4, 2017 / 1:45 am

    Nice is probably my favorite part of the Riviera, and it was the highlight of our trip to France, even above Paris. Very chic and sophisticated but so chill and laid back at the same time. I was so glad we spent 5 days, because the day trips were awesome – Monaco and Cannes were highlights, so I was glad to see they made your top experiences too!

    • David
      Author
      July 4, 2017 / 12:50 pm

      Ohhh I would’ve loved to stay for 5 days! I have to say I enjoyed it more than Paris too. Not enough people go to Nice! I liked the variation of moods and attitudes with the chic side mixed in with a more relaxed vibe.

  12. July 4, 2017 / 2:23 pm

    I would love to visit Nice one day – I am sure there is even more than five reasons for that. I love that sunset place and beach that you mention. Too sad that I have only been to Paris so far.

    • David
      Author
      July 4, 2017 / 10:23 pm

      You have to go to the Riviera! I actually preferred that region to Paris!

  13. July 4, 2017 / 7:59 pm

    I visited Nice with my parents when I was a kid so I don’t have much memories. I remember the Promenade des Anglais and an ice cream here and there. Beaches around were a little bit crowded for my taste. Next time I will try the wine from the fancy hotel, it looks like a very cool thing to do

    • David
      Author
      July 4, 2017 / 10:26 pm

      Chateau Eza was definitely my highlight! The champagne, the views, the heat, just a truly beautiful place!

  14. July 4, 2017 / 8:52 pm

    Wow its so NICE!i would love to just sit by the castle on the hill and watch the sunset and the stunning views around, would love to visit this place one day.

    • David
      Author
      July 4, 2017 / 10:28 pm

      You should plan it for your next trip! So many beautiful things to do!

  15. July 4, 2017 / 9:15 pm

    Gorgeous! Nice has been on my radar for a while but I didn’t know much about it. I’m going to have to plan a visit soon. Thanks!

    • David
      Author
      July 4, 2017 / 10:34 pm

      You really should! Looking forward reading what you think 🙂

  16. July 5, 2017 / 7:46 am

    Nice looks super nice. A trip to nice and cannes together will be great. I and my husband will surely go mad seeing those supercars around. The landscapes and beaches are so inviting. Looking forward to visit nice in future for sure.

    • David
      Author
      July 6, 2017 / 11:22 am

      Haha it did make me reaaally want a Lamborghini! Fingers crossed I get one for Christmas 😉

  17. stylishtravlr
    December 6, 2017 / 11:43 am

    Nice looks amazing! I remember I was in Cannes few years ago and there were days when my husband was working I had some days when I was bored. I wish I was more into travelling back then as I would definitely visit this wonderful city! I really hope ill get to go back there one day!

    • David
      Author
      December 6, 2017 / 8:24 pm

      I can imagine a week or two in Nice/Cannes might be a bit of a stretch if you’re not one for chilling on beaches. I’d say a long weekend is probably about the right sort of time there. I’ll definitely be going back at some point!

  18. December 6, 2017 / 2:30 pm

    It’s been a good while since I’ve been to Nice and I definitely wouldn’t mind going back. What I remember most is the beautiful beach and promenade.