Nice, France

This was the third stop on our 2018 Europe Adventure; We had already decided that our 2018 trip to Europe would include a trip to Paris and Mont Saint-Michel, and since we were already in France, we included Nice as another destination for all the obvious reasons including the fact that Celeste had never been there. We made this decision because Nice is very central to the Cote d’Azur area, which meant that places like Monaco and Villefrance were simple day trips - note the use of the word "trips" versus "tours". We knew where we wanted to go and we knew how to get there!

We departed Paris from the Charles de Gaulle Airport in the late morning, such that we could arrive in Nice at approximately the check-in time for our VRBO apartment rental. Arrival was on time at the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, and we took a taxi to Massena Plaza. Yes we could have taken a train from Paris to Nice, but as our available time was limited before we had to depart for Madrid, we opted for air travel so that we could be in the Cote d'Azur area for as much time as we had.

• Nice has more traffic lights than any other city in France.
• Nice is the fifth largest city in France by Population size.
• Nice Hosts a Carnival every year, around mid-February, this carnival can be dated back as far as 1294.
• Europe’s Largest greenhouse, Phoenix Park Floral, which hosts 2,500 different plant Species, is located in Nice.
• The Nickname of Nice is Nice la Belle, which means Nice the Beautiful.
• The Promenade des Anglais, which means “Promenade of the English”, is 5 miles long path walk, which was built by the English in 1820, who used Nice as a winter resort so they could go for walks along the seashore.
• Nice’s oldest restaurant opened in 1892, Maison Barale.

Nice offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Here are five top-rated options:

• Le Negresco: This iconic 5-star hotel is a symbol of luxury and elegance, offering stunning views of the Promenade des Anglais and impeccable service.
• Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée: This chic 5-star hotel boasts two pools, an upscale restaurant, and spacious rooms with modern amenities.
• Westminster Hotel & Spa: This elegant 4-star hotel offers airy rooms, a restaurant with sea views, and a relaxing spa.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice: This modern 4-star property provides free Wi-Fi, breakfast, dining options, a pool, and a sauna.
• Hôtel Du Centre, Un Hôtel Ammi: This modern 4-star property provides free Wi-Fi, breakfast, dining options, a pool, and a sauna.

As of 8/16/2024 Google says there are 465 hotels in Nice, France, click here to view a Google Search Results list of all of them.

Massena Place

Our VRBO Rental at Massena Plaza

We had reserved a nice apartment (from VRBO) on the Massena Plaza, close to shopping, Restaurants, beach and the old town. Because the plaza is so "centered" in Nice, we did not have very far to walk to enjoy any aspect of the city. You can jump over to the VRBO link and get details on this apartment, but it is very inexpensive at $92 per night (average).

Our VRBO rental apartment was in this building (on the left), on the third floor on the backside of the building.

See the train tracks in image # 1? Those are for the Nice Tramway System. You can ride from one end of Nice to the other in just 17 minutes. The Tramway is available every 3 to 5 minutes during the day, and every 12 to 15 minutes at night till 1AM. This system has proven to be so popular that a second line is under construction.
NOTE: Click here for a map of the Nice Tramway System and other information regarding Nice.

NOTE: Click here to watch a video we made of this area. Image # 2 is an image taken from that video, and is also clickable to view this video.

Directly across from the Massena Plaza was the Vieille Ville ("Old Town area"), full of shops, restaurants, pubs and various stores. The Vieille Ville is a living testament to Nice's rich history, dating back to the Greeks and Romans. As we wandered through its maze-like alleyways, our imaginations ran wild as we envisioned the bustling Roman city of Cemenelum.

Walking around this area of Nice is very pleasant, most of the old town streets are "pedestrian only" for example. You might see the occasional bicycle, or a delivery van, but the streets in old town are primarily for people walking.

Pedestrian Area of Old Town Nice

Pedestrian Area of Old Town Nice

A very typical street scene in the old town section of Nice. Narrow streets, pedestrian-only, shops everywhere with the occasional pub or restaurant. A lot of small shops selling a wide range of products.

This is an interesting area to explore, or window shop, or to find a pub or restaurant. Every where you look there is something unique!

Nougat is sold Everywhere

Nougat shops can be found all over Nice, they are popular and worth a try! This particular shop is the Le Nougat de Montségur.

Nougat is a beloved confection in Nice, France, reflecting the region's rich culinary traditions and Mediterranean flavors. As a quintessential French treat, nougat is particularly popular in Nice due to its ties to Provence and the broader southern France region, where it has been a cherished sweet for centuries.

Nougat has an interesting history, it originated in Baghdad, Iraq (in the 10th century AD) and spread throughout the Mediterranean countries. However, the original recipe was created by the ancient Greeks and was enjoyed by the Romans who called it nux gatum.

Castle Hill Area

Cours Saleya market near Castle Hill

Castle Hill is at the east end of old town, just behind the building in the center of image # 1 (left).

Although there are multiple ways to reach the top of La Colline du Chateau ("Castle Hill"), the one we chose starts by the waterfront and ascends a series of steep stairs. The reward is a set of amazing views from each staircase platform, and from the top.

Hundreds of years ago, the entire city of Nice was situated on top of this hill. By the 11th century, the hill sported a Medieval Chateau, a grand Cathedral, and a bustling hilltop village, all encircled by a massive walled fortress (aka Castle) - which is how this hill got its name.

Louis the XIV conquered the fortress in 1706 and to ensure that he would not have to recapture the fortress ever again, he ordered everything to be dismantled stone by stone, many of which ended up paving the Promenade des Anglais.

Image # 2 (right side) is another view of Castle Hill, with the Cours Saleya Market below. That image is the property of Niels Elgaard Larsen via Wikimedia.

Cemetery Area of Castle Hill

Harbor View from Castle Hill

The top of Castle Hill in Nice, France, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Mediterranean coastline, and the vibrant rooftops of Old Town. Once the site of a 12th-century fortress, it is now a lush park perfect for leisurely exploration. Visitors can enjoy the serene Castle Hill Park, adorned with shaded walkways, vibrant flowers, and ancient ruins that hint at its historic past.

The top of Castle Hill contains a very pretty park (Parc du Chateau and also referred to as Castle Hill "Colline du Chateau") and there is a cemetery (Cimitiere du Chateau) at the northern end of the park. The cemetery was created in 1783 and currently contains over 2,800 tombs.

One of the other highlights is the artificial waterfall, a picturesque spot that adds a soothing ambiance to the hilltop. For history enthusiasts, the remnants of the old castle and the adjacent cemetery offer glimpses into Nice's storied past. Benches and viewing platforms allow for peaceful reflection or simply soaking in the stunning scenery. Whether reached by foot, elevator, or tourist train, the top of Castle Hill is an essential stop for anyone visiting Nice.

Selife with Promenade du Anglais behind Us

Castle Hill Waterfall

We paused to catch our breath on the steep climb up the stairs to Castle Hill, a journey that was as challenging as it was rewarding. The sun blazed in a cloudless sky, and the heat was relentless, making each step feel like an accomplishment. By the time we reached the top, we were drenched in sweat and eager for some shade and a refreshing breeze.

Despite the effort, the climb was absolutely worth it. Along the way, we were treated to glimpses of Nice’s stunning coastline and the charming red-tiled rooftops of Old Town below. Reaching the summit, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and the tranquil beauty of Castle Hill Park. The combination of lush greenery, the soothing sound of the waterfall, and the cool breeze at the top provided a much-needed respite. It was a hot, sweaty trek, but an unforgettable experience nonetheless!

Warning: if you are not at a reasonable level of health, do not attempt to climb these stairs as they are very steep! There is an elevator available near the stairway entrance.

NOTE: Image # 2 is the property of Fraselpantz via Wikipedia, all other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.

What a stunning view of the city of Nice from the top of Castle Hill! Actually we had stopped to catch our breath after the very steep stairs, and happened to notice how great the view was!

These views are looking west, and although you cannot see it in these images, the Nice Airport is in this direction. You can also determine that these images were taken in the early morning, as the beaches are not yet crowded.

The Promenade des Anglais parallels the Quai de Etats-Uni ("United States Wharf") and they both parallel the beaches. That is not a "public" beach as Americans think of them, the beaches are "owned" by various businesses and you frequently have to pay a small fee to use either the beach or their facilities. For example, see where all the beach chairs are in the lower left of image # 1? That is the Plage Publique des Bains de la Police ("Public Beach of the Police Baths") and not far west is the Plage Publique de Castel ("Public Beach of Castel") and this continues all the way to the airport.

Within those "private" beaches are changing rooms & toilets, however each are either "pay to use" or are accessible only if you are a customer of that section of the beach.

The view looking east from the top of Castle Hill can be seen in the images below in the "Port de Nice" section. On the eastern side of the hills that rise up next to the harbor, is Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Taking a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, which runs along side the beach from Castle Hill all the way to the Nice Airport. If you want to go to the beach, or if you want to just take a look at the Mediterranean Sea, you are going to wind up walking along this Promenade.

This is a pedestrian only walk-way, however there is a bicycle path directly adjacent to the promenade. See the steel fencing on the right side of image # 1 (left)? That separates the bicyclists from the pedestrians.

NOTE: Image # 2 above is the property of Alexander Migl via Wikimedia Commons using the Creative Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 License.

Beaches & Pebbles

Beaches & Pebbles

The beaches in Nice are famously covered with smooth pebbles, known as "galets", instead of sand due to the region's natural geological characteristics. These pebbles are the result of millions of years of erosion and geological processes involving the nearby Alps and the Mediterranean Sea.

The pebbly beaches of Nice and its surroundings offer a unique and refreshing alternative to sandy shores. The smooth stones provide a comfortable surface for sunbathing and strolling along the water's edge, while the clear waters offer excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. Additionally, the pebbly beaches contribute to the unique coastal ecosystem, providing a habitat for a variety of marine life.

Warning: We did not see (or bump into) any pick-pockets on this walkway, but there are pan-handlers and scam artists attempting to work the crowd along this route. The guys carrying trinkets will rush up to you, and attempt to engage you in a conversation that is meant to keep you in place while they make their pitch.

Port de Nice from Castle Hill

Port Entrance from the Mediterranean Sea

This view of the port is obtained by walking through the Castle Hill park headed north (past the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie de Cimiez), the port is just below Castle Hill and there are various spots where you can get a good view of the harbor below.

The Port de Nice as seen from above the Monument aux Morts on Castle Hill. You can catch a ferry in this port to various locations in the Mediterranean Sea, including Corsica & Sardinia.

The cruise port (AKA "Villefranche-Nice cruise port") is popular mainly as port of call on Western Mediterranean itineraries. It is often included in the summer schedules of major cruise lines like Pullmantur (Spain), Marella (UK), P&O UK, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Disney, also the all-inclusive luxury brands like Silversea, Azamara, Crystal.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is just east of the Harbor, on the other side of the area in the background of this image # 3.

This harbor seemed to be primarily utilized by smaller ships & yachts, Cruise Ships utilize the neighboring Villefranche Bay. However, we did find after some research, that this harbor is also used by two ferry companies that provide ferry service to various locations in the Mediterranean Sea.

We discovered the Cours Saleya market on our old town exploration, they sold everything here; flowers, vegetables, various meats, candy, olives, etc.

We arrived here in the early morning, and already a number of locals were shopping. There are also several restaurants open, and a number of people selling various things to eat. All of these food items were either home grown, or home made, and the food stalls were very popular with everyone.

Image # 3 - this YouTube video is one we took while we were walking through the market, admiring all of the good things to eat! Please note that the wet paving stones in the market area were not due to rain, the shop keepers washed down everything prior to the market opening that morning.

Dinner at Le Rocher Restaurant

Le Rocher Restaurant Entrance

We ate dinner at the Le Rocher restaurant, and had a great meal of mussels and fries ('moules et frites'). We arrived for dinner early, so that we could have a sidewalk table. The restaurant is adjacent to the Port de Nice and the view from the sidewalk tables is very good.

For a map of their location click here, or to visit their website click here

We did not know it at the time, but we had visited this same restaurant when they were located in Rouen, France. See our blog post for this same restaurant in Rouen by clicking here

The following list contains links to all of our other French Destinations & Information Pages, click any link to go to that page.