1. Relax on the beach
The beaches in Nice are not made of sand; instead, they consist of small stones. This unique composition allows the water to be exceptionally clear, so much so that you can see it beneath your feet. The beautiful, transparent water reflects Nice’s blue sky, appearing even more vibrant as you gaze further to the horizon.
Public and private beaches
The most common beaches here in France are classified into two types: public beaches and private beaches. A private beach typically offers sunbeds for rent, as seen in the photo above, and you can rent a sunbed and parasol. These beaches are often owned by hotels or similar establishments and are primarily intended for their guests.
Conversely, public beaches do not provide sunbeds and are free for anyone to use. I usually opt for public beaches. I simply lay a beach towel on the stones and relax. I was initially concerned about the comfort of lying on the stones, but once I got used to it, it turned out to be fine. If you’re interested, I recommend trying one of the private beaches and renting a sunbed. There are many private beaches along the coast of Nice. You can buy fruits and magazines at a nearby marché (“market” in French) and enjoy a whole day relaxing at the beach.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is only two stops by train from Nice Ville train station. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful sandy beach. This beach is a hidden gem, making it a calm spot with few visitors. It is highly recommended for those who wish to enjoy the sea in a peaceful and relaxed setting. The beach is located directly in front of the station, just a two-minute walk away.
Plage Villefranche-sur-Mer
23 Prom. des Marinières, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer
2. While enjoying the ocean view …
Babel Babel
This bar, recommended by Vogue Paris, overlooks the sea. You can enjoy original cocktails and tapas made from fresh ingredients. I ordered a spritz and octopus salad (Salade de poulpe).
Babel Babel
2 Cité du Parc, 06300 Nice
Topaze Bar
If you want to enjoy breakfast with a beautiful ocean view, Topaze Bar is the right place.
Topaze Bar
47 Quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice
3. Stroll in the old town
This charming old town (Vieille Ville) features colorful buildings that reflect an Italian architectural style. You can explore the area by visiting the souvenir shops, entering the cafés, or checking out the market that opens in the morning. Simply strolling around is a delightful way to enjoy the town without needing a specific plan.
4. Taste Nice’s specialties
Bocca
One of the recommended restaurants in French Vogue is Bocca. This restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and features a chic rooftop. The indoor seating on the first floor also has a pleasant ambiance. If you want to dine on the rooftop, I recommend making a reservation in advance. Bocca operates as a tapas bar, allowing you to share and enjoy three to five dishes based on your appetite and the number of people in your group. Solo travelers are also welcome to dine here. During my visit, I ordered Farcis, which is a specialty from Nice. Farcis consists of stuffed vegetables that are baked in the oven, typically filled with seasoned breadcrumbs, meat, and various vegetables. The ones I had included zucchini, paprika, and eggplant. It was absolutely delicious!
Marché du Cours Saleya
At Marché du Cours Saleya, you can find fresh vegetables and fruits, along with spices, soaps, and tableware. One of Nice’s specialty dishes that you should try at the market is socca. Socca is similar to a salty crepe and is made from chickpea flour and olive oil, showcasing the rich flavors of its ingredients. It’s a great idea to purchase some socca from the market and enjoy it on a bench by the beach.
Marché du Cours Saleya
06300 Nice
5. Taste something Italian
What surprised me when I arrived in Nice was that, even though it is in France, I felt like I was in Italy. The architecture reminded me of the Ligurian region, especially Camogli. Italian restaurants and gelaterias are abundant, and the music playing around me included the Italian pop and reggaeton tunes I used to hear in Italy. My instinct about this feeling was correct, as Nice was part of Italian territory until the 19th century. Though Nice is now a French city, there seem to be many Italian tourists visiting, thanks to its proximity to the Italian border. Having lived in Italy for two years, walking around the city filled me with nostalgia. So, in Nice, you can enjoy authentic Italian food while still being in France.
Molo 26
Molo 26 is a restaurant owned by Italians. I ordered seafood calamarata pasta (calamarata ai frutti di mare). Calamarata is a type of pasta which is named after its shape – it looks like a slice of squid (Calamaro in Italian)
Molo 26
26 Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice
Arlequin Gelati
Gelato is a popular Italian dessert that you can find throughout the city. One standout shop is Arlequin Gelati, which offers delicious gelato. Among the various gelato shops in Nice, Arlequin’s flavors closely resemble those of Italian Gelati Artigianali (handmade gelato). I highly recommend trying their pistache (pistachio in French).
Arlequin Gelati
9 Avenue Malaussena, 06000 Nice
6. Watch the sunrise and sunset
The colors of the sky at sunrise and sunset are truly breathtaking. In Nice, you can experience both the sunrise and sunset from the beaches. When you watch the sunrise from the beach, the mountains add a stunning backdrop about 20 minutes after sunrise. During the summer, the sun rises around 7 a.m., which is not as early as in Japan, where it rises around 5 a.m. I witnessed this beautiful scenery around 7:30, so I encourage you to catch this magnificent sunrise even if you’re not typically a morning person.
Bellanda Tower
When the sun sets, I recommend visiting Bellanda Tower. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of the entire city of Nice, the beach, and the sunset all at once. If you climb towards Bellanda Tower about 20 minutes before sunset, you’ll arrive just in time to witness the beautiful display. The sky before and after sunset transforms into a lovely pale pink, reminiscent of cotton candy! Make sure to take a look; it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Bellanda Tower
06300 Nice