Ah, the French Riviera! When Rick and I were there I couldn’t help but fall in love with the views, the welcoming people, and that relaxed Mediterranean ambiance. It was one of the highlights of our trip and probably where we got some of our most idyllic photos during our two-week Europe trip.
One of our stops included Nice and we had such a nice time in Nice (yeah, I know it’s been overused but I don’t care), that it definitely earned a spot on the repeat visit list. When it comes to what to do in Nice, there’s a lot of options. You can stay in the town and explore or easily explore more of the French Riviera, like Cap-Ferrat, Cannes, and Monaco.
If you’re planning a vacation in the French Riviera, see why you might want to make Nice your home base! There are so many things to do in Nice (or not, depending on what kind of trip you want to have) and with easy access to quick little day trips, it’s the perfect location for your getaway.
Plan your weekend in Nice with our recommendations of what to do in the French Riviera!
Two-day French Riviera travel itinerary
Day 1 in Nice
Day one is focused on exploring both Old and New Nice and taking in all the amazing views of the bay and iconic French beaches. You’ll get your fill of scenery and fresh-caught seafood on day one.
Start your day with a coffee and croissant
Stop by one of the many little cafes to grab something light for breakfast to fuel your energetic two-day Nice exploration. I recommend going classic with a French pastry and some coffee!
Hike Parc de la Colline du Château
Ready for some stunning panoramas of the French Riviera? Head on up to Parc de la Colline du Château, or Castle Hill, and enjoy the impressive view of Nice and the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges) from this hillside. While the castle has crumbled away, there’s a family-friendly park up here, a waterfall, cemetery, and the Belanda Tower.
You can hike it, or there is an elevator if you’re visiting in the summer and can’t take the oppressive humidity and heat.
#ILoveNice photo stop
Head up to the scenic overlook and get your pic with the #ILoveNice sign and get spectacular photos of the crescent-shaped beach meeting the vibrant blue seawater. It’s worth the hike up the staircase for this amazing view and photo opportunity.
Relax at the beach
OK, it might be a bit pebbly but it’s still a hot spot of Nice. The beaches stretch for four miles and there are many public or free options for your sunbathing here. Take a refreshing dip in the sea and feel like a local as you lounge on the beach.
Stroll the Promenade des Anglais
After soaking up the sun and laying on the rocks, take a walk on this famous palm tree-lined promenade. The walkway has been a part of Nice since the 1820s, and is a popular path for walkers, runners, skateboarders, bikers, and rollerbladers.
Be sure to stop for a photo opp in front of the Statue of Liberty!
Old Town Nice
Next, you’re off to Old Town or Vieille Ville. Walk past the shops and bistros, the flower and fruit market (if you want fresh produce for a snack in the morning, do this part first), and maybe pop into a bar for a quick afternoon drink and light bite.
Experience Place Massena
Located between Old Town and the New Nice, this grand plaza has plenty to look at but most tourists’ eyes zero in on the Fontaine du Soleil’s main attraction: Apollo (and his main member). When the statue was first unveiled in 1956, people were scandalized at the naked god and his large equipment.
Public outcry forced the sculptor, Alfred Janniot, to reduce Apollo’s size and he went a little too far in the other direction with crowds now referring to the seven-ton god as “The Virgin.” Apollo was removed in the ‘70s for a while but brought back to his home in the main square in 2011.
Tour Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Nice
Commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II in the early 20th century, this Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Nice is an attraction not to be missed! It’s free to visit from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of closures during Mass. This colorful and ornately decorated church almost feels out of place in France but provides a peaceful retreat and is worth visiting. It’ll take about 30 minutes to tour the church.
Good to know: Scarves are provided by the church as it’s requested that women cover their heads and shoulders while inside.
See Cimiez
Cimiez has a bit of an Italian flair to it as it was under Roman rule in 14 BC – and you can still see a small arena or amphitheater and Roman baths. If you love history, pop into the Musee d’Archeologie, or visit the monastery and museum to see amazing works of art. Visit the peaceful monastery gardens and you’re rewarded with stunning sea views. If you want to check off another museum, Musee Matisse is nearby, making it easy to get to after your tour of Cimiez.
Dinner
Head into the streets of town and find a charming restaurant for dinner. We had a fantastic meal at La Voglia (yes, we know it’s Italian), where I had the largest seafood pasta dish I’ve ever had in my entire life and Rick had a wonderful pizza with prosciutto, and we paired it with a great, crisp rose wine.
Day 2 in Nice
On day two, we’re hitting the road to explore the awesome nearby cities and attractions.
Explore Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
This morning you’re off to Cap-Ferrat to take in more beautiful views of the coastline, you even get to enjoy them as you make the easy drive on Boulevard Napoleon III! Along the route, you can also pay respects where Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco perished. When you get to Cap-Ferrat, your first stop is Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, where you can tour the expansive gardens and grounds, and tour the preserved home.
Stop at Paloma Beach
Need more time in the sun on a French beach? Soak up the rays and enjoy incredible views at Paloma Beach, or you may wish to stay active and enjoy the coastal trails of Cap-Ferrat. Come back to Paloma Beach and stop at a beach-side cafe for a lunch with a view.
Wine tour from Nice
Next, head back to Nice to meet up for your half-day wine tour of the Bellet region! Not quite sure what that region is? No worries, most don’t as it’s kind of a local’s secret wine producing region, and really only services the regional area. Stop at two wineries for tastings of fantastic red, white, and rose wines and learn about the wineries and region with your tour guide.
Seaside dinner
Continue your exploration of French wine at dinner tonight. I recommend either Ruhl Plage or Plage Beau as you’ll have a good meal with a great view of the water and pebble beach. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and relax after your busy two days in Nice!
What’d I miss from our two-day Nice, France travel itinerary? Tell me in the comments below or on Twitter!
