Travel Guide: Nice and French Riviera

Nice and French Riveria, located along the southern coast of France, is one of the most iconic and popular summer getaways in Europe. Known for its blue waters, quaint waterfront towns, and plenty of activities for all types of travelers, it is the perfect destination to visit during the summer months.

When to Go:

Nice is known for mild and moderate temperatures year-round. Winters are mild and summers are characterized by sunny skies and warm temperatures. Even in the height of the winter (December-March), average temperatures hover around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

As a premier European summer destination, the most popular time to visit Nice and the French Riviera is July and August. Summer is Europe is always busy, and therefore, accommodations are usually more expensive and the sights are more crowded. If you are looking for the best time to visit Nice to avoid the crowds but still experience nice weather, the “shoulder season” is the best time to visit. From late April/May to June and September to October crowds usually subside, the weather is beautiful, and temperatures are ideal.

Where to Stay:

There are many towns that make up the French Riviera. Here are some of the top recommendations of towns to stay in throughout your stay in the area:

• Nice: Nice is a larger town and the main hub of the French Riviera. It is an ideal place to stay if your time is limited, as you can easily reach other towns by the train or by car. It is much busier than other towns along the coast, so if you are looking for a more quaint destination, there may be better options.
• Eze: Eze is a quiet and charming hilltop village located high above the Mediterrean Sea. The views were incredible with panoramic views of the water and the coastline below. There is no train station located directly in Eze, so the best way to get to there is by bus or by car. We took an Uber from our hotel in Nice which took about 20 minutes.
• Antibes: Antibes is a popular resort destination located about 20-30 minutes from central Nice. While we did not have time to visit during this most recent trip, I have only heard positive things about Antibes.
• Villefranche Sur Mer: Villefrance Sur Mer has a reputation as a smaller, fishing town located about 15 minutes from Nice. If you are looking for a quiet, sleepier destination, this may be a nice option. Unfortunately, this is another town that we did not have time to visit.
• St. Tropez: If you are looking for the ultimate luxury, beachy destination, St Tropez is definitely your top choice. St Tropez is located about two hours south of Nice, so if you are looking to visit other towns along the French Riviera that is a consideration for staying here. This is definitely on the list for our next trip to South of France and French Riviera.
• Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: This is where the iconic Four Seasons Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat is located. This hotel is supposed to be amazing, and if you are looking for a splurge worthy destination, this could be the perfect option.

What to Do:

• Day Trip to Monaco: Monaco has earned its accolade as one of the wealthiest countries in the world. A visit to Monaco means ultimate luxury. It was fun to spend the day looking at the opulence from the yachts to cars to designer stores. Monaco is also known for hosting the F1 Grand Prix Race in May (which the city was starting to prepare for while we were there). The easiest way to get from Nice to Monaco is by train, which takes about twenty minutes.

• Relax on the beach near Promenade Des Anglais: Nice is located right on the beach and has an incredible beachfront boardwalk called Promenade Des Anglais. Along the beach you will find a number of beach clubs and restaurants. Alternatively, since the beach is public, you can also find a spot to sit along the beach. As with many beaches in Europe, the beach is more rocky than sandy. There is also a nice boardwalk along the beach which is a nice option for a walk, run, or bike ride if the weather is nice.

• Explored Old Town Nice/Castle Hill: Old Town Nice is another area that you can’t miss when you come to Nice. Old Town is a more antiquated and less commercial area of Nice where you can really feel the history of the region. The streets are filled with restaurants, cafes, and plenty of shops. It is a perfect way to spend half a day while in Nice. One of the most popular activities is to visit the flower market, Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, which is open every day except Mondays.

• Day Trip to Eze: This is definitely a highlight of our trip and the French Riviera. From the hilltop of Eze, you will see the most incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea. There are plenty of quaint boutiques and restaurants located throughout Eze village. There is a beautiful garden called Le Jardin Exotique. The Jardin is home to succulent plants, a waterfall, and plenty of photo ops of the surrounding area.

Here is a list of other ideal day trips during your time in Nice and French Rivieria.

• Villefranche-Sur-Mer
• Cannes
• St. Tropez
• Antibes
• Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Where to Eat:

• Le Maison de Marie: Our favorite restaurant while in Nice, serving traditional local cuisine. If you are there, two dishes that are worth a try are Gnocchi in fresh Pistou and Beef Stew served with ravioli.

It is easy to see how the French Riviera became the go to summer destination. The scenery is incredible, the weather is perfection, and the towns are quaint and picturesque. If you need more guidance on planning your trip to Nice, feel free to use the contact me page or email sasha.pulde@traveledge.com