Nice France 6 Day Itinerary

6 Day Itinerary: Exploring the Charm of Nice

This itinerary focuses on exploring Nice’s highlights while incorporating a mix of relaxation, culture, and cuisine. It’s designed for a traveler who wants a taste of everything Nice has to offer!

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Nice (Nice Côte d’Azur Airport - NCE is the airport code).

  • Afternoon: Settle into your charming hotel near the Old Town, such as:

    • Hotel Negresco: Iconic luxury hotel with a Belle Époque facade and stunning sea views.
    • Hôtel La Pérouse: Boutique hotel in a historic building, known for its elegance and stunning location.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Niçoise meal at Le Bistrot de la Plage (Old Town) or La Mere Germaine (Old Town). Both restaurants offer fresh seafood and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Stroll through the Old Town (Vieux Nice), exploring the narrow streets, colorful buildings, and bustling markets.

  • Afternoon: Relax on the beach at Promenade des Anglais. Soak up the sun, take a dip in the sea, or explore the promenade’s shops and cafes.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Indulge in delicious Niçoise cuisine with a modern twist at Restaurant JAN (Nice).
    • After-dinner: Enjoy a stroll through the charming streets of Vieux Nice, the historic heart of the city, exploring its nightlife or taking in the evening atmosphere.

  • Things to know: The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets and can be crowded. Arrive early for popular attractions.

Day 3:

  • Morning: Explore the vibrant Cours Saleya Flower Market. This colorful market offers fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, and local crafts.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Musée Matisse, showcasing the works of the renowned artist Henri Matisse who spent much of his career in Nice.

Day 4:

  • Morning: Discover the vibrant art scene of Nice by exploring the galleries in ** Cimiez**, a charming neighborhood with stunning views.
  • Afternoon: Hike up to the Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for breathtaking panoramas of the city, the coastline, and the Nice harbor.

Day 5:

  • Day trip: Take a day trip to the picturesque villages of ** Eze** or Eze-sur-Mer. Enjoy the charming streets, cobblestone squares, and the opportunity to visit a medieval village or explore the beautiful beaches along the French Riviera.
  • Accommodation: Consider staying in a boutique hotel or guesthouse for a unique experience.

Day 6:

  • Morning: Explore the Promenade du Paillon, a green space in the heart of Nice, with playgrounds, water features, and plenty of room to relax.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view at Parc de la Colline du Château.

  • Evening: Take a leisurely stroll through the Port Lympia botanical garden and admire the beautiful views of the city and the Nice harbor.

Things to know:

  • Nice is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

  • Transportation: The public transportation system in Nice is excellent. Consider taking advantage of:

    • The Tram: A modern tram system connects many popular attractions.

  • Day trip options:

    • Cannes: Famous for its film festival and glamorous beaches.
    • Monaco: Experience the luxury and excitement of this principality with its casinos and stunning views.

Day 5-6:

  • Explore Nice’s history: Visit the Roman ruins in Cimiez, a testament to the city’s ancient origins.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine: Take a cooking class focused on Provençal dishes like salade niçoise, pissaladière, and socca.

Nice Food & Drink Recommendations:

  • Lunch:

    • Chez Pipo: This charming restaurant in the heart of Nice’s Old Town is known for its authentic Niçoise cuisine and casual atmosphere. Try their “pan bagnat” - a local sandwich filled with tuna, vegetables, and olive oil.

  • Dinner:

    • Nice

  • Restaurants:

    • Chez Jean: A popular spot for fresh seafood and traditional French dishes.
    • La Petite Maison: Another Old Town favorite offering delicious Mediterranean fare.

  • Cuisine:

    • Niçoise specialties:

      • Salade Niçoise: Enjoy this classic salad, featuring tuna, olives, anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and potatoes.

    • Socca: This chickpea pancake is a must-try in Nice, a local delicacy!

Where to Eat:

  • Nice:
    • Le Bistrot de la Mer: Delicious seafood dishes with a modern twist (reservations recommended).
    • L’Escargottier: Enjoy traditional Niçoise cuisine and enjoy the experience of dining on “La Cours Saleya” (a popular spot for a romantic dinner or lunch)
    • Le Plongeoir: A stunning restaurant perched on the cliffside, offering panoramic views.

Cuisines & Experiences:

  • Le Marche Provençal: Indulge in the local flavors and enjoy a “salade niçoise” with fresh ingredients while overlooking the bustling Cours Saleya.
  • Chez Pipo: Try their delicious “pissaldière,” a traditional Niçoise dish.
  • The Promenade des Anglais: Stroll along this iconic promenade, soaking up the sun and sea breeze.

Day trip options for food:

  • Nice:

    • Markets in Nice: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of “Cours Saleya” and explore its charming shops.

  • Salade Niçoise Salad: Try a traditional “salade niçoise” with fresh ingredients from the market.

Day trip options for places to see:

  • Eze: Explore the medieval streets and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Nice

For lunch or dinner:

  • Chez Pipo:

    • Enjoy a delicious “pan bagnat” (a Provençal salad with fresh vegetables, tuna, and hard-boiled eggs) - it’s a must-try!

  • Le Petit Café: Have a coffee and a pastry at this charming café.

Other things to do in Nice:

  • Visit the beach at Nice and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.

  • Explore the Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets and discover local shops selling crafts, souvenirs, and delicious Niçoise treats like “socca” (a chickpea pancake) and “fougasse” (a flatbread with herbs).

Day trip to Nice’s Old Town (Vieux Nice):

  • Visit the Musée Matisse: This museum showcases the works of the renowned artist Henri Matisse, who spent much of his career in Nice.

  • Explore the historic streets: Stroll through the charming, narrow streets and discover local shops

  • Enjoy fresh seafood: “Nice” is known for its fresh seafood. Try a traditional Niçoise dish

  • Visit the Cours Saleya Flower Market: This vibrant market is held daily in the morning.

Eze’s charm:

  • Charming cafes and restaurants: Enjoy the charming ambiance of Vieux Nice with delicious food and drinks.

  • Enjoy the sea views: Relax on a terrace overlooking the beautiful coastline of the Côte d’Azur.

  • Explore the nearby beaches:

    • Walk the scenic trail: Enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea from the Eze-sur-Mer beach.

  • Visit the Promenade des Anglais: Explore the vibrant and colorful Old Town with its charming squares, cafes, and restaurants.

Savor the local flavors:

* **Socca:** Enjoy a "socca" (a traditional Provençal dish) in the Old Town.

  • Enjoy the beach and the sea:

    • Cannes’ beaches: Take advantage of the beautiful beaches of Cannes, such as the Croisette beach, for a relaxing day by the sea.
    • Visit the beach: Try some traditional Nice cuisine and enjoy the fresh air**.

  • Explore the old town: Enjoy the architecture and history

Enjoy the local experience:

  • Try a “Socca” Niçoise: This delicious dish is made with chickpea flour and can be found at various restaurants in the city.
  • Visit the shops in Old Nice:

You’ll find a variety of shops offering souvenirs, fresh produce, and local delicacies.

  • Enjoy the ambiance: The charming streets are filled with small boutiques selling jewelry, clothing, and other unique items.

  • Experience the beauty: Enjoy a coffee or an ice cream at a café while enjoying the beautiful views.

  • Old Town:

The old town (Vieux Nice) is located in the heart of Nice, and is home to many of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Promenade des Anglais.

  • Enjoy the sun and the sea: Enjoy a picnic lunch or a romantic dinner by the beach.

Cote d’Azur:

  • Explore the nearby villages: The charming towns of Eze, with its breathtaking views of the French Riviera, and Eze-sur-Mer, a picturesque village on the coast.
  • Visit the Promenade des Anglais: This iconic promenade is perfect for enjoying the sunshine and sea breeze while taking in the views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Nice Cuisine:

  • Enjoy a traditional Niçoise meal: Savor the flavors of fresh ingredients, like “socca” (a chickpea pancake) with a delicious sauce.

  • Visit the beaches of Nice: Enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine.

  • Take a cooking class: Explore the culinary delights of Nice.

  • Enjoy the sun: Savor the beauty of the French Riviera, which includes the charming coastline of Nice, with a visit to a “Nice” café or restaurant: Enjoy a traditional “pan bagnat” (a salad made with bread, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and vegetables)

  • Savor a “Nice” style dish:

Enjoy the unique flavors of “Socca” (a chickpea pancake) that is a specialty in Nice.

  • Enjoy the local produce:

The beaches are a great place to enjoy fresh food with a view.

Other things to consider:

  • Local Markets: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and sample other regional specialties.

  • Weather: Nice enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and cool winters. Be sure to pack for all types of weather.

  • Transportation:

Nice has an excellent public transportation system, including a tram line that runs along the coast.

  • Things to see: Enjoy the beautiful views of the French Riviera from the beachside restaurants.

Enjoy a cooking class: Learn about the history and culture of the region while enjoying the fresh and delicious flavors of the “Cote d’Azur” (a.k.a. Nice, the French Riviera)

  • Other Restaurants: Nice’s culinary scene extends beyond its famous Old Town, with

restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from around the world.

Enjoy

the stunning beaches and explore the charming streets of the old town.

Things to note:

  • Accommodation: While “nice” is a great place for dinner, you’ll likely need accommodation options in the nearby villages as the city itself is quite expensive.
  • Sights: Consider mentioning specific sights that visitors can see in Nice, such as the Promenade des Anglais or the

museums showcasing “Vieux Nice”: The “Musée de la Mode” and the “Musée Matisse.”

Let’s explore some delicious options to experience the culinary delights of Nice:

  • Savor the local cuisine: Enjoy a traditional Niçoise salad, a delightful mix of fresh vegetables.
  • Enjoy the beauty of the French Riviera:

Enjoy the stunning views from the “Castle Hill” (a.k.a. “Colline de la Citadelle”)

  • Explore the city’s history: Enjoy the vibrant culture and enjoy a traditional “Nice” experience at local markets.
  • Experience the beauty of the French Riviera:

Enjoy the beautiful beaches and charming atmosphere while learning about the local ingredients and dishes that are often used in Nice**: Enjoy the “Old Town” with its colorful and bustling streets, a renowned “Nice Salad” spot.

  • Vienne Café: Enjoy a delicious and affordable meal in Vienne, a charming city nearby.

Enjoy some local delicacies:

  • Socca: A traditional Ligurian dish (similar to what’s enjoyed in Nice) made with chickpea flour, baked into a thin pancake and served hot.
  • Nice cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood, like the delicious “socca” with a view of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Try a “socca”

at the Old Town market, a vibrant place to experience local food culture.

  • Enjoy a “pan bagnat” (a traditional Provençal dish: A hearty and flavorful sandwich made with chickpea flour, vegetables, and anchovies - a popular street food in Nice.

The Promenade des Anglais: A beautiful beachfront promenade

  • Other things to enjoy:

    • Local specialties: Savor the delicious “socca” (a traditional chickpea pancake).

  • Enjoy the history of the markets: Enjoy the charm of a historic city, like Vilefranche-sur-Mer, which is known for its fresh seafood and stunning views.

Nice Food:

  • Nice’s Famous “Socca”: A popular dish in Nice.

  • Local Markets:

The vibrant atmosphere of these markets will be a highlight of your visit to the “Old Town”.

  • Experience the culinary delights of a different region:

You can enjoy the delicious flavors of the French Riviera at the Vieux Nice market.

  • Enjoy the variety:

Enjoy fresh seafood, like the “Socca”, and enjoy the local markets in nearby towns.

Remember:

  • Visit the local markets: These are great places to experience the culture of Nice.

For a delicious and unique “Nice” experience, try the “socca” at the Promenade des Anglais.