One day in Nice on the French Riviera

Last October we spent a week in the south of France. This time was fantastic to explore the beautiful French Riviera with fewer people around. We could enjoy the beaches and attractions without feeling crowded. Plus, the weather was still pleasant enough for swimming, and not as hot as in the summer months. It was the perfect opportunity to experience the charm of the Côte d'Azur without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. Don't worry, if you're planning a vacation in Nice at other times of the year, my guide will help you plan your itinerary regardless of the month of your visit.

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When it comes to how many days to spend in Nice, it's a tricky question indeed. In October, during our week-long exploration of the French Riviera, we opted for just one day in Nice as we chose to stay in the smaller town of Cagnes-sur-Mer, just a 10-minute ride from Nice. If you're drawn to the lively atmosphere and want to immerse yourself in the city, staying in Nice and using it as a base for exploration is an excellent choice. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider smaller and cozier towns like Menton, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cannes. Each has its own charm and drawbacks, so weigh your options carefully based on your preferences. 

In my opinion, I would recommend staying in Menton. The town is incredibly beautiful and has a hint of Italian charm in the best way possible, given its proximity to the border. While Menton is much smaller than Nice, it is equally vibrant and tourist-friendly, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, two train stations, and areas for strolling and swimming with finer pebbles compared to Nice.

However, if we're talking about how much time is needed to explore Nice itself, one day is certainly sufficient to cover the main attractions.

To get from Italy to Nice, we travelled from Milan and spent a day exploring the Italian Riviera in our favorite town, Pietra Ligure. Getting from Italy to Nice, especially from the Ligurian coast or Milan, is quite easy. Trains run from Milan to Ventimiglia, an Italian town on the border, where you can transfer to SNCF trains that travel along the French Riviera from Ventimiglia to Cannes. This route offers a convenient and scenic journey, allowing you to enjoy both countries' coastal beauty along the way. We purchased our train tickets through the Omio app, although they now charge a small commission (1-2 euros) for tickets, which is disappointing. However, using the app is much simpler, as you can buy tickets in English and receive them via email within 2-3 minutes.

Despite arriving by train, I'd like to share how to get from the airport to the city because that's how I travelled to Nice some years ago. You can easily reach the city center from the airport by taking tram T2. The tram provides a convenient way to travel with stops at key locations in the city. To get closer to the train station, Place Massena or the Promenade des Anglais, you can alight at one of the following stops in the city center: Jean Médecin, Place Massena or Garibaldi. From there, it's a short walk to your desired destinations. The price of a tram ticket is typically around 1.50 euros. However, it's always a good idea to check for any updates on pricing. You can purchase your ticket at the tram station or through the Lignes d'Azur mobile app. Trams run regularly, ensuring you can reach the city center in 30 minutes and allowing you to begin your exploration of Nice with ease.

• Begin your day with a leisurely walk along Avenue Jean Médecin towards Place Massena. Don't forget to stop by Galeries Lafayette in Nice for a bit of shopping.
• Take some time to admire the Miroir d’Eau and Fontaine du Soleil along the Promenade du Paillon. It's a perfect spot for a morning stroll.
• Before lunchtime, make sure to visit the vibrant flower market on Cours Saleya. Pick up some fresh fruits, pastries or refreshing drinks to enjoy on the go.
• Head towards the iconic Promenade des Anglais to marvel at the stunning azure waters and swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Climb up to the Colline du Chateau viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas of the Promenade des Anglais, the charming Old Town and Port Lympia. Don't miss the refreshing cascade waterfall!
• Descend into the enchanting streets of the Old Town (Vieux Nice). Treat yourself to some exotic-flavored ice cream at Fennochio on Place Rossetti. Then, indulge in local specialties like Socca, Pissaladière, Soupe de Pistou, or Pan Bagnat at Lou Pilha Leva café.
• As the day winds down, head back to Plage de l’Opera for a sunset stroll towards the iconic Hotel Negresco. It's the perfect way to end your day in Nice, soaking in the beauty of the French Riviera.

Exploring the local cuisine in Nice is an absolute must. While I've already mentioned a bit about food in the Old Town, let me delve deeper into some traditional dishes and recommend a fantastic spot to try them.

Small Café Lou Pilha Leva is located in the heart of the Old Town. Lou Pilha Leva offers a delightful selection of local specialties, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.

• Socca: This savory pancake made from chickpea flour is a beloved Niçois snack. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it's often enjoyed hot off the grill, sprinkled with black pepper.
• Pissaladière: A classic Provençal tart, pissaladière features a thin crust topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives. Its rich and savory flavors make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
• Soupe de Pistou: This hearty vegetable soup is flavored with pesto made from basil, garlic, and olive oil. It's a comforting dish, perfect for cooler days, and is often served with grated cheese and crusty bread.
• Pan Bagnat: A traditional Niçois sandwich, pan bagnat is a flavorful combination of tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, tomatoes, and other ingredients, all packed into a round loaf of bread and drizzled with olive oil. It's a satisfying and portable option for a meal on the go.

In addition to these delicious snacks, don't forget to try the famous Salade Niçoise, a refreshing salad featuring tuna, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives, and anchovies, all dressed with a vinaigrette. And of course, being by the sea, sampling the fresh seafood is a must, whether it's grilled fish, bouillabaisse or seafood platters bursting with flavours from the Mediterranean.

While Nice may have a reputation for luxury, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to enjoy a day on the French Riviera without breaking the bank. Sure, indulging in croissants for breakfast, seafood for lunch and escargot with wine while overlooking the Promenade des Anglais can add up. However, the reality is that many activities and food options in Nice are quite affordable. For example, activities like strolling along the promenade, taking in panoramic views from lookout points and swimming in the sea cost you nothing. Breakfast at a local bakery with a croissant and coffee won't set you back more than 5 euros. Prices for traditional Niçois dishes start at around 5 euros, so there are plenty of reasonably priced options available. Even the price of some delicious gelato starts at just 6 euros. 

Additionally, Aldi and Carrefour come to the rescue for budget travellers. It's worth noting that Aldi is usually the better option for groceries, although they are often located away from the most touristy areas. These supermarkets offer a wide range of products, including wine, cheese, crackers, sandwiches, pizzas, as well as ingredients for a full and satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner. So, if you're looking to save some money, consider shopping at Aldi or Carrefour to stock up on essentials for your day in Nice.

Spending one day in Nice offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the beautiful French Riviera. From enjoying leisurely walks along the Promenade des Anglais to indulging in delicious local cuisine at charming cafes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. While there's a perception that Nice is expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available, from affordable activities to reasonably priced meals. I hope that my guide will help you plan your perfect day in Nice and assist you in crafting a memorable experience in this captivating city on the French Riviera.

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