A Weekend Break in Nice

A weekend in Nice, the South of France. A beach, sunshine, great French food…Sigh. Do you need to know more? Of course you do! And here it is…

A Guide to aWeekend Break in Nice

Sightseeing in Nice

Promenade des Anglais

Named after the English, back in the days when Queen Victoria made the place famous, this long strip by the sea is a great place to start. Walk, cycle or rollerblade your way along.

Vieux Nice

The narrow streets that make up “Old Nice” are filled with boutique shops, fresh markets and tiny but tasty restaurants.

Visit the Château – Or Where It Used To Be

Walk up the (fairly steep) landscaped park to reach the top of the Colline du Château (Castle Hill). You’ll then get beautiful views across the harbour on one side and the long stretch of the Promenade des Anglais on the other. The castle itself disappeared at the request of Louis XIV in 1706…

Lie on the Beach

A word of warning. The mediterranean sea may shimmer a deep blue in summer but the beach, alas, is pebbly year round. Nice has created a few optimistic patches of sand in places but it’s rocks, rocks, rocks everywhere else. Shops sell padded beach mats…

Visit the Matisse Museum

It’s a little walk out of town, through quiet, shaded, residential streets but it’s one museum that I believe is worth the trip.

Getting Around Nice

You can easily walk between all the sights listed above – although depending on your energy levels, the Matisse Museum might be a bit of a stretch.

Hotels in Nice

Plenty of budget options – and don’t overlook self-catered flats either. Nice has plenty of fresh markets so preparing your own food can be part of the fun.

Getting To and From Nice’s Airport

There are two terminals (so remember to check which one you need!) but transport is otherwise quick and straightforward.

Nice, overall, is a place for a relaxing, quiet weekend away with plenty of good food. Enjoy!