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A Côte d’Azur Getaway: 4 Days in Nice.

Nice, a vibrant city on the French Riviera, offers a perfect blend of sun, sea, and culture. With its beautiful beaches, charming old town, and proximity to other stunning destinations, it’s no wonder it’s a popular tourist spot. Here’s a 4-day itinerary to make the most of your time in Nice.

Day 1: Exploring Nice

  • Morning: Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s famous seafront promenade. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Head to the Cours Saleya, a lively market where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and local souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Colline du Chateau, a hill overlooking the city. Climb the stairs or take the elevator to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Nice, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains. Explore the ruins of the old castle and visit the Promenade du Paillon, a beautiful park with fountains and gardens.
  • Evening: Explore Nice’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Visit the gay district around Rue de l’Opéra and Rue de France, where you’ll find a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. For something a little more interesting, head over to the Eagle bar where it’s clothing optional.

Day 2: Beach Day and LGBTQ+ Scene

  • Morning: Spend the day relaxing on one of Nice’s beautiful beaches. The most popular beach is Plage de la Réserve, but there are plenty of other options to choose from.
  • Afternoon: Wander Nice’s beautiful streets and plazas. Head over to St Nicolas Cathedral, an incredible Russian Orthodox church. Other sights include the crypte de Nice and the Square head.
  • Evening: Explore the old town and grab dinner at one of the many restaurants. La Merenda is a fabulous French restaurant, just turn up and get in the queue!

Day 3: Day Trip to Monaco

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Monaco, the glamorous principality just a short and beautiful train ride away. Grab a croissant and coffee for the trip. Once you arrive at Monaco explore the marinas and try your luck at the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch with a view at one of Monaco’s luxurious restaurants, or take a stroll up to the Place du Palais. Here you can wander through the cute old streets, gorgeous gardens and grab lunch. Make sure you check out the views over Monaco, they’re beautiful!

Day 4: Day Trip to Villefranche-sur-Mer and Eze

  • Morning: Take the shirt train journey to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a charming fishing village with a picturesque harbor. Wander around the small but gorgeous village or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The beach here is sandy with a few restaurants/bars along the sea front. So it’s a great place to relax and enjoy some downtime.
  • Afternoon: Continue your train journey to Eze. You can walk from the train station or take a bus up to the medieval village perched on the hilltop. Explore the narrow streets, visit the botanical gardens, and enjoy breathtaking views of the coast.
  • Evening: Stay in Eze and enjoy a sunset cocktail at one of the terrace bars looking out over the Cote D’Azur. Have dinner and an ice cream before taking a taxi back to Nice or walk down the hill and take the train.

Nice is truly the perfect early to late Summer getaway, with enough to keep.you occupied for a few days. It’s also a great place to relax, head to the beach and eat delicious food. The trains are so good, there are loads of places you can visit using Nice as a base.

For more French ideas, check out the other destinations I’ve been to in France here.

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