Nice-4-day-itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Nice, France

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town

  • Morning: Arrive at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) and take a taxi or bus (#99) to your accommodation.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Le Negresco or Apartment in Old Town for a central location.
  • Breakfast: Start with a French breakfast at Café de la Gare or grab a croissant at a local boulangerie.
  • Old Town Exploration:
    • Visit the famous Cours Saleya Market (Tuesday to Sunday) for fresh produce and souvenirs.
    • Wander through the narrow streets of Old Town, admiring the Baroque architecture and historic landmarks like the Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate.
    • Stop by the Palace of the Dukes of Savoy, now the City Hall.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Niçois dish at La Merenda or grab a quick bite at Lou Pistou.
  • Afternoon:
    • Relax on the famous Promenade des Anglais, a 7-kilometer pedestrian walkway along the Baie des Anges.
    • Visit the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) for an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • Dinner: Treat yourself to a Michelin-starred dinner at La Petite Maison or try some seafood at Le Comptoir du Marché.
  • Evening: End the day with a stroll along the promenade, taking in the breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges.

Day 2: Beaches and Chagall Museum

  • Morning:
    • Spend some time relaxing on one of Nice’s famous beaches, such as Promenade des Anglais or Beau Rivage.
    • Take a short bus ride (#12) to the nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer for a picturesque harbor and stunning views.
  • Lunch: Enjoy seafood at Le Bistrot du Port in Villefranche or grab a panini at Café de la Plage.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Chagall Museum, dedicated to the works of Marc Chagall and featuring an impressive collection of his paintings.
    • Explore the tranquil Jardin Albert I, a beautiful park with fountains, statues, and Mediterranean vegetation.
  • Dinner: Savor Provençal cuisine at Le Vieux Nice or try some international flavors at Les Sens.
  • Evening: Enjoy a scenic sunset on the promenade before returning to your accommodation.

Day 3: Castle Hill and Port Lympia

  • Morning:
    • Take bus #25 from Old Town to Castle Hill (Cimiez) for panoramic views of Nice.
    • Explore the ruins of the Château de Nice, a medieval fortress with impressive towers.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic on Castle Hill or grab a bite at Le Café du Château.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Port Lympia, a picturesque harbor with beautiful views of the Baie des Anges.
    • Explore the nearby Place Garibaldi, a historic square with colorful buildings and lively atmosphere.
  • Dinner: Treat yourself to some gourmet cuisine at La Rotonde or enjoy seafood at Le Comptoir du Port.
  • Evening: End the day with a relaxing stroll around the harbor, taking in the sights and sounds of Nice.

Day 4: Antibes and Cap Ferrat

  • Morning:
    • Take a train (TER) from Nice to Antibes (30 minutes, frequent departures).
    • Explore the historic Old Town of Antibes, with its picturesque streets, charming squares, and medieval ramparts.
  • Lunch: Enjoy seafood at Le Café de la Plage in Antibes or grab a snack at a local market stall.
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a bus (line 100) from Antibes to Cap Ferrat, a picturesque peninsula with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
    • Visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a beautiful palace with impressive gardens and art collections.
  • Return: Take the train back to Nice and spend your last evening exploring the Old Town or enjoying a farewell dinner at La Rossettisserie.

Tips and Essentials

  • Transportation: Use buses (Lignes d’Azur) or trains (TER) to get around Nice and its surroundings. Buy a 10-ticket carnet for convenient travel.
  • Language: While many Niçois speak English, it’s always helpful to know some basic French phrases.
  • Currency: The Euro is the local currency, but many businesses accept credit cards.
  • Weather: Nice enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Be prepared for sunny days and occasional rain showers.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to ensure your safety, especially in crowded areas or at night.

Additional Tips

  • Book your accommodations and popular restaurants in advance to avoid peak season crowds.
  • Don’t forget to try some local specialties like Socca (a thin pancake), Fougasse (an aniseed bread), or Salade Niçoise (a traditional salad).
  • Take a guided tour or hop-on hop-off bus to explore Nice’s hidden gems and learn more about its rich history and culture.

Enjoy your trip to Nice!