A long weekend in Nice
Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, offers a delightful blend of old-world charm, vibrant culture, and stunning coastal beauty.
Nice boasts a rich and varied history:
Founded around 350 BCE by the Phocaeans of Marseille, it was named “Nikaia” after the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. It became a bustling trading hub.
The Romans established a settlement called Cemenelum nearby, complete with an amphitheatre and other grand structures.
After enduring invasions, Nice came under the protection of the Counts of Savoy in the 14th century and it was officially ceded to France in 1860 through the Treaty of Turin, following a referendum. By the 18th century, it became a favourite winter retreat for English aristocrats, inspiring the famous Promenade des Anglais.
What to see
Promenade des Anglais: Stroll along this iconic seafront promenade, perfect for soaking in the Mediterranean views.
Vieux Nice (Old Town): Wander through narrow, winding streets filled with colorful buildings, local markets, and charming cafes.
Colline du Château (Castle Hill): Climb up for panoramic views of Nice’s red-tiled rooftops and the azure sea.
Musée Matisse: Dive into the works of Henri Matisse, housed in a beautiful 17th-century villa.
Musée Marc Chagall: Explore the dreamlike and symbolic works of Marc Chagall.
Cours Saleya Market: Visit this bustling market for fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is usually overcrowded and expensive.
Getting Around
Nice is compact and walkable, but you can also use the efficient Lignes d’Azur bus and tram system.
Day trips from Nice
If you have the time, I would strongly suggest to hop on the train and explore the nearby towns.
Take your pick:
Cannes and Antibes are only 30 mins by train along the French Riviera.
Going the opposite direction, towards the Italian border, 30 mins on the train will bring you to Monaco (25 mins) and Mentone (32 mins).
Mentone is my top pick; I loved its cosmopolitan riviera charm a lot more than sophisticated Monaco.
The area around Nice also offers several medieval villages:
Eze and Chateau Grimaldi in Cagnes-sur-Mer are my favourite.
Château Grimaldi
The Château Grimaldi is a historic gem with a fascinating past. Built in 1309 by Rainier Grimaldi, an ancestor of Monaco’s ruling family, it originally served as a fortress. Over time, it was transformed into an elegant Italian-style residence around 1620. Today, it houses the Château-Musée Grimaldi, a municipal museum since 1946.
To reach Château Grimaldi in Cagnes-sur-Mer from Nice, here are your options:
- By Bus: Take the Lignes d’Azur bus #200 from Nice to Cagnes-sur-Mer. From the bus stop, you can either walk or take a free shuttle bus (#44) to Haut-de-Cagnes, where the château is located.
- By Train: Take a train from Nice to Cagnes-sur-Mer station. From there, you can use the free shuttle bus (#44) to reach the château.
- By Car: Drive via the A8 motorway and take exits 47 or 48 for Cagnes-sur-Mer. Follow signs to Haut-de-Cagnes. Limited parking is available near the château.
Eze
Eze is a charming village. By 1388, Èze came under the jurisdiction of the House of Savoy, which fortified the village due to its strategic location, perched on a hill. Over the centuries, Èze faced invasions, including by French and Turkish forces in 1543.
Getting to Èze from Nice is a delightful journey, and there are several options to suit your preferences:
- By Bus: Take the #82 bus from Nice to Èze Village. It’s an affordable and scenic route, costing just a few euros. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
- By Train + Hike: Take a train from Nice to Èze-sur-Mer (the coastal part of Èze). From there, you can hike up the Nietzsche Path to Èze Village. The hike is steep but offers breathtaking views.
- By Car: If you prefer driving, Èze is about a 20-minute drive from Nice via the Moyenne Corniche (Middle Corniche). Parking is available near the village.
- By Taxi or Ride-Share: Services like Uber or local taxis can take you directly to Èze Village. It’s convenient but more expensive than public transport.
- Guided Tour: Join a guided tour from Nice that includes Èze and possibly other nearby attractions like Monaco; you will find some here: https://www.getyourguide.com/nice-l314/?activeTab=172
Cuisine to Try– Do not miss these local specialities:
- Socca: A crispy chickpea pancake, a local favorite.
- Salade Niçoise: A classic salad with fresh vegetables, tuna, and olives.
- Pissaladière: A savoury onion tart with anchovies and olives.
