48 hours in… Nice
Life is so beautiful in Nice... The southern French town has 350.000 inhabitants. They mainly live in the flats on the north side of the city. The southern part is much more chic and the old town in particular has a lot to offer visitors.
There are several museums, including those dedicated to great French artists such as Matisse and Chagall. You will find interesting churches such as the Orthodox Russian Cathedral on Avenue Nicolas II. But you usually only visit museums and churches when the weather is bad and that chance is not that great in Nice.
Promenade des Anglais
It is wonderful to walk along the sea on the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais. Not only is the bay beautiful, the beautiful buildings along the boulevard are also a reminder of the time when this was a seaside resort for the elite. Now tourists are amazed by the hundreds of joggers and virtuoso skaters who inimitably complete their cone course with bare torsos. What is striking in the street scene is the large number of elderly women with one or two small dogs.
Jewish cemetery
Highly recommended is the Parc de la Colline du Château, which is located near the harbor. Walking to the top is quite a climb, but the view over the Bay of Nice is worth the effort. The Cimetière du Château is also located in this corner, the Jewish cemetery on the hill, perhaps even more special. Each grave is a work of art and you will find mausoleums of famous French artists, scientists and businessmen.
The famous port of Nice is located on the east side of the hill. Not only are there beautiful super yachts here, but there is also room for ordinary beautiful boats. It is nice to stroll there and end the day with a Pastis on one of the many terraces along the harbor.
shopaholics
Nice is a real city for shopaholics. It is cheaper than neighboring Monaco and just as fashionable. And you will find all exclusive brands with their own stores, but sometimes also shop-in-shop in larger department stores. All well-known retail chains and major fashion brands are present on Avenue Jean Médecin. Nicetoile, an exclusive shopping center on this wide shopping street, is worth a visit.
On the Cours Saleya there is a fruit market almost every day and a flea market is held on Mondays. There are nice shops everywhere with vintage products and, above all, many tasty 'comestibles' – refined delicacies. At the harbour, you will find most of the bars and nightclubs around Rue Bonaparte. This neighborhood is also known as a gay-friendly neighborhood.
Specialties
Like every southern French city, Nice also has its own specialties. Like Pan Bagnat that you should eat at the Kiosque TinTin. A Pan Bagnat is a complete vegetable shop on a roll. Compared to that, a sandwich is healthy but a pale mini snack. Another Nicoise specialty is the Socca, a kind of pancake made from ground chickpea flour. You eat them combined with meat or vegetables and the best place to do that is at the Socca Tram on Avenue Alfred Borriglione. This restaurant can be combined with a visit to the Chagall Museum or the Russian Orthodox Cathedral.
For dessert you can eat a delicious ice cream at Arlequin nearby. By the way, in Nice you will find numerous Burgers, Pizzas, Steak Tartare in all kinds of forms and Salads on almost every restaurant menu, including the world-famous Salade Nicoise, named after Nice.
Sleeping in Nice
Nice has been known to tourists for a long time. At the end of the 18th century, the British elite stayed in this fashionable seaside resort. That is why you will still find stylish classic five-star hotels on the Promendade des Anglais, such as the impressive Negresco and the Palais de la Mediterranee. Unfortunately, they are still only affordable for the 'rich and famous'. Hotel Windsor is an artistic family hotel located a few streets behind the expensive Promenade. All rooms are decorated by artists. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is very relaxed.
Public transport
Public transport in Nice is well organised. Trams also run through part of the city. On the bus or tram you pay €1 per ride, a day ticket costs €5 and you can also purchase a ten-journey ticket for €9. Another popular means of transport is the velo bleu, the blue rental bicycles that are available in many places and which you can return at all those places throughout the city. Renting a scooter at the port costs €48 per day, including helmet and gloves.
Parking in Nice is a crime, because there are far too few spaces for all the cars. There are parking garages, but parking is by no means cheap.
Campsites in Nice
Campsite Domaine du Colombier
Five-star family campsite on the French Riviera, 4,5 kilometers from the sea, 65 km from Nice. Luxury facilities including subtropical water paradise with heated water, slides, rapids, islands and beaches. Extensive wellness, a soundproof disco and an extensive entertainment program.
Address: Rue des Combattants en Afrique du Nord 1052, F-83600 Fréjus
More information at: www.domaine-du-colombier.com
Camping Esterel Caravanning
This five-star campsite is located 3 kilometers from the beaches of the Côte d'Azur and 75 kilometers from Nice. The campsite has no fewer than six swimming pools, one of which is covered. Many sports facilities, daycare center, restaurant, bar, snack bar, supermarket and disco. Wellness with massages and beauty treatments. For teenagers there is the 'teenagers club'.
Address: Avenue des Golfs, F-83530 Agay
More information at: www.esterel-caravaning.nl
Camping Le Val Fleuri
Small family campsite with camping pitches on terraces. The campsite has a playground, heated outdoor swimming pool and a paddling pool. Furthermore, the campsite has a park-like layout, with beautiful pitches in the shade of trees. The campsite is 14 km from Nice.
Address: Chemin du Vallon des Vaux 139, F-06800 Cagnes sur Mer
More information at: www.campingvalfleuri.fr
Wide range of campers and caravans
Looking for a camper or caravan with which you can explore Nice? Our website contains a large and current range of campers and caravans. View the offer here
