Two Weeks in Nice, France: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Itinerary

  • Day 1: Promenade des Anglais
    20 minutes (4 miles) from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

    Stretching for 7 km along the Mediterranean coast, the Promenade des Anglais is a must-see attraction in Nice. Take a leisurely stroll, rent a bike or rollerblades, or pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic views.

  • Day 2: Nice Old Town
    15 minutes (2.5 miles) from Promenade des Anglais

    Discover the maze-like alleys and colorful buildings of Nice's charming Old Town. Visit the iconic Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, indulge in local specialties like socca and pissaladière at the Cours Saleya market, and shop for souvenirs along Rue de la Préfecture.

  • Day 3: Castle Hill
    20 minutes (1.4 miles) from Nice Old Town

    Located in the heart of Nice, Castle Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sea. Climb up the stairs or take the elevator to the top, and explore the lush gardens, the waterfall, and the ruins of the former château.

  • Day 4: Musée Matisse
    30 minutes (5 miles) from Castle Hill

    Art-loving families will enjoy the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the works of the famous French painter. Admire the colorful masterpieces, the sculptures, and the personal objects that belonged to Matisse, and take a stroll in the Mediterranean garden.

  • Day 5: Marineland
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Musée Matisse

    Spend a fun-filled day at Marineland, a marine park and aquarium located in Antibes. See the dolphins, orcas, and sea lions perform in shows, get up close and personal with sharks and rays, and splash around in the water park.

  • Day 6: Parc Phoenix
    20 minutes (7 miles) from Marineland

    Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Parc Phoenix, a vast botanical garden and zoo. Visit the tropical greenhouse, admire the butterflies and exotic birds, and picnic by the lake. Kids will love the playgrounds and the petting zoo.

  • Day 7: Saint-Paul-de-Vence
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Parc Phoenix

    Take a day trip to the hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, an artists' haven since the 1920s. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, admire the galleries and boutiques, and enjoy the panoramic views. Don't miss the Fondation Maeght, a modern art museum surrounded by a sculpture garden.

  • Day 8: Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
    40 minutes (15 miles) from Saint-Paul-de-Vence

    Step into the glamorous world of the Belle Époque at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, an opulent mansion and garden in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Marvel at the luxurious interiors, the art collections, and the panoramic views, and take a leisurely walk in the themed gardens, from Versailles to Japan.

  • Day 9: Cap Ferrat Coastal Path
    15 minutes (5 miles) from Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

    Experience the stunning beauty of the French Riviera on the Cap Ferrat Coastal Path, a scenic hiking trail that runs along the coast. Admire the turquoise waters, the pine forests, and the luxurious villas, and stop for a swim or a picnic along the way.

  • Day 10: Musée National du Sport
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Cap Ferrat Coastal Path

    Discover the fascinating history of sports at the Musée National du Sport, located in the Allianz Riviera Stadium. See the memorabilia, photos, and videos of iconic athletes and events, and try some interactive exhibits and simulations. Kids will love the Olympic Village play area.

  • Day 11: Castle of the Dukes of Savoy
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Musée National du Sport

    History buffs will appreciate the Castle of the Dukes of Savoy, a medieval fortress and museum in Chambery. Learn about the counts and dukes who ruled the region, see the tapestries and the furniture, and climb up to the towers for panoramic views.

  • Day 12: Musée de la Photographie André Villers
    1 hour (45 miles) from Castle of the Dukes of Savoy

    Explore the art of photography at the Musée de la Photographie André Villers, located in Mougins. Admire the black and white photographs of famous artists like Picasso, Cocteau, and Magritte, and see the original camera that André Villers used to take his iconic portraits.

  • Day 13: Monaco
    30 minutes (12 miles) from Musée de la Photographie André Villers

    Experience the glitz and glam of Monaco, a tiny city-state known for its casinos, yachts, and Formula One Grand Prix. Visit the Prince's Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, and the Monte-Carlo Casino, and enjoy the luxurious restaurants and shopping. Don't miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony at noon.

  • Day 14: Jardin Exotique
    15 minutes (5 miles) from Monaco

    End your trip on a high note at the Jardin Exotique, a stunning botanical garden perched on a cliff in Monaco. Admire the rare and exotic plants from around the world, the prehistoric caves, and the panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Kids will love the playgrounds and the mini-farm.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Promenade des Anglais (1-2 hours, free)
  • Nice Old Town (2-3 hours, $-$$)
  • Castle Hill (1-2 hours, free)
  • Musée Matisse (1-2 hours, $-$$)
  • Marineland (4-5 hours, $$-$$$)
  • Parc Phoenix (2-3 hours, $-$$)
  • Saint-Paul-de-Vence (4-5 hours, $-$$$)
  • Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (2-3 hours, $$-$$$)
  • Cap Ferrat Coastal Path (2-3 hours, free)
  • Musée National du Sport (2-3 hours, $-$$)
  • Castle of the Dukes of Savoy (2-3 hours, $-$$)
  • Musée de la Photographie André Villers (1-2 hours, $-$$)
  • Monaco (4-5 hours, $$-$$$)
  • Jardin Exotique (1-2 hours, $-$$)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $$-$$$

Transportation

Getting around Nice and the French Riviera is easy and convenient. You can use public transportation, such as buses and trams, or rent a car or a bike. Taxis and Ubers are also available, but they can be expensive. Make sure to plan ahead and check the schedules and routes, especially during peak season. The costs vary depending on your mode of transportation and your itinerary, but expect to spend around $20-50 per day on average.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other nearby towns, such as Cannes, Antibes, or Menton. You can also take a day trip to the picturesque villages of the Provence region, such as Aix-en-Provence or Gordes. If you have less time, you can skip some of the attractions or combine them in a different order. Keep in mind that some places can be crowded or closed during certain times of the day or year, so check the schedules and book in advance.

Airports

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the main airport serving Nice and the French Riviera. It is located about 6 km southwest of the city center, and it offers direct flights to many destinations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The airport has four terminals, connected by a free shuttle bus, and it offers various services and amenities, such as restaurants, shops, and lounges.

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