Start your trip by immersing yourself in the charm of Nice's Old Town. In the morning, wander through the narrow, winding streets lined with colorful buildings and explore the famous Cours Saleya Market, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Place Rossetti and admire the beauty of the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate. As the evening sets in, head to the Promenade du Paillon, a lovely park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Old Town and Cours Saleya Market: Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Place Rossetti and Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
Promenade du Paillon: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, check out Cafe de Turin located in the heart of Old Town. This charming cafe offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, try Le Safari Restaurant which specializes in traditional Niçoise cuisine. Enjoy their famous socca, a chickpea flour pancake, and other local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For dinner, La Petite Maison is a must-visit restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and exquisite Mediterranean dishes. Indulge in their signature dishes like the salt-baked sea bass or the famous truffle pasta. Average cost for a meal is about €40 per person.
Tuesday, August 22: Day Trip to Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Embark on a day trip to the picturesque village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. In the morning, explore the medieval walls and charming streets filled with art galleries and boutiques. Visit the Fondation Maeght, a modern art museum showcasing works by renowned artists. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, take in the breathtaking views from the village's ramparts and visit the Chapelle du Rosaire, designed by Henri Matisse. Return to Nice in the evening.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Cost: Free, Time spent: Full day trip
Fondation Maeght: Cost: €16, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Chapelle du Rosaire: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at La Patisserie des Remparts, located in the heart of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Indulge in freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, head over to La Colombe d'Or, an iconic restaurant known for its art collection and outdoor terrace. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Average cost for a meal is about €35 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Le Tilleul, a cozy restaurant tucked away in the charming streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Delight in traditional French dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about €50 per person.
Wednesday, August 23: Beach Day at Promenade des Anglais
Spend a relaxing day on one of Nice's most famous beaches, Promenade des Anglais. In the morning, find a spot on the pebbly beach and soak up the sun. Take a refreshing dip in the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach or choose from the many beachside restaurants and cafes. In the afternoon, rent a beach chair and umbrella for ultimate comfort. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Promenade des Anglais: Cost: Free, Time spent: Full day
Beach Chair and Umbrella Rental: Cost: €10-15, Time spent: Flexible
Restaurants
Breakfast: Le Petite Déjeuner is a charming café located near Promenade des Anglais. They offer a delightful selection of pastries and delicious breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
Lunch: La Voglia is a popular Italian restaurant just a short walk from the beach. They serve authentic thin-crust pizzas and a variety of pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
Dinner: Le Safari is a fantastic seafood restaurant with a cozy ambiance. They offer a wide selection of fresh seafood and traditional French dishes. Average cost for a meal is about €30 per person.
Thursday, August 24: Day Trip to Monaco
Experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco on a day trip from Nice. In the morning, visit the iconic Casino Monte-Carlo and explore its luxurious surroundings. Marvel at the extravagant yachts in the Port Hercules. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the exquisite restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, visit the Prince's Palace and watch the changing of the guard. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Monte Carlo and indulge in some retail therapy at the high-end boutiques. Return to Nice in the evening.
Casino Monte-Carlo: Cost: Free to enter, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Port Hercules: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
Prince's Palace: Cost: €8, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at Café de Paris, a charming breakfast spot located in the heart of Monte Carlo. Enjoy a croissant and a cup of coffee while sitting on the outdoor terrace, watching the city come to life. Average cost for a meal is about 10 euros per person.
For a memorable lunch experience, head to Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a refined dining experience with exquisite French cuisine. Indulge in their tasting menu, which showcases the finest ingredients and culinary expertise. Average cost for a meal is about 200 euros per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a dinner at La Petite Maison, a popular Mediterranean restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious dishes. Try their famous "petit sale nicoise" or grilled sea bass, and don't forget to order a bottle of local wine. Average cost for a meal is about 50 euros per person.
Friday, August 25: Explore the French Riviera
On your last day, take a scenic drive along the stunning French Riviera coastline. In the morning, visit the glamorous city of Cannes and stroll along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette. Admire the luxury shops and hotels and relax on the sandy beaches. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Antibes, a charming town known for its Picasso Museum and charming old town. Explore the vibrant market and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. Return to Nice in the evening.
Cannes: Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Antibes: Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Picasso Museum: Cost: €6, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head over to La Tarte Tropézienne. This charming patisserie offers a variety of delicious pastries and traditional French breakfast items. The average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, try Le Comptoir du Marché. Located in the heart of Antibes' vibrant market, this restaurant offers fresh and seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
For dinner, Le Plongeoir is a must-visit. This unique restaurant is located on a rocky island just off the coast of Nice, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a gourmet seafood dinner with an average cost of about €50 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Nice, don't miss the opportunity to visit the stunning Parc de la Colline du Château, located on a hill overlooking the city. Take an elevator or climb the stairs to reach the park and enjoy panoramic views of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea. Another local favorite is the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse. Explore the artist's masterpieces in a beautiful setting. For a unique experience, venture to the colorful neighborhood of Le Vieux Nice and wander through its charming streets filled with shops, cafes, and local boutiques.