Nice.

What to do in Nice Côte d'Azur France

Nice divides neatly between the salty grit of the port and the Baroque sprawl of the old town. Days naturally revolve around morning market runs on Cours Saleya, brisk walks along the Promenade des Anglais, and leisurely lunches of farcis and cold rosés. It suits curious eaters, independent walkers, and anyone who appreciates a city that remains a hardworking port first and a holiday escape second.

24 hours in Nice Côte d'Azur France

Start early at Cours Saleya for coffee and fresh pissaladière before climbing Castle Hill on foot. Descend into Vieux Nice for lunch at a no-fuss bistro serving daube ravioli. Spend the afternoon around Port Lympia, then grab a glass of local Bellet wine near Place Garibaldi as the sun drops behind the hills. Select 1 Day above to see it.

2 days in Nice Côte d'Azur France

Day two adds the green heights of Cimiez. Ride the bus up to the Roman ruins and the Musée Matisse, then walk down through the tree-lined avenues of Carabacel. For dinner, head away from the waterfront toward the Libération market district for fresh grilled sardines and local natural wines. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.

3 days in Nice Côte d'Azur France

A third day allows for the coast. Take the coastal trail around Cap de Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer for lunch right on the water, then ride the local train back. If mountain air sounds better, board the Train des Pignes out to Entrevaux for medieval stone gates and river views.

Nice Côte d'Azur France itineraries by interest

• Street Food in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  Grab blistered socca from Chez Pipo, hot pissaladière layered with onions and anchovies, or a crusty pan bagnat dripping with olive oil and tuna.

• Produce Markets in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  Cours Saleya fills by seven with Cavaillon melons, courgette blossoms for frying, Menton lemons, and pungent wheels of mountain Tomme de Vache.

• Modern Art in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  Matisse worked under this exact light in Cimiez; pair his museum with the vivid blue canvases and sculptures at MAMAC near Garibaldi.

• Local Seafood in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  Line-caught sea bass, grilled sardines, and squid fried crisp in cast iron, served without ceremony at portside tables along Quai Lunel.

• Wine & Vineyards in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  Bellet AOC clings to the hills above town, pouring rare dry whites made from Rolle and peppery red Folle Noire alongside local sheep cheeses.

• Coastal Walks in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  The Sentier du Littoral curves around the rocky base of Cap de Nice toward Villefranche, offering clear swimming coves and flat limestone ledges.

• Old Town Alleys in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  Rue Droite and Place Rossetti wind through Baroque chapels, small bakeries turning out tourte de blettes, and quiet cellar wine bars.

• Sacred Architecture in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate shows off Italian Baroque stucco, while the domed St Nicholas Russian Cathedral marks royal winter migration.

• Hilltop Views in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  Climb the stone stairs to the Colline du Château for panoramic views of the terracotta roofs, the port yachts, and the long sweep of the bay.

• Regional Cooking in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  Order daube niçoise over thick ravioli, stockfish stewed with leeks, and stuffed petits farcis certified by the traditional Cuisine Nissarde label.

• Public Squares in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  Place Garibaldi delivers red-shuttered facades and cold vermouth, while Place Masséna provides tram connections beneath checkerboard paving.

• Day Trips in Nice Côte d'Azur France

  The seaside train reaches Villefranche in seven minutes, or climb into the pre-Alps on the Train des Pignes toward the walled town of Entrevaux.