If you have a spare afternoon in Nice, take a taxi ride to the promontory of Cap Ferrat, France’s most exclusive playground for the rich and famous. Its perfect beaches and steep hillsides are encrusted with fabulous “dream villas” built throughout the last century.
Most of these are private – but the two most historic properties, only 20 minutes walk apart, are open to the public and offer a glimpse into the storybook lives of millionaires past.
Continuing our post from Friday, here are five more Nice, France gems just waiting to be discovered.
Cimiez
Old world meets new in this wealthy residential suburb north of town. Reminders of an ancient Roman past, including an intact amphitheatre and public baths, are juxtaposed with a vibrant modern art scene.
Molinard Perfume Factory
For an aromatic day trip, visit the fragrant town of Grasse and its famed perfume industry. Make your way to Molinard, where a keen sense of smell can help you concoct your own signature line.
Centre de Plongée Sous-Marine
The shimmering Mediterranean entices many visitors to take a closer look. Dive into the azure blue sea to discover underwater caves and view the magnificent blue gorgonians, which is actually a spindly red coral.
Rue de France
Exclusive clothiers. Sidewalk cafés. Trinkets and treasures alike. Give in to the impulse to spend an afternoon (or three) along this decadent pedestrian mall.
Monaco/Monte-Carlo
The glittering of this famous place is highly recommended.
We hope that these Nice must-see sights will help you get more vacation from your vacation and serve as a planning resource for your French Riviera vacation.
Packing your bags for a vacation in Nice, France, or are you dreaming about turning your travel dreams into reality? Either way, when visiting the French Riviera, get off the beaten path and visit these French hot spots.
Neptune
This is arguably one of the finest private beaches found along the seaside walkway. Make sure to take advantage of the surplus of activities on offer. Everything from pedalo boats to jet skis to lazy lounge chairs.
Cours Saleya
Nice’s best-known market, this pedestrian district is attractively laid out, teeming with colorful stalls and lined with pleasant cafés and restaurants. No matter what time of day it is, there’s always something happening here.
L’Escalinada
Visit this delectable hideaway for simple home cooking along a back street of the cobbled Old Town. Snack on courgette flower beignets while choosing a handmade pasta. For a light lunch, try the hometown pride-salade Niçoise.
Mont Boron
Fabulous vistas of the Port of Nice and the Promenade des Anglais await at the top of Mont Boron, the home to several hillside celebrity villas. An easy walk along the downhill path back to the city adds a storybook ending to a sun-soaked day along the Côte d’Azur.
Check back on Tuesday next week as we continue providing you with local sites waiting to be discovered.
We think of the Riviera as a summer resort, but it first took off as an escape for the winter months. During the giddy period known in France as la belle époque – “the beautiful era” of the late 1890s and early 1900s, when the country enjoyed a delicious spell of prosperity and peace – a new railroad connection from Paris to Nice allowed aristocrats to easily swap the gloomy northern shores for the Mediterranean coast, which basked in sunshine all year long.
The English were particularly fond of wintering in the Riviera, and their presence transformed Nice from a quiet fishing port to a chic seaside paradise. They funded the now-famous beachfront walkway, called the Promenade des Anglais (English Promenade) which remains the symbolic heart of the city, always crowded with walkers, bicyclists and roller-bladers.
Bonjour!
We invite you to journey this month to the French Riviera. Spend a lazy afternoon with your toes in the sand as you admire the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean, or stroll along the elegant beachfront walkway called the Promenade des Anglais.
In our series we will share local Nice, France must-see sights and provide suggestions for getting off the beaten path to enjoy the city that lies on the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). Also, during your visit learn the truth about truffles, explore the villas of Cap Ferrat, and go beyond the art galleries with the history behind many famous French paintings.
Escape with us from the winter weather and enjoy your trip to the sunny and temperate climate of the South of France.
