Welcome to the queen of the French Riviera – Nice!
Nice has everything that you could want – beaches, cafes, scenic walks, world-renowned, churches, and some of the best dining experiences in the region. It is also small enough that it does not feel like you have just touched down in New York City.
Planning a trip to Nice? Here are some things you should know before you step foot on the French Riviera:
Fun Events
Nice is one of France’s liveliest and most vibrant cities – with great weather, a long coastline, and a constant stream of tourists. Nice has a younger population in comparison to the rest of France, which contributes to its status as a vibrant hub for the country’s artistic, musical, and athletic communities. Many famous people from France and around the world have visited Nice just to experience the vibrant culture, particularly during certain festivals. There are many things to do Nice, but we have chosen some of the best ones to try. The Monte-Carlo Rally is one of the first events that Nice presents to the world.
Months of planning are required to secure a good view spot at the parades at Carnaval de Nice in February or the Nice Jazz Festival in July. The same goes for internationally renowned events such as the Monaco grand Prix or the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) in Menton.
Satisfy Your Tastebuds
Nice is full of walk-up restaurants. You can order at the counter without making a reservation – from seaside cafés to antique caves à manger (wine bars). If you want to try out the creative contemporary cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, like the Tourteaux brothers at Flaveur, Michal Gracieux at L’Aromate, or South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen at Jan, you should make an appointment at least two weeks in advance.
The salad Niçoise is something of a culinary novelty in Nice, but one that you shouldn’t pass up. If you can’t eat gluten, you can still enjoy another meal I recommend called “Socca.” The main ingredients are chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. It’s a simple dish that’s served with pepper around lunchtime. At about 3 Euros per serving, it’s an affordable and satisfying snack. You can’t go wrong with an Aperol spritz or a glass of Provence red, white, or rose wine.
Sip Good Wine
Nice has only one vineyard, and it is called the little Bellet vineyard. The vineyard is only a short distance from Monaco and benefits from 2,700 hours of sunshine annually. Farms owned and operated by families Bellet uses predominantly indigenous grape types in its wines. The rolle grape is blended with chardonnay to make their white wines. They make red and rosé wines from both traditional and unconventional grapes native to the region.
Moreover, the wine from the Bellet vineyard in Nice is an AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée) wine. It means it has met the standards set by the French government. There are nine growers that work the 50-hectare vineyard. And they are all dedicated to preserving the environment and the AOC’s heritage. Before the Roman Empire established permanent settlements in the area and advanced winemaking, the Greeks introduced the Bellet variety of vines in the fifth century BC.
Set Sail
Nice is a French Riviera gem and a popular destination for VIPS and pleasure cruisers. The milk climate with temperatures rarely dropping below -10°C in winter and 25°C in summer. Indeed the proximity of the mountains that protect the bay from the north winds are to thank for its milk climate. Nice was badly damaged during the Second World War but has since been restored to its former glory.
Set sail to see Côte d’Azur’s legendary coastline in a whole new light. The Trans Côte d’Azur boats leave Nice and travel east along the beautiful coast, passing Villefranche-du-Mer, Cap Ferrat, and ze on the way to Monaco. Then continue on to the glamorous St. Tropez by way of Antibes and the glitzy Cannes.
Experience Nice
The crown jewel of the French Riviera is a magnificent treasure trove of artistic and cultural riches. There’s no way to explore everything this charming city on the French Riviera has to offer in a single visit. But you can always start with your first!
If you have questions about Nice, and how to rent a boat in the area, please contact us.
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