Our Top Things to do in Nice South of France

When heading to the French Riviera we recommend staying in Nice as a base to explore this wonderful part of the world. The coast line of Nice is something to be beheld with the clear bright blue waters urging you to go for a swim.

Take a look at our top things to do in Nice:

Castle Hill View Point

Take the steps and hike to the top of Castle Hill View Point. There are around 300 steps until you reach the top, but do not be deterred there are viewing platforms at each level and you can stop, rest and take a picture of the view at each stage.

Once you reach the top you are treated to unparallel views of Nice, Playa de Anglais and Nice Old Town. The clear blue water and shore line is the main pull.

The view point is totally free.

Place Rosetti Square

This beautiful square located in Nice’s Old Town is truly the stuff of post cards. Eat in the restaurants or grab an ice cream from the ice cream shops selling a very strange variety of ice cream flavours everything from coca cola to olive and thyme.

Where you ever you sit or stand enjoy people watching in this charming square.

Port Lympia Harbour

Nice’s harbour Port Lympia is a hub of activity welcoming yachts of all sizes, cruise ships and small motor boats. Head out on a boat trip or sit in one of the many restaurants and bars across from the harbour serving up delicious sea food, French dishes and Italian dishes with the view of the harbour.

Sip on a cold beverage as the sun goes down as you watch the boats come in and out.

Source: Yacht Service Azur

Cafe de Turin

Cafe de Turn has been a institution in Nice for the past 100 years. Browse the fresh seafood in the tanks and fridges before you sit down and marvel at the fresh caught oysters and sea food. Review the menu and choose a restaurant advised sea food platter or make your own from the large selection on offer on the menu.

Enjoy the ambiance and sip on a glass of wine while feasting on fresh cold seafood.

Sunset on the Beach

One of the best ways to watch the sunset in Nice is to head on down to the beach to watch the sun set over the shore line and city. We recommend grabbing a bottle of rose from the supermarket and a pizza from a local pizzeria to enjoy the occasion.

Promenade de Anglais

Take a run, walk or bike ride down Promenade de Anglais and watch locals and tourists go by taking in the views of the coast line. The pavement is a hub of activity as locals get in their daily workout and tourists stroll hand in hand.

Head further down by the Old Town and grab a table at one of the bars overlooking Promenade de Anglais for the full experience.

Beach Clubs

Dotted all the way down beach are the famous Nice beach clubs. Hire a sunbed for the day and enjoy the crystal clear waters and beach atmosphere. Order drinks and fresh fish from the menu as you watch the waves crash upon the shore.

Old Town

The Old Town in Nice is a colourful wonderland filled with cute brasserie’s and patisseries complete with outdoor seating areas to watch the locals and tourist alike go by. Explore the architecture or restaurant for some local delicacies depending on your taste.

Source: Riviera Bar Crawls

Market Square

Inside the Old Town is Market Square, a full sized market offering a variety of fresh produce from local sellers such as flowers, dried meats and breads. Local souvenirs such as soaps and perfume can also be found in this colourful corner of Nice.

Le Plongeoir

No trip to Nice is complete without visiting Le Plongeoir. This former diving spot turned restaurant hangs over the sea with views of the Port, beach and sea. It is the perfect place to sit and enjoy watching the water with a glass of wine.

Boat Trips

There are so many boat trips on offer from Nice sailing around the South of France. Lots of nearby locations can be reached by boat such as Cannes and St Tropez. For a different way to see the French Riviera do it by boat.

Day Trips:

One of the best ways to see the South of France is by heading out on some day trips from Nice. Nice is a great base and other destinations in the South of France can be reached by car, train or boat.

Day trip to Cannes

Cannes is a 30 minute train journey from Nice and one of my top recommendations for a day trip from Cannes. Home to the famous Cannes Film Festival this glitzy city by the sea has so much to offer.

We recommend heading to La Guerite the most iconic beach club in Cannes reached only by boat.

Day trip to Monaco

Head to Monaco for the day or even just for the evening. You can reach Monaco by train in 20 minutes, or 30 minutes by car from Nice. Monaco is a hub for the rich and famous and definitely a place to dress in your fineries. Head to Cafe de Paris and enjoy drinks on the terrace before heading to the famous Monaco Casino to try your hand at gambling.

Day Trip to Menton

Head to the colourful town of Menton along the South of France with just a 40 minute train from Nice. Menton is famed for not only it’s beautiful beach and harbour, but also it’s lush gardens and greenspaces.

Source: France Bucket List

Day Trip to Eze

Eze is a destination to be missed in the South of France. This hillside village offers old time France vibes which date back to the middle ages. Architect lovers will be in their element as they take in the colourful buildings and their historical origins. Wander around Eze and head to the small brasseries whilst taking in the view. Many spots in Eze give a view of the Mediterranean due it’s excellent hill top spot. You can reach Eze from Nice in 30 minutes. The train station is located at the bottom of the village s those looking not to take part in the climb should get the bus or hop in a 30 minute Uber.

Source: Trip Savvy

Day Trip to St Tropez

Nice has a ferry service to St Tropez everyday except Sunday and reaches St Tropez in 2 hours. The ferry departs at 9am daily before departing back to Nice at 7pm. Enjoy wandering St Tropez and exploring the various designer boutiques and designer cafes including the Dior cafe. Spend some time at some of the designer beach clubs having lunch and listening to the DJ.

Source: Trip Advisor

Provence Wine Day Trip

No trip to Nice is complete without heading inland to Provence to take part in a tasting of some gorgeous Provence rose. The fastest way to reach Provence is by car and you can be there in 2.5 hours from Nice. Head to a winery and explore how the world famous Cotes de Provence rose is made and take part in that all important tasting.