Let’s discover Nice!

New recommendation from our team! It’s time to discover one of the favourite holiday destinations of Annika, our German colleague. For an escape to good temperatures and the summer heat, Annika recommends a coastal destination which it’s hard not to fall in love with. Beautiful gem of the French Riviera, let’s discover… Nice!

Hi Annika, which destination would you recommend?

Hey, today I would like to present a special city which is not only home to an incredible beach with a dazzling blue sea but also a rich culture: we are travelling to one of the most exciting cities of the French Riviera: Nice.

What’s special about this place?

Nice is really special to me because of the many memories of summer holidays there with my family from when when I was younger. What makes Nice truly special is the unique atmosphere which prevails over the city. In every corner you can discover the different influences which have shaped Nice into the city it is today: its italian roots, its former status as the top destination for Russian and English aristocracy, the works of artists such as Henri Matisse, or the current huge student population of Nice. All of this has transformed the city into what it is today: a diverse metropolis.

Which parts of the city are essential to visit?

If you are on holiday in Nice, take a stroll along the beautiful promenade: Promenade des Anglais. It runs along the length of the Bay of Angels and offers wonderful views: on one side you can admire the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the white pebble beach; and to the other side luxury hotels line the avenue including the famous Negresco. Take a seat on one of the iconic blue seats and relax watching the hustle of runners, roller skaters and tourists pass by.

Do you know of any secret spot which you would like to tell us about?

It’s not really a secret spot, but nevertheless it is something which I wholeheartedly recommend, and that’s the art museums of Nice. They are a lovely alternative to the beach and the busy old town. It is not in vain that artists such as Henri Matisse or Jules Chéret found sources of inspiration in the city; Nice is truly a city of the arts! In the splendid Fine Arts Museum you can admire the works of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Thus you can escape the midday heat by enjoying the creativity and beauty of art.

What would be your perfect day in Nice?

My perfect day in Nice would start at a terrace in the old town – of course with a coffee and a croissant (oh so french!). Afterwards I would visit one of the markets which are present most days in Nice. My favourite market is Marché à la Brocante in Cours Saleya. Every Monday there you can find antiques, jewellery, vintage clothing and much more. I love sauntering around the market and imagining who used to own all these antiques and the story behind them.

When it gets too hot at midday I would return to the old town and sit at one of the bars with wooden benches and tables which are so typical of Nice. I’d relax watching the world go by with a glass of rosé and a socca (a traditional niçois pancake made of chickpeas). Without a doubt I would spent the afternoon at the beach; there is nothing better than listening to the sound of the waves and basking in the sun.

In the evening I would go up to the castle hill, Colline du Château, a mountain of approximately 90 metres in height and at the peak of which you can find the ruins of an ancient fort. The climb to the top is totally worth it as the route is lined with little waterfalls, cacti and palm trees. When you do arrive at the top you can enjoy a fantastic view over the old town and the beach. If you’re at the top at the right time, you can watch the sun set beautifully and if you’re lucky enough you may get to see a firework display which they sometimes do.

 What would be the song of the trip?

“Je veux” by the French singer Zaz is the perfect song for relaxing at the beach.

Describe the city in three words.

Turquoise, lively, timeless.

Any advice for future visitors?

If you can, when you visit Nice, make the most of discovering La Côte d’Azur: Nice is the ideal starting point for excursions along the French Riviera. Just a few minutes away by car are famous places such as Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Monaco; and the Italian border is just some 30 kilometres away. A tip for the real explorers is the Ticket Azur for just €1,50 per trip, with which you can travel by bus to the beautiful towns on the outskirts of Nice such as Menton.

Thank you Annika for your recommendation; we loved it and we’re sure our readers will do too! We’ll see you next month with new installment of Our Team Recommends. Which destination will we surprise you with next?