Travelling the Cote D’Azur: 2 Day Whistle Stop Nice Itinerary

April 12, 2019

With 300 days of sun each year, it is no surprise why the French Riviera is a hot spot among many people each year. On my travels of the Cote D’Azur, I spent a wonderful two days in Nice and some time in Monaco. Here are some of the must-see locations to add to your Nice itinerary.

Promenade des Anglais

Spanning 7km, the promenade is a centerpiece of the city. Named after the English in the 1800s, the vast area of coastline now hosts a wide range of hotels and restaurants. The gorgeous sea view will be the first and last thing you see when in Nice, leaving an unforgettable mark on your trip. Although a pebble beach, it does not stop locals and tourists from appreciating the view. There are also benches all the way down to see the view from different angles and watch the day go by. It is beyond difficult to avoid this on your Nice itinerary.

Castle Hill

Definitely, one to add to your Nice itinerary. Although there is no longer a castle, which was used for military purposes from the 11th – 18th century, the top of the hill showcases the beautiful view Nice has to offer. If you are up for a challenge, there are 365 stairs to reach the top – and I warn you now, they are steep! Alternatively, you can use the free lift around the corner.

Old Nice

Right by the promenade is the Old Town. As suggested by the name, it is old, and surrounded by narrow streets, boutiques and brightly coloured buildings. Why add it to your Nice itinerary? Here you can soak up the full culture of the city and see how the locals do it. Word of warning, however, many of the roads look really quite similar so it can be difficult to navigate your way around!

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Cours Saleya

A bustling market, the Cours Saleya is the perfect place to grab a bargain. As a renowned market, you will find many of the locals here, seeking fruits, vegetables, flowers or antiques – depending on the day. One of the prominent features of Old Town, and definitely worth a snoop.

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St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

Built in 1912, this Russian Orthodox Church was instigated by Tsar Nicholas II, who wanted this to be a place of worship for the growing Russian elite in Nice (for more history, visit this site). After many disputes about who it belongs to, it is has finally been placed in the arms of the Russian Federation. Anyone is allowed to visit, and witness the grandiose nature of this church. This is quite a walk from the city centre, but one of my favourite additions to the Nice itinerary – a truly spectacular building.

Place Massena

The main square of the city, Place Massena is one of the top places to visit. With architecture, new and old, gardens alongside it, shops to be in awe of and picturesque surroundings make it truly delightful.

Notre-Dame de Nice

Situated on the Avenue Jean Medecin, the Notre-Dame de Nice, is the largest church in the city. Built in the late 1800s, after Nice became French, it was put in place to signify both the independence of the city, but also the importance of religion. A good one to see whilst shopping.

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Nice is a beautiful city with a lot of history, shown by its many European influences. Have you ever been to Nice? What would you add to your Nice itinerary?