When traveling through the South of France, you will notice that Nice is so much more than just beaches and restaurants. Here are 5 things you have to do when visiting Nice.
Morning coffee in the Old Town
Nothing beats enjoying a morning coffee and a stroll in the old part of Nice. Especially the area around Cours Saleya Flower Market is recommendable as the vibe and atmosphere here is very authentic. While the old part of Nice offers many charming cafes and restaurants in its narrow streets, Cours Saleya is a visually stunning place to enjoy a coffee. The flower market operates from Tuesday to Sunday and it’s usually quite full - especially during summer - so get here early.
Have a drink at Hotel Negresco
One of the most famous hotels in Nice is Negresco located on Promenade des Anglais. Even though it was built in 1912 and experienced its heydays during the 1950’s, Hotel Negresco stands today as a proud and glamorous symbol of the past. The interior is breathtaking with gobelins and rococo furniture in strong, untraditional colors. There is a two Michelin star restaurant, Le Chantecler, but you can also drop in for a drink before dinner. Fun fact: the staff at the hotel wears costumes strongly influenced by the 18th Century!
Lunch at Le Bistrot d’Antoine
The best lunch I ever had in Nice was at this charming little café in the old town. Bistrot d’Antoine can be found in the Guide Michelin, and the kitchen offers traditional French brasserie food with a very elegant twist. A la carte prices are reasonable too: from 25€-45€. I highly recommend the duck!
Have a “socca” to-go
In Italian it’s Farinata, but in Cote d’Azur it’s Socca - a must-try snack when in Nice! Both locals and tourists enjoy it in between meals. The recipe, which is very simple, consists of chickpea flour, water and olive oil and the finished result may be sprinkled with rosemary, sea salt or pepper. It’s like a thin pancake, but heavier. Socca is sold all over the city, but I found mine at the Cours Saleya Flower Market.
Bicycling along the coast
Anyone who have ever visited Cote d’Azur have most likely been blown away by the beautiful nature. Hence, it would be a shame to visit the region without bicycling along the coast. There are several guided tours if you want a bit of culture as well, but going on your own is also very liberating. The route from Vieille Ville (the old town) to Villefranche-sur-Mer and beyond might be hilly, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Feel the warm breeze on your skin and enjoy the magnificent view to the sea.
The Copenhagen Traveler was sponsored by SAS to Nice. SAS fly directly from Copenhagen to Nice several times a day. For more information click here.
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