Once Europe becomes more accessible as a travel destination, Nice will be one of the obvious choices for those looking for a holiday from home. Merely an hour and a half flight away, and a short journey down the promenade and you have arrived at your Nice holiday apartment. Tucked into the Old Town of Nice, it’s the perfect location to reach the beachfront, art galleries and local restaurants in seconds. Read on to discover our favourite spots in the French Riviera, all easily accessible on the train or electric car close to the apartment.
View of Nice from Castle Hill
Nice
Nice is a lively and cultured city from where you can explore the delights of the Côte d’Azur. After visiting the boulangerie for morning pastries, navigate through the quaint, cobbled streets of the old town brimming with unique boutiques and craft shops. Head to the flower market to see Nice in full bloom, and if you stroll through the hustle and bustle under the archway you are greeted by the renowned Promenade des Anglais, with the milky blue sea and string of classy beach clubs. Get the lift up to Castle Hill (or stairs if you want to burn off your morning croissant) for the best panoramic views of both the promenade, burnt orange rooftops and the port.
Bar Des Oiseaux
Where to eat? The best thing about the apartment is the proximity to the best eateries all within a very few minutes. Our favourite include La Rossettisserie for a wintery plate of slow cooked succulent meat, paired with a vegetable and side of your choice. Bar des Oiseaux offers a frequently changing menu and a quirky interior, providing the quintessential French eating experience. Chez Palmyre (reserve well in advance) is the best value, authentic meal in the heart of the old town.
Chateau Eza – best seats int he house
Eze
If walking to reap the reward of a striking sea view is up your street, Eze is a must on your French Riviera itinerary. Hop on a short train journey towards Monaco and get off at Eze station. The hike is quite challenging but is under one hour so is worth the push! At the top you will discover the medieval village which is oozing with charm and ambience. Cool off with a cocktail at Chateau Eza for unrivalled views of the French Riviera coastline. After your descent, finish the day off by treating yourself with a visit to Anjuna Beach resort afterwards to kick back on the sun loungers, and tuck into a seafood lunch in the turquoise painted paradise.
View from Bâoli Beach Club
Cannes
Cannes is one of the most well known towns in the South of France, due to it’s film festivals and high profile events, making it a magnet for the A-listers. While we think it’s too hectic to be the best place to stay for some, it makes for a great day trip if you enjoy the finer things in life! A short train ride from Nice in the direction of Grasse, you can explore the designer stores as you make your way towards the famous Croisette. With a golden sand long stretch of beach, a myriad of beach clubs and elegant hotels, it’s hard not to be impressed with Cannes! You can either put a towel down on the public section of the beach, or suck up the price and get a sunbed at one of the high-end beach clubs for a memorable day, you can’t beat a strawberry daiquiri on the plush sofa’s of Bâoli beach club.
Where to eat? A personal favourite for food is De Laura, nestled into the town. It seems strange to recommend Italian food in France but the truffle ravioli and lobster linguine make it unavoidable! If you are looking for lunch on the beach, Vega Luna offers fresh, light and colourful options at a fairer price than it’s well known neighbours.
The best kind of South of France lunch!
Antibes
Antibes is a small ‘yachtie’ hub offering two golden beaches, a quaint old town, the Picasso museum and one of the best ports in the South of France. Amble through the old town, then take the coastal route along the historic wall that encompasses the town to the impressive sculpture piece that overlooks the most impressive super yachts. With artists at every corner, an abundance of eateries and a year-round vibrant buzz from the nautical community, Antibes is a top pick for many French Riviera visitors.
Where to eat? Le Michelangelo is a highly ranked, Italian restaurant close to the harbour. It’s quite a pricey meal but you can see why, as the walls are lined with the celebrities that have graced the restaurant with their presence (including Beyoncé!)
If you crave something more traditional…under the canopy by the Picasso museum they serve fresh Moules-frites that are extremely popular, and you can enjoy in the midst of the Antibes buzz while getting serenaded by local musicians and the rose-selling lady. Just next door, head into the Absinthe bar for a unique experience – they give out hats and have a pianist in a dungeon looking bar!
La Terasse
VilleFranche
Villefranche is our favourite town in the French Riviera, you wont be able to put your phone away it’s so pretty! This picturesque beach village is what you likely envision coastal towns in the South of France to look like; cafés perched on the shoreline, terracotta houses with turquoise shutters staggered up the hill, and deep purple flowers in full bloom. This fishing village retains its charm and authenticity, with it’s beach never too busy, and restaurants the ideal level of busy. Enjoy a fresh orange juice on the waters edge, before exploring the narrow, twisting streets of the town.
Where to eat? La Terasse is all about location. The restaurant is raised and offers panoramic views of the whole town, while being elevated above the sea. Admire the fishing boats contrasted with the mega yachts bobbing about on the sparkling sea while you get stuck into a gooey Buratta and melon wrapped in Parma ham. Quench your thirst with the extensive wine list, and whatever you pick will transport you back to this moment whenever you drink it elsewhere.
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