Live like a local when in Nice

Cycle the Promenade: Velos blues are popular in Nice, there are nearly 2000 of them to hire, and 175 bike stations. You needn’t be a cycling pro, as the promenade provides a flat and enjoyable cycle! Here’s a tip- the first 30 minutes are free, so unlock it and return it back to a stand half an hour later and get another one out!

Don’t miss the boat: We can’t recommend enough the experience of a day trip for a well-rounded experience of the Riviera. A ferry service is available from Nice Port to a number of destinations including: St Tropez; La Corniche d’Or (between Cannes/St Raphael); San Remo (Italy); Various ports in Corsica. We can particularly recommend the 1 ½ hour boat trip around Villefranche bay which leaves from the Cote d’azur office at Nice Port and also the Lerin Island/corniche trip which leaves at 9 am and returns at 7pm. Anchor between the islands in the midst of glittering turquoise waters and enjoy a refreshing dip before an al fresco lunch.

Visitor Information Centre: A small tourist information office is situated near the fountain at Place Massena, and another on the Promenade des Anglais next to the Casino (http://www.nice-tourism.com/en/tourist-information-offices-in-nice.html).

Evening Entertainment:

Nice Opera is within walking distance, and several of the cinemas in Nice show the latest releases of films in English Language (look for VO version). For a sundowner head, to Hotel Meridien for panoramic views of the bay, or for a more lively night, Wayne’s bar is full of a younger crowd each night. A few train stops down the coast lead you to Cannes, which is brimming with a vast array of bars and clubs, or push the boat out and head to Monaco to try your hand in the casino.

Local shops: Most importantly, where can you get your breakfast croissant from! When you step out the apartment there are several epiceries, boulangeries to get essentials; or head up the high street by tram or foot to Monoprix, the supermarket. In Place St Francois the daily fish market sells fresh catches and finishes as the fishmonger’s energy levels deplete, or Cours Saleya is the place for fresh fruit, veg and traditional nibbles, every day until about 1.30pm except Monday when it is a flea market.

Gallery

Restaurants recommended in Nice – most personally visited.

Chez Palmyre

Rue Droite (round corner from flat – same road as Acchiardo)

5 Rue Droite, Old Town

Tel 04 93 85 72 32

Gets booked up – book up before you get to Nice or early in your holiday- 3 courses for 15 Euro – unbelievably good and great value…!

Voyageur Nissart

19 Rue Alsace Lorraine (near Gare SNCF stop –Rue Jean Medecin)

Tel 04 93 82 19 60 www.voyageurnissart.com

Open Tues-Sun; Try the 15.90 euro 3 course fixed price menu – fantastic value!

Rossettisserie Restaurant (a couple of mins from flat through the cathedral square/place Rossetti)

8 Rue Mascoinat

www.rossettisserie.com

(closed Sunday and Monday)

Really enjoyable! Choice of four roast meats roasted over spit

Tel: 0493761880

Café Restaurant de la Bourse (only open for lunch)

rue Pairoliere, Nice, France (Old Town / Vieux Nice)

04 93 62 38 39

Opposite the Place St Francois fishmarket – seats outside and upstairs inside.. Lots of locals eat here for the 13 Euro 3 course menu inc a complimentary Kir. Only open for lunch.

Le Bistrot de la Veille

8 Rue St Vincent Tel 04 89 22 68 98

Wine bar with outdoor seating and serving food – near St Francois fish market – old town. Highly recommended by others

Bistro Antoine (2nd restaurant turning left from flat)

27 rue de la prefecture

Tel 04 93 85 29 57

Traditional French menu – literally around the corner opposite wine shop

Le Bistro du Fromager (round the corner from the flat)

29 Rue Benoit Bunico

Tel 04.93.13.07.83 Nice

Every cheese dish you can imagine!

Oliviera –

8 bis rue du Collet, 06300 Nice, France (Old Town / Vieux Nice)

0493130645

Great place to eat – lovely! Currently no 1 on trip adviser..

Taverne Massena (no need to book)

25 Rue Massena (pedestrian zone)

Tel 04 93 87 77 57

Traditional tavern – lovely inside & terrace; local dishes and pizzas cooked over wood fire

Restaurant Acchiardo (round the corner from flat)

38 Rue Droite

06300 Vieux Nice

Tel 04.93.85.51.16

(closed Saturday and Sunday)

Excellent; Run by a family – Veal and steak dishes/pasta; very Italian influenced..

Le Bistrot du Port

28 Quai Lunel

Tel 04 93 55 21 70

www.lebistrotduportdenice.fr

Apparently a foodie favourite – freshly caught fish; we haven’t been yet; Terrace and outside seating

Café de Turin

5 Place Garibaldi

Tel 04 93 62 29 52

Mainly shellfish – renowned

www.cafedeturin.fr

(Get tram to Place Garibaldi – direction port)

Les Deux Canailles

6 Rue Chauvain

04 93 01 84 83

3 course menu €45 in the Michelin Guide 2012; Recommended by our foodie taxi driver!

Le Rendezvous des Amis

176 Avenue de Rimiez

Recommended by foodie nicoise taxi driver! Take the No 25 bus there – 20/30 min bus ride (stop “l’aire st Michael”)– it is on Nice outskirts; we haven’t tried yet but apparently great food not charging city centre prices..

Tel: +33493844966

e-mail: [email protected]

Le Local

4 Rue Rusca

Nice Port

Tel 04 93 14 08 29

Delicatessin/bistro; Known for its antipasti, pasta, cured meats, cheeses and tirimasu

Les Amoureux – rated best Pizza in Nice!

7 Rue Fodere (Nice port area)

Tel 33 (0) 4 93 07 59 73

Tram: Garibaldi (near port)

Open Mon – Sat evening; closed Sunday

Ice-cream Bars

Place Rossetti by the flat is known as “ice-cream square” – the ice-cream bars are open until at least midnight if not later with many opting to have their pudding here rather than in a restaurant. Gelaterie Fenocchio has an amazing display and a myriad of flavours; our favourite is the one in our own road – St Reparate just below the flat – Azzurro Gelati. Quality ingredients.

Bars recommended in Rue de la Prefecture

(Road flat is adjacent to)

Les Distilleries Ideales

24 Rue de la Prefecture

www.lesdistilleriesideales.fr

Possibly the most beautiful bar in Nice – a selection of beers in a distillery setting just around the corner from the flat. If you want a bite to eat they offer a plate of cheese on a slate slab (5 euro) or a plate of meat (5 euro).

Master Home

11 Rue de la Prefecture

Upmarket place for drinks – Free snacks and live music 7 nights a week

Recommended for Breakfast

Le Coin Quotidien

Just at end of Cours Saleya…Good for breakfast! Delicious fresh breads..

3 Rue Louis Gassin

06300 Nice

Tel 04 93 62 94 32

Restaurants further afield

Menton

A Braijade Meridiounale, 66 Rue Longue, 06500 Menton Tel 04 93 35 65 65 www.abraijade.fr

You need to walk up a residential alley in the old town – it looks unlikely there is a restaurant there and then you come to it. Its fantastic and well worth the walk.