Two Hours in Nice

We continued our trip across South of France yesterday, leaving the cozy town of Cap Ferrat for three cities: Nice, Cap d’Antibes and Cannes.

We didn’t have a firm itinerary except for our late lunch reservations in Cap d’Antibes and our hotel reservation in Cannes. This allowed us the perfect amount of time for a morning in Nice. The capital of South of France, Nice is the 5th largest city in France and second largest French city on the Mediterranean Sea behind Marseille. Known primarily for its port and large seaside promenade, Nice’s warm weather, clean air and beaches attract more than four million tourists each year. We spent two hours exploring Nice’s waterfront and market, the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what the city offers.

 

The Promenade des Anglais is a large walkway along the waterfront which provides walkers, bikers and runners panoramic views of Nice and the neighboring towns. There are multiple bike rental stations, water fountains and benches where people can relax. Yesterday the promenade was packed with tourists and locals alike who were enjoying the 70 degree temperatures and crystal clear views. The water was too cold for many, but the warm stone beach attracted topless sun bathers and fisherman alike.

Just one block over from Promenade des Anglais, the pedestrian zone or Cours Saleya includes shopping, cafes, and the very popular flower market.  The daily market is primarily known for the the large flower stands but also included local foods and regional goods such as olive oils, lavender, Herbs de Provence, and spices. 

The area also included a number of small boutiques specializing in olive ware, olive oils and other local specialties. We couldn’t help but meander through the streets picking up kitchen essentials such as olive oil as well as a few gifts for loved ones. If we’re able to keep the gifts from our families until Christmas it will amaze us both!

Before leaving we walked a mile down the promenade towards the harbor and War Memorial where we stopped for a mid-morning snack, enjoying the strawberries, raspberries and local cheese purchased at the market. The war memorial, which stands more than 100 feet tall, was originally built to honor the more than 4,000 Nice residents who died during War World I. However since then, the monument has been updated to include those who died in World War II, Indochina and Algeria wars as well.

Given how accessible Nice is both by air travel and train, we can understand why so many flock to Nice. However, we preferred and recommend the smaller, more hidden towns of of Cap Ferrat and Cap d’Antibes.