Seafront · Morning stroll
Walk the bay early before the hottest part of the day.
France · Socca mornings and coastal trains from a Nice base
Nice & the French Riviera
Nice puts a food market, pebble beaches and hillside viewpoints within one day’s walk. Use it as a base for the Riviera, but keep some mornings unscheduled for Cours Saleya and the lanes of Vieux-Nice.
When to go: May through June and September offer warm coastal walking weather with less midsummer congestion; September is particularly appealing for combining swims with sightseeing.
What to pack for Nice & the French Riviera
- Any brand
Padded beach mat
A little cushioning matters on stones rather than sand.
- Any brand
Swimwear
Keep it available for a seaside break between day trips.
- Any brand
Grippy trainers
Castle Hill steps and Èze’s slopes need more support than flip-flops.
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Things to do in Nice & the French Riviera
Old Town edge · Panorama
Climb or use the lift for views over the bay and port.
Vieux-Nice · Market morning
Food and flower stalls give way to antiques on Mondays.
Port · Quayside walk
Continue beyond the headland for a different waterfront scene.
Old Town · Slow wandering
Explore narrow streets between market and church stops.
Cimiez · Museum time
Build an art-led outing around the artist’s work.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat · Riviera day trip
A dedicated excursion combines villa interiors and gardens.
Rue Droite · Local snack
Watch for traditional socca and other Niçoise takeaway dishes.
What to eat in Nice & the French Riviera
Socca
A thin chickpea galette, cooked over a wood fire at Chez Thérésa, is best eaten promptly.
Where to find itPissaladière
Onion tart is another traditional takeaway option at Chez Thérésa.
Where to find itTourte de blettes
Chard pie bridges vegetables and pastry at the same old-town shop.
Where to find itPan bagnat
A Niçoise filled sandwich suits a portable lunch from Chez Marie-Thé on Cours Saleya.
Where to find itSoupe au pistou
Vegetable soup with basil-rich pistou is highlighted at Lou Balico by the tourist office.
Where to find it
What travelers loved
Nice as a convenient base
A couple based in Nice found regional train travel efficient and easy to understand.
Read the originalÈze for the views
They particularly enjoyed Èze’s architecture and a cliffside meal overlooking the sea.
Read the originalOld town at a slower pace
A separate two-day visitor enjoyed wandering the old town, relaxing with wine and seeing its churches.
Read the originalParaphrased from public traveler reports; follow each link for the original.
Before you go: health & entry
Routine immunization for France
Before traveling to Nice, review CDC’s routine vaccine advice, including MMR and tetanus protection. Source
Hepatitis A and itinerary
Consider hepatitis A vaccination for France, particularly if this Riviera stay includes street food or rural excursions. Source
A summary of public guidance, checked on 2026-10-23. It's not medical advice: see a travel clinic or your doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Nice & the French Riviera travel questions
Are Nice’s beaches sandy?+
Most central beaches are pebbly; water shoes and a padded mat can make them more comfortable.
Can I visit the Riviera without a car?+
Many coastal towns have rail connections; hilltop villages such as Èze require additional bus travel or a climb from the coastal station.
How long should I stay in Nice?+
Allow three days for Nice itself and add a day for each unhurried coastal or hill-village excursion.
