A City Guide to Nice, France

A City Guide to Nice, France

A far cry from its glitterati-packed coastal neighbours, this old-world seaside city is a refreshing mashup of colourful street markets, architectural opulence and white-blonde beaches cast with year-round sunshine

Read the full story in Volume 38: Flavour.



The
unofficial capital of the Côte d’Azur since the 1700s, this shimmering
stretch of city has long been a magnet for artists. It was a source
of inspiration for belle époque painters Marc Chagall and
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, as well as home to Henri Matisse for a large
part of his life. Little wonder, when its Promenade des Anglais – a
7km coastal boulevard that stretches along the edge of the city –
gives on to uninterrupted views of the glittering-blue
Mediterranean, right in the heart of town.

Know where to go in Nice and you’ll discover a heady mix of
European flavours (the city spent 500 years under the Kingdom of
Sardinia, and this Italian influence still
informs much of its gastronomy today). Days here are best spent
meandering in and out of daily markets in the Old Town (grazing on
street snacks like socca – chickpea pancakes – on your way),
people-watching along the waterfront or settling in for coffee and
pastries at a candy-coloured neighbourhood boulangerie, of which
you’ll find several in this guide.

Discover more stories from the Flavour issue here.

City by the sea: where to stay, eat, drink and shop in the
capital of the Côte d’Azur


hotel

Hôtel la Pérouse

Nice, France

A quintessentially French Riviera hotel tucked between the Old Town and the port, this quaint bolthole offers breezy rooms, many with private balconies that have killer views across the Baie des Anges. But the diamond in its crown? A secluded rooftop terrace we’re calling out as the best spot for sundowners in the whole town.

Address

11 Quai Rauba Capeu, 06300

Nice Deck Hotel

hotel

The Deck

For those seeking affordable comfort close to the sea, The Deck is ideal – this beachy, blue-and-white hotel is tucked right between the Old Town and the promenade. While the breakfast add-on provides a generous morning buffet, guests will find coffee, pastries and games available around the clock in the communal lounge.

Address

2 Rue Maccarani, 06000

Sonder, Nice France

hotel

Sonder at Yelo Jean Médecin

A cool, comfortable design hotel in a classic Haussmann-style building, just a short stroll from Nice-Ville train station. Stylish interiors take inspiration from travels in the Mediterranean, with hues of olive, azure and terracotta, while the decorative touches spring from bohemian Bali.

Address

47bis Avenue Jean Médecin, 06000