City guide: our top addresses in Nice ☀️
Nissa la bella
Nice is a city of a thousand colors, with strong Italian influences. A great destination for a family weekend, the city is easily accessible by plane or by train. It can be explored on foot and under sunshine that shines 127 days a year. Don't forget your towels and swimsuits!
An ideal day in Nice
After a great breakfast at Marinette, a treat for the taste buds in the heart of old Nice, head to the Cours Saleya and its famous flower market. Around 11 AM, stop for a drink at La Civette to soak up the atmosphere, then browse L'Atelier des jouets (Rue de l'Ancien Sénat) to find wonderful things that will delight the children.
When your stomach starts to rumble, nothing beats a socca and a Swiss chard pie — Niçois specialties — bought from the "Chez Thérèse" tricycle cart (28 Rue Droite). Go early, there's often a queue from noon. Best enjoyed on the beach, as the famous Promenade des Anglais is just a few meters away.
Marie's tip: bring a towel to sit on — the pebbles are hard on your backside!
After a mandatory stop at Fenochio, the best ice cream shop in town offering nearly 100 flavors — from the most classic to the most original, including thyme, rosemary, violet, lavender and more (note: there are two locations; opt for the one on Place Rossetti with its fountain and the beautiful Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, a listed historic monument) — it's time to stretch the little ones' legs!
Head to the unmissable Colline du Château park. The castle has long since disappeared, but you'll enjoy a breathtaking view from the top of a lush green hill. For the brave, climb up via a vertiginous staircase. For those traveling with children and strollers, don't worry — there's a (paid) elevator! At the top, enjoy a children's playground, a small refreshment kiosk if you're thirsty (and only thirsty — the rest is best avoided!), and above all a stunning view over the port of Nice.
Head down toward the Port area and stroll through this up-and-coming neighborhood of Nice, full of lovely addresses. Then make your way back up toward Place Garibaldi via Place du Pin, nicknamed "Le petit marais niçois." On the square, a ride on the vintage carousel is a must for the children.
Addresses from a true Nice local mama
Eating in Nice
Bocca Nissa
On the menu: tapas on a small rooftop with décor as beautiful as the view.
>Bocca Nissa, 3 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice
Le Safari
An unpretentious classic, with a reputation for serving the best pizza in town, as well as stuffed vegetables to die for. Perfect with the kids!
> La Safari, 1 cours Saleya, 06300 Nice
La Merenda
A former Michelin-starred chef has opened a tiny spot specializing in Niçois cuisine. The whole city flocks there. Great with children who are ready to try new things… but no strollers, as the place is tiny.
> La Merenda, 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice
Marie's tip: reservations are essential at all restaurants, especially once the warmer days arrive!
Les Agitateurs
More upscale, the brilliant bistronomic restaurant Les Agitateurs on Rue Bonaparte. Better suited for a date night if you've found a babysitter. The young, inventive Michelin-starred chef Samuel Victori will delight you with a unique tasting menu in every sense of the word.
> Les Agitateurs, 24 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice
Hôtel Amour
If you'd rather enjoy a meal with a view of the beach, the Hôtel Amour has opened theirs with a great atmosphere and a simple yet effective menu. You can eat in peace while the children play on the pebbles (ah, there are some perks after all!)
Marie's tip: reservations are essential at all restaurants, especially once the warmer days arrive!
A little culture…
The MAMAC
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is right in the city center. It's easily accessible on foot or by tram. You'll find works by Klein, Ben, and Nikki de Saint Phalle. We promise, the kids will love it! The cherry on top: you can climb up to the rooftop for a great photo of the city from above.
> Le Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC), Place Yves Klein, 06000 Nice
The Matisse Museum
The Matisse Museum will delight the whole family. It holds more than 500 works by the artist, many of which are inspired by the city of Nice. It is set in a beautiful park, Les Arènes de Cimiez, where you can picnic in the shade of olive trees.
> Musée Matisse, 164 Av. des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice
The Charles Nègre Photography Museum
A small and charming spot. Perfect for those who want a quick museum visit.
> Le musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre, 1 Pl. Pierre Gautier, 06300 Nice
Where to stay?
Hôtel Amour Nice
The little sibling of the now-legendary Hôtel Amour has opened on Avenue des Fleurs in Nice! Mediterranean décor, nods to Cocteau, a rooftop pool and an Instagrammable bar — this sequel has everything going for it!
> Hôtel Amour Nice, 3 Av. des Fleurs, 06000 Nice
Le palais Saleya
If you're traveling with the kids, you might prefer a small kitchenette? In that case, book at the Palais Saleya instead. More understated, but perfectly located and ideal as a base to explore the area.
> Hôtel Palais Saleya, 21 Rue du Marché, 06300 Nice
Enjoy your stay in Nice!
Marie and the Charlie Crane team
