City Break – Nice

Where to Stay

Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth time in Nice, the place you stay is always important. You want somewhere you feel comfortable and can relax after a long day of sightseeing. We stayed at Hotel Brice Garden and I can honestly say, I would happily stay there every time I visit. Situated in the centre of Nice, it’s just a few streets away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.

Although it’s part of the Best Western chain of hotels, it still feels very individual and unique. We stayed in a roof room, that whilst is one of the smallest rooms they offer, has the amazing addition of a private terrace. The rooms are fitted with everything you could ever need (hello waterfall shower) and being able to sit in the sun with a lovely cuppa was absolutely heaven.

What to Do

In a way, it would probably be easier to mention what you can’t do in Nice, as the options are endless. Just a couple streets south of the hotel and you reach the Promenade Anglais. A lovely place to have a stroll along the seafront, with beautiful views of blue sea, rustic villas and mountains in the distance. I loved visiting the Old Town, with endless market rows of delicious looking food and the gorgeous flowers at the Marché aux fleurs. The old town is filled with traditional french boulangeries and the prettiest little macaron shop, The delicacies of angea, that is perfect to get your sweet fix.

A short… ok full day was spent shopping at the Galerie Lafayette, the French equivalent of Selfridges. So many amazing designer collections, as well as Galerie Lafayette’s own clothing range where I managed to pick up some lovely pieces at a much more affordable price!

Visiting the Musée Matisse is a must and is only a fifteen minute No.15 bus ride away. For just €20 you can buy a seven day pass that allows you to enter many of the popular museums and municipal galleries in Nice. My particular favourite was the Museum of Photography Charles Nègre which had an exhibition by Franco Fontana who has such a unique and imaginative style, I could have stayed there all day looking at his photos.

The main train station is not far from the town and is the best way to travel if you want to venture outside of Nice. We went for a day trip to Menton and if it’s a beach day you’re after then the Plage des Sablettes is for you. The water is so clear you can actually see small fish swimming whilst you go for a dip. Even in early September, the sea is beautifully warm you won’t want to get out.

Where to Eat

I’m slightly embarrassed to say, I have zero photos of food as I scoffed everything so quickly, by the time I remembered my camera it was too late. 11ème art, Mama Delices and L’octopussy (insert Bond joke here) are all great restaurants for an affordable evening meal. I also highly recommend Le Bistro Dalpozzo for fantastic french cuisine. The fish soup starter was so fresh and flavourful, I could have eaten just that and been very happy. The main of steak was cooked just how I like and the dessert was a melt in the mouth apple tarte that I’ve thought about every day since then.

A special shout out to Amorino on Rue Massena does the best ice cream I’ve ever tried.

What to Wear

You can read all about how I pack for a holiday here and essentially when it comes to clothing, the easier to wear the better. I like light materials and bold colours. Kaftans are an absolute life saviour for me, especially after a day on the beach. The rest of my trip was spent mostly in dresses. A summer dream in yellow (Next), to a more daring red and blue striped maxi, a cheeky new purchase from Galerie Lafayette. Most importantly though, was my footwear. With so many places to see, comfortable shoes are an absolute must and Hotter UK never fail me. My leopard print sandals provided support for my feet and ankles whilst still looking modern and not like I’ve borrowed a pair of my nan’s shoes. Sorry nan!

I had an amazing time visiting Nice. My mum and I went for six days, which was a great length of time to stay but there was so much to do and see, another trip is definitely required. The September sun reached nearly 30 degrees, so it was hot. Perfect if you want a tan to make your friends back home jealous just don’t forget your suncream!        B x