Enjoying Summer on the French Riviera
One of the great things about life along the French and Italian Riviera is the proximity to so many fantastic destinations. Being just a short drive from places like Monaco, Cannes, and Portofino is a real treat, especially during the warmer months. So, on a recent summer stay in Genoa, we decided to take a road trip and drive the two hours to Nice to explore.
We had high hopes for this long-standing beach destination, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that the city is even more fun and entertaining than we anticipated.
Nice la Belle
Known as Nice the Beautiful, the city is exactly that. Originally named Nikaia by the Greeks in 350 BC, after Nike, the goddess of victory, Nice’s history is vast and storied, with numerous regional powers vying for control over it during its 2,500-year history. More recently, France’s annexation of the city in the second half of the 19th century solidified its position as a top destination among French cities along the Riviera. The strategic location along the Mediterranean coast and the desirable bay have made it a valuable shipping port and military outpost for centuries.
Promenade des Anglais: That same beautiful bay is just as valuable and desirable today, but now it’s a destination for people worldwide to come and enjoy a historic, culturally rich, seaside European city. The lovely palm-lined boulevard, along a picturesque beach, with breathtaking views of the azure waters, is just the beginning of the sights to experience in Nice. The city has so much to see and do.
Vieux Nice
The Vieux Nice, or old historic part of Nice, is one fabulous neighborhood. Yes, quite touristy, but for good reason. Located at the far eastern end of the Baie des Anges, or Bay of Angels, the neighborhood is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and bustling markets.
We spent a good amount of time in the neighborhood while we were in Nice. We would often wander various streets, enjoying the architecture and the vibrancy of the cafes, sometimes stopping for a beverage to people-watch.
There are also numerous restaurants with huge patios, and in the summer, it’s perfect to sit outside with a glass of local wine, some fresh mussels, and enjoy the show.
A Marina Made for Luxury Yachts
The other thing that comes with summer on the French Riviera is the yachting life. This is a life quite foreign to us, but it’s always fun to dream, and they’re a delight to behold. And if you’re looking to show off your giant yacht, Nice’s marina is the perfect spot to pull in, as numerous restaurants and bars line the marina’s piers.
One night we ate at Le Bistrot du Port in the Marina. A recommendation from our hotelier, it was truly a wonderful experience. From the second we walked in and sat down, a complimentary glass of their choice of Champagne appeared. Our waiter took extraordinary care of us, providing us with outstanding service to go along with incredible, unique French cuisine.
While we were there, the KAOS mega-yacht pulled in, which is apparently owned by Nancy Walton. It is over 350 feet long and cost approximately a cool 300 million dollars when built. “Must be Nice!
Colline du Château
Another great experience in Nice is to climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château) to witness the sunset over the city. The panoramic views were stunning, especially since it was summer. The weather was warm, the water was especially blue, and the breeze coming off the Mediterranean was perfect.
The hill gets its name from the Castle of Nice, which was formerly a military citadel built at the top of a hill in the 11th century. The castle was destroyed in 1706, but the name remained. Today, the hill is a public garden and the prime vista point in the city.
The French Love Their Jazz
Outside of a few cities in the United States these days, it’s hard to find authentic jazz clubs. Fortunately, that is not the case in France. Historically, the French have supported jazz as much as any other country outside of America, and they still do.
We ended up at Le Shapko one night, and we couldn’t have been happier. The club’s layout is perfect for a small jazz club, the musicians were outstanding, and the crowd was totally into it. Additionally, they played multiple sets that lasted into the wee hours of the night, another sign of a great spot for traditional jazz.
Doubling Down at the Monte Carlo in Monaco
A beautiful 30-minute drive from Nice, up and over dramatic cliffs with gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea, lies the city-state of Monaco. Also known as one of the premier yachting destinations in Europe, along with the legendary Monte Carlo district and casino, it was something we wanted to see for ourselves.
It was a quick trip, but we saw a lot, including the marina and yacht club, the casino and bar, and zipped around the windy streets that host one of F1’s street circuit races every year.
