The shift begins long before the sea appears. Leaving Paris, the rhythm of the north slowly loosens its grip. The pace softens, the light sharpens, and the air feels calmer, gentler. To reach the French Riviera by taking the train from Paris, the journey to Nice feels like part of the experience. It offers a slow transition from city intensity to Mediterranean ease. When palm trees come into view and the coastline opens up, it’s clear you’ve arrived somewhere designed for lingering.
Explore Vieux Nice
The true character of the city lives in Vieux Nice. Its narrow streets are made for unplanned wandering, where sun-warmed façades in soft ochres and terracotta tones catch the light throughout the day. Mornings unfold gently: shutters open, café tables fill, and the scent of fresh bread drifts through the lanes.
At Cours Saleya, the city feels especially alive. Flower stalls spill onto the pavement, citrus fruits glow in the sun, and locals pause to exchange conversation. Stopping for socca, a crisp, chickpea pancake served hot from the pan, is a simple but essential Nice ritual.
Walk the Promenade des Anglais
From the Old Town, the city naturally draws you towards the sea. The Promenade des Anglais stretches elegantly along the coastline, offering uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. Throughout the day, the water shifts from pale turquoise to deep blue, reflecting the changing light.
This is a place to slow down. Settle into one of the iconic blue chairs, walk barefoot along the pebbled shore, or simply watch the horizon.
Discover Nice’s Art and Architecture
Nice has long attracted artists drawn to its exceptional light. At the Musée Matisse, bold colour and form tell a story shaped by the city itself. Nearby, the stained glass of the Musée Marc Chagall seems to hold fragments of sunlight itself.
Beyond the museums, art reveals itself in the details: Belle Époque façades, pastel villas perched on the hills, and elegant, time-worn signage. Nice feels authentic rather than curated, polished, but never overly pretentious.
Taste the Riviera
Food in Nice is fresh, unfussy, and rooted in Mediterranean tradition. Lunch might mean a pan bagnat enjoyed by the sea, wrapped in paper and effortlessly satisfying. As evening approaches, dinners stretch longer, with grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, and chilled rosé shared beneath open skies.
There’s no rush here. Meals follow conversation, and time seems to expand with the light.
Explore Beyond the City
Nice is perfectly placed for discovering the wider Riviera. A short trip takes you to Èze, where winding stone streets lead to panoramic views, or to Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its curved harbour and pastel waterfront. Each destination feels distinct, yet easily reached.
From the hills above Nice, the bay forms a perfect arc, the city glowing softly against the vastness of sea and sky.
Why Nice Stays With You
Nice doesn’t demand attention; it draws you in quietly. It’s the quality of the light, the unhurried rhythm, and the sense of ease that lingers long after you leave. Like sunlight through half-closed shutters, it settles into memory rather than making a grand statement.
Long after the trip ends, that Mediterranean blue remains, calm, expansive, and unmistakably Riviera.
