Best of Nice

As my time in Nice comes to a close, I want to share with people the best parts of this city (and surrounding areas) and the experiences that I most enjoyed. In case you’re ever in the area… here are some of the highlights:

1. Promenade des Anglais

   The Prom takes the cake for my favorite place in Nice. The four mile-ish stretch from the Port to the Airport  is where I always ran. Even though it’s currently being plagued by construction, it’s the perfect place to jog, stroll, rollerblade, or bike while people (or dog) watching. If you go on wheels, expect to have to dodge people but I finally rollerbladed on my last day and it was one of the most fun things. And if you come during the evening, you may catch the fantastic skateboarding and rollerblading trick performers.

2. Strolling Cours Saleya

   Even though I seldom buy anything, the liveliness of Cours Saleya never ceases to attract me. Even though it’s the same things every day (flowers, produce, and souvenirs—except for the Antique market on Mondays), I am continually drawn to the spirit of Cours Saleya and the aesthetic beauty of a well-functioning market. Nice also hosts a jewelry and book market around the corner, in front of the Palais de Justice building, that’s worth a perusal.

3. Franciscan Monastery Gardens in Cimiez

   In a city that I find lacking in green space, the gardens are a lovely refuge for people who love nature and just some peace & quiet. Unfortunately, I discovered the Pope John Paul ll rose gardens and adjoining grounds late in the semester, but I enjoyed them so much I went twice during my last week. It’s a great spot to read a book or watch little kids play a game of hide-and-seek.

4. Chagall Museum

   This was my favorite art museum in Nice because it told the story of Marc Chagall, a 20^th century Jewish painter who was able to avoid Nazi persecution but felt the pain of the Jewish plight. He specifically curated this museum to display a biblical message through 12 massive works depicting scenes from Genesis and Exodus.

5. Arlequin gelato

   Don’t be fooled by the Fenocchio tourist trap; Arlequin by the train station in Nice has the best gelato! I recommend the Ferrero Rocher but you can’t go wrong with any flavor.

6. Picnic on the Beach

   Day or night, wine, cheese, and bread on the beach of Nice is the epitome of the stereotypical Nicoise life. You can gather your goods at the market beforehand and then hit up the rocky Nice beach (or take it to the smaller-pebbled beach in Ville Franche).

7. Isle de Marguerite

   One of two islands off of Cannes, this one is an absolute gem. It’s a fantastic place for hiking or for lounging on the beach, as the water and the foliage are all beautiful. It houses a museum dedicated to the Man in the Iron Mask legend, a prisoner in the 17^th century whose identity and story is shrouded in mystery. Plus, the 15-minute ferry to get to the island is pretty fun in itself.

8. Hike St. Jean Cap Ferrat

   Hands down one of the prettiest trails I’ve ever been on. The views from this hike are gorgeous and each turn takes you to an equally pretty sight of the Mediterranean or hidden cove forming in the rocks. If hiking is not really your thing, no worries because the best part of the trail is that it’s almost entirely flat!

9. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

   ​​​​​​​Once the summer home of the Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, this beautiful mansion was built during Belle Epoque era and reflects the grandiose excessiveness of the time. The visit is comparable to a more manageable visit of Versailles, with an informative guide about the life of the residents and accompanied by gorgeous gardens to walk through.