France is so chic. Now I totally get what all the fuss is over. When I didn’t think it could get any better after visiting Paris, it did. The South of France is the most incredibly amazing and ridiculous place out there. I’ll explain more later, but expect to spend a lot of $$$$ if you want to do it right there. You could do the French Riviera on a budget, but I recommend enjoying the beach clubs and planning a day or two to relax by the Mediterranean Sea. Just keep that in mind while planning and you’ll be good to go! But first, our train ride to Nice from Paris.

The train system in Europe is quite awesome. You can bring a whole entire feast if you wanted and just relax and enjoy the view! That’s rose wine in that cup so yes, you can drink too. Tara Tip* Make sure to pick up some snacks (croissants, baked goods, etc) prior to leaving for a long train ride. You won’t regret it. It was a 6 hour train ride from Paris to Nice. Our train was delayed (just like every train and flight we had during our adventure! It happens!) due to another train’s malfunction in front of us, so it ended up being a 7 and a half hour ride. I got to tell you though, it was the most gorgeous train ride, looking at all the french chateaus in wine country and all the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. It didn’t matter too much but I was anxious to get to Nice for sure. It got us in a little bit late, but not too late to not enjoy the nightlife and explore a little! Tara tip* Even if you’re tired, you have to push yourself! Even if it’s just a late dinner out, a drink, some gelato) Just get out. Our hotel was only about a 10 minute drive from the Nice Ville Train Station. We grabbed a taxi and we were off!

We stayed at Hotel Le Grimaldi by Happyculture in downtown Nice. Is was truly the BEST location. Our hotel  was close to everything downtown, restaurants, bars, old town nice, Jardin Albert, Promenade des Angelis, and more. It is a six minute walk to Jardin Albert, which is the center of the town, and a seven minute walk to the Promenade des Angelis and beach. It was a little less expensive because it was not right on the water, which was a plus for me. Again, the French Rivera is all around pricey so just know before you go! Below is the view from our balcony. It was amazing waking up to this view for four nights.

A GREAT place to go out if you’re looking for a fun night in Nice is Old Town. It is so alive and vibrant. There are tons of people out late hanging out with friends, standing around on the cobblestone streets, enjoying life with others. We grabbed some dinner at one of the first places we found (so hungry!) and then headed out on the town.  

Day 2: We got up a little later than we wanted to. All thanks to our night out in Old Town. I was pumped to get outside and head to a beach club. I have heard many things about these beach clubs in Nice and they are as awesome as everyone says. They cost on average 25€ to secure a lounge chair, 6€ for a towel, and about 5€ for an umbrella. Tara Tip* Bring your OWN towel from the hotel you are staying at. That will save a little. I ended up totally forgetting to do so the first time, but remembered the second.

Beach Clubs|What to expect: 

Before entering expect to pay about 35€ * Rocky beaches (Nice are known for these!) *Average cost for a bottle of Rose is about 30€, low end * Food/drinks available and delicious depending which clubs you go to! * Once you pay, your lounge chair is YOURS for the day * Do not leave your personal items alone-have someone watch them as you swim or plan accordingly (These are faaaancy places and you should be ok, but things happen) * You can eat at the restaurant right there if you want a sit down meal * There are many beach clubs to choose from right off the Promenade des Angelis * They usually close around 7pm, some a little later (they turn into lounges, clubs, and restaurants at night only * The Mediterranean Sea is INCREDIBLE! Swim and swim away * There are servers that will come to you and take your order so all you need to do is RELAX and ENJOY! ❤

My favorite beach club is called, Ruhl Plage. They have it going on there. I loved the whole vibe and the food and drinks are awesome.

I loved hanging out here for the day. One of the most relaxed feelings in my life! I totally get the whole South of France living.

After relaxing all day and enjoying some ice cold rose with fresh watermelon, we headed straight to dinner. We didn’t even get ready that night, just went out as is. We ate downtown at a restaurant that you MUST go to called, La Cucina. There are only a few tables and the chef makes everything from scratch. It was quite an experience! We spent hours there eating and enjoying.

I will never forget the warm goat cheese salad we ordered. It was above and beyond. Please go there and order it. Life changing. We also had the homemade truffle pasta, raspberry tiramisu, and a couple glasses of rose. When in the South of France, drink any rose from Provence and you will never want to drink one not from Provence ever again. Just saying.

Day 3: Trip to Monaco! I will talk about this in another post just about this amazing country. After our day trip there, we enjoyed more of Nice and went out for Gelato in Old Town.

 

Day 4: Last day in the French Rivera! We woke up and I had my usual espresso and a chocolate croissant. We decided to go to another beach club for the day and then spend some time at night walking along the Promenade des Anglais. We chose to beach at Le Galet and we ended up getting a great spot, close to the front of the sea.

Such a relaxing day! After the beach club, we sat down for dinner at Attimi. Attimi is known for their quality ingredients, thin crust pizzas, and fresh italian food. A must! It was a beautiful night walking along the Promenade. The sunsets are spectacular in Nice.

We of course grabbed some gelato along our walk, and then went back to our hotel to pack. We had an early train ride out of Nice to Cinque Terre, Italy the next morning. Goodnight, Nice!

Tara Tips*

To Stay

Hotel Le Grimaldi by Happyculture | Downtown Nice | This is where I stayed for four nights and it was the perfect location for all of our daily travels. It is about a 10 minute minute drive to the train station and a 7 minute walk to the Promenade des Anglais.

To Do

Beach clubs |  They are the way to go if you want to relax by the sea | My fav beach club is Ruhl Plague | See above for more info on “beach clubs | what to expect”

Train Hop! | Traveling by train to other places in the French Riviera is easy and a MUST if you have the time! Visit Monaco if you have one free day.

To Eat

Breakfast | Grab a pastry and an espresso from a local bakery and be on your way! This was one of my favorite things to do.

Lunch | You can order food from any of the beach clubs (at least the ones we went to!) The food at Ruhl Plage was awesome. Order the fresh watermelon and Rosé to start. I miss this way of life like you wouldn’t believe!

Dinner | La Cucina and Attimi are AMAZING dinner options!

Dessert | Must get gelato from Fennochio (Old Town)

Nighttime

Old Town Nice|  Such a fun place to go out in and for dinner!

Walk the Promenade|Make sure you walk at sunset at least one of the nights! It’s pretty beautiful.  You don’t have to do the whole 4 mile walk, walk as much as you would like!

Keep In Mind

The South of France is expensive so plan accordingly!

Beach clubs are the way to go if you want to relax by the sea | My fav beach club is Ruhl Plague

Au revoir, France! ❤