#GoWithGreg: 36 Hours in Nice, France on the Côte d’Azur

Known for its glamour and beauty, the Côte d’Azur is a destination that, even if you have not been, you definitely know about. Stretching along the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France, the area was one of the first resort areas of the wealthy and remains a top destination to this day. The largest city in the region is Nice which is home to a stunning beach, amazing restaurants, and sensational shopping - not to mention a few sites to see along the way. If you have a short time in the Nice area, here is a quick look at some of my favorites.

A visit to Nice would be lacking without at least putting your toes in the water and taking a stroll on the beach. If you want to lay out for a while, I recommend going to one of the beach clubs and renting a chair and umbrella. Although the rocky beaches are famous, they are not comfortable! You will find many as you walk along the beach with chair rentals around 20 Euro.

Castel is not only my favorite place to grab a chair but also a delicious restaurant right at the end of the beach. It is delicious but not pretentious and near one of my favorite hotels (more on the later) as well as a quick walk into town.

When you are finished at the beach, take a walk up to Castle Hill for arguably the best view of the city. Get yourself oriented and take in the beauty of the area. The park used to be a citadel but now offers panoramic views from sunrise to sunset. It is a “don’t miss” when in Nice.

Coming back to where you will sleep, I love Hotel La Perouse - a SLH property located right next to Castel. The rooms are spacious and contemporary while retaining a wonderful charm. Many have large balconies overlooking the Mediterranean with sensational views of sunset and a lovely place to have a glass of wine or coffee. (Makes it difficult to leave the hotel!) There is a great pool area and restaurant as well if you truly don’t want to leave the property. If you venture out, however, you are a 5 minute walk from old town and the harbor. Message me for special perks and rates at the property and take a look at a few pics below:

Once you are settled into the hotel and have enjoyed the sunset over the beach, you deserve a cocktail :) Head to La Terrasse for one of the highest terraces on the Promenade des Anglais and enjoy the sensational views. Their menu is great as well if you want a bite to eat.

There are obviously a ton of other dining options around Nice which change each season. Depending on your taste, you will find all types of cuisine and price points. I find this list to be quite comprehensive and I agree with their thoughts on any of the ones I have visited. If you are looking for something in particular, send me a message and I will get a specific recommendation.

During the remainder of your time in Nice, I encourage you to take a walk around and take in all the beauty of the city. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, I recommend taking a trip to Eze, located between Nice and Monaco. You can easily get there from the city and you will not be disappointed. This historic village has stunning views, fun shopping, and great places to eat. If you want to stay even longer, I have booked many clients at the 5-star hotel in Eze. Message me for more information about this!

So these are my thoughts on a quick jaunt to this stunning part of the world. If you have more time, I can certainly put together a trip that includes other cities including my favorite French city, Montpellier! Start planning your trips for next summer!