My first time in Nice, France: exploring the city and myself
Tuesday, 8:00am at Saint Lazare train station in Paris. Hundreds of people waiting for their trains to different destinations. Some reading newspapers, some sipping coffee and scrolling through their phones, some nervously staring at the departures announcements. And here I was, in the middle of it, with my new hiking backpack and a shopper bag, leaving for my solo adventure: 10 days, interrailing through Europe, and Nice being my first destination.
I have never been to the south of France before, so of course (if you know me, you are not surprised) I made a list of places to see and things to do, only to lose myself into the quaint streets of Nice in the following days. It couldn’t be more natural to do so, as the city welcomes you with a smell of fresh pastries, magnolias, and a feeling of magic behind every corner.
After the beige and grey palette of Paris, Nice felt like a burst of the most vibrant colors - orange, yellow, pink and blue, as the whole city was a celebration of color. Even people seemed warmer - could you imagine being greeted «Bonjour, amore» in the flower market in Paris ? Me neither, but it surely happens in the South. And I felt like even I had softened in those short four days, as if I was breathing out the stress of everyday life and breathing in the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful corner of France. This place made me realize how easy it is to forget what joy feels like, and how quickly it returns when you let yourself wander. So, maybe it’s time for you to buy a ticket as well ?
What to do
Hike Colline du Château - hill with a panoramic view of Nice, and an absolute must visit.
Eat gelato - my absolute favorite after dinner treat ! The best is found in Oui, jelato , Azzurro and Papilla Glacier.
Explore Matisse museum - located outside of the city center but easily accessible by bus, with a lovely garden.
Visit Cours Saleya market - every day market in the center of Nice, offering fruit, flowers, soaps, million things with lavender and other local produce. It is nearly impossible not to buy something there !
Have a picnic on the beach - with fresh local produce bought on the Cours Saleya market and a bottle of rosé. Trust me, there is nothing more French than that.
Swim - of course. Best beaches are located outside of Nice, so take a short train ride along the coast, for example to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cap D’Ail, or Villefranche-Sur-Mer.
And finally, just get lost in the narrow streets of Old Nice (or Vieille Ville in French), as there is no better way to explore it. It is not that big to really get lost - just put the map aside and observe, it is the exact moment when the magic happens.
