The French Riviera, nestled in the south of France, boasts a coastline so dazzlingly blue it looks like it’s been scrubbed with toilet cleaner. It’s utterly irresistible. I found myself completely mesmerized for an entire afternoon. Over the last two days, my journey primarily took me through the vibrant city of Nice and the charming hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
[Checklist] Here are some travel tips to make your visit smoother:
Pic 4️⃣ A 3-day pass for city and surrounding towns: You can pick this up at the tram station ticket machine located at Terminal 1 of the airport. This handy 3-day pass grants you access to city buses as well as those heading to nearby towns.
Pic 5️⃣ Where to stay: I opted for the Crowne Plaza Nice – Grand Arenas, conveniently situated just across from the airport. For less than 4k for two nights, this hotel offers easy accessibility—a mere 7-8 minute stroll from the airport. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Nice’s Old Town, 7-8 minutes to the French Riviera, and approximately an hour to get to the surrounding towns.
[Recommendation] Nice:
1. Promenade des Anglais: This is the iconic French Riviera stretch of Nice, adorned with blue sun umbrellas, beach chairs, and the ever-popular “I LOVE NICE” sign tucked around the corner of the coast.
2. Old Town of Nice: Preserving the charm of 18th-century yellow and orange buildings, this area brims with restaurants, souvenir shops, cafes, dessert stores, and a picturesque market that captures the essence of local life.
3. Michelin-starred dining experience: I indulged at YOSE bar&cocina in the Old Town, a Peruvian creative cuisine restaurant. At around 50 euros per person, the service was impeccable, and the food was nothing short of spectacular. (Booked one week in advance via Google)
Transportation: Given my proximity to the airport, I hopped on bus No. 17, which runs along the coastline all the way into the heart of the Old Town.
[Recommendation] Saint Paul De Vence:
On the following day, due to overcast and rainy weather in Nice, I ventured to this medieval town famously known as the “most beautiful mountain town in the world.” Even renowned figures like Peng Yuyan have graced its cobblestone streets.
This town is a living testament to medieval European architecture, and Picasso himself visited it multiple times. Its artistic allure ensures that every photo taken here resembles a masterpiece.
Strolling along ancient walls, past medieval structures, and amidst flower-bedecked boutiques, the romance of southern France becomes palpable.
The town is teeming with art galleries, offering a unique experience far removed from the cookie-cutter ancient towns you might encounter elsewhere.
As I visited on a weekend, I also stumbled upon the lively flea market located in the lower part of Saint Paul, making for a delightful and memorable experience.
Here’s a tip: October marks the off-season for travel in southern France, making it an ideal time to find affordable accommodations. Although I made my reservation during the Paris Olympics, which caused prices to spike by about 20%, the deals were still surprisingly reasonable.
