When to go? Nice through the seasons
Each season reveals a different side to Nice:
- In spring, the city awakens beneath the bougainvillea, ideal for strolling through the narrow streets of Old Nice or admiring the gardens in bloom.
- In summer, the excitement is in full swing: music festivals, lively terraces, swimming in the turquoise sea and evenings on the beach.
- In autumn, the light becomes softer and the crowds thin out, providing the perfect setting for an off-season break.
- In winter, the Mediterranean charm remains intact with mild temperatures and a packed cultural calendar.
Day 1 – From the Promenade des Anglais to Old Nice: immersion in the French Riviera
Morning: The sea as a common thread
Begin your getaway with a stroll along the legendary Promenade des Anglais, lined with palm trees and Belle Époque hotels. Take in the view of the Baie des Anges before heading to the colourful Cours Saleya market, where fruit, flowers and spices awaken the senses.
Then continue your exploration in Old Nice, a labyrinth of narrow streets with pastel-coloured façades, bustling with small shops and traditional cafés.
Afternoon: Heritage and culture
Climb up to the Castle Hill to enjoy a unique panorama of the city and the sea. Art lovers can then visit the Matisse Museum or the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC). At the end of the afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing break on the beach, just a stone's throw from the historic centre.
Day 2 – Panoramic views, nature and culture
Morning: Breathtaking views and nature walks
Set off to explore Mont Boron, which offers a beautiful hike in the shade of pine trees and an exceptional view of Villefranche-sur-Mer and the Mediterranean. You can also stroll through the botanical gardens or admire the Belle Époque architecture of the Cimiez district.
Afternoon: Strolling and relaxation
Choose between swimming at one of Nice's pebble beaches or visiting iconic museums, such as the Marc Chagall Museum, which is rich in luminous works of art. End your getaway with a stroll along the Quai des États-Unis at sunset to savour a little more of the Mediterranean art of living.
Where to dine and have a drink?
In Nice, evenings are often spent around a convivial table. Old Nice remains the lively heart of local gastronomy: bustling streets, crowded terraces and Mediterranean specialities to enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere. Wood-fired socca, petits farcis niçois, courgette flower fritters and grilled fish are accompanied by a glass of chilled Provence rosé.
For a more chic atmosphere, head to the Promenade des Anglais, where some restaurants offer breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges, perfect for dinner at sunset. Finally, for a drink, the wine bars and trendy terraces in the city centre rival the seaside lounges, where you can enjoy a cocktail with your feet almost in the sand.
Excursions around Nice
If you're extending your stay, the French Riviera is full of gems that can be visited in half a day:
- Èze, a medieval hilltop village with an exotic garden.
- Villefranche-sur-Mer, renowned for its harbour and colourful facades.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence, an artistic and picturesque hotspot.
- The Lérins Islands off the coast of Cannes, ideal for a nature getaway and swimming.
Where to stay at a campsite around Nice?
The Nice region offers a wide choice of campsites, whether you prefer a traditional tent, a comfortable mobile home or unusual accommodation.
By the sea: to enjoy the Mediterranean just a stone's throw away, or inland: to escape to the heart of nature, among hills and hilltop villages.
Why choose Nice for a weekend break?
Easily accessible by train, plane or car, Nice combines all the riches of the Mediterranean: beaches, culture, gastronomy and art de vivre. Between the sea and the hills, colourful alleyways and prestigious museums, sunny cuisine and fragrant markets, a weekend camping in Nice is the guarantee of a stay where every moment breathes the light and gentleness of the South.