I was so excited to finally be in Nice

It had been a very long time since my first visit—back in 1985! I was on a Contiki tour with three girlfriends, and to be honest, our experience of Nice was brief: we went to Monte Carlo and were later dropped off at some random bar in town. That was it! And for the life of me, I can’t figure out why I never returned—until now.

I’ve been to Cannes several times over the years and always loved it, but Nice? Nice completely bowled me over. Wow!

What made this visit even more special was that my son and his girlfriend were meeting us there before we all headed to Provence. I was beyond excited—it had been seven months since I’d last seen them!

Where we stayed

The French Riviera is expensive—obviously! It’s the playground of the rich and famous… and the wannabes. I remembered Hotel Amour, a charming little boutique hotel I loved in Paris, and discovered they also had a property in Nice. With a bit of planning (and the advantage of travelling in the shoulder season), we managed to score a fabulous deal—and honestly, I’m still talking about it!

The location was perfect—just near the iconic Negresco Hotel, so you know you’re in a good neighbourhood. It’s about a half-hour walk to the old town, but the stroll is so pretty, with so many shops to explore along the way.

Hotel Amour has a vintage Côte d’Azure vibe—I loved it! It feels like you’ve been transported into someone’s eclectic, chic home. There’s a beautiful collection of vintage dishes, cozy pillows, artwork, and even the menus are designed by a local artist, all with that same nostalgic charm in mind.

The restaurant offers Greek cuisine, likely the best moussaka I’ve ever tasted! Book ahead.

Beach Club

If you’re in Nice, you have to spend time at a beach club—it’s the best way to soak up the Riviera vibe! Thankfully, Hotel Amour has its own beach club, and as a guest, you get first dibs on those coveted front-row loungers. I mean… that’s very nice. Or should I say, very Nice!

They also serve a terrific lunch, so be sure to make reservations for both the restaurant and the beach chairs—this spot fills up fast!

Pool time

No time for the beach? You’re in luck—there’s a rooftop plunge pool and a restaurant up there too.

Old Town

Old Town in Nice is a colourful maze of narrow streets, baroque churches, and buzzing cafés. It’s the perfect place to wander, shop local, and grab a scoop of gelato while soaking up the vibrant historic charm.

If you haven’t found your straw bag at the market, this little shop is chock-full of pretty ones…

Market days in Old Nice run from Tuesday to Sunday, centred around Cours Saleya. From early morning until early afternoon, the square comes alive with stalls selling fresh produce, local specialties, flowers, and handmade goods. It’s a must-see if you want a taste of authentic Niçoise life.

Promenade des Anglais

La Prom to locals—is a must in Nice. Gorgeous sea views, palm trees, and perfect for people watching.

An after-dinner stroll along La Prom, followed by a nightcap at Hotel Amour—a perfect way to end our time in Nice.

Nice stole my heart in a way I never expected. From the vibrant markets and charming old town to the sparkling sea views along La Prom, every moment felt like a beautiful discovery. Reuniting with my son and his girlfriend made it all the more special. If you haven’t been—or haven’t been back in a while—put Nice at the top of your travel list. I’ll be heading back in July, and I can’t wait!