Nice - the gateway to the Côte d'Azur

Nice is a city that you can easily imagine on postcards, but in reality it is much more than that. When I arrived, the first thing that struck me was the light – somehow everything seemed more vibrant here: the blue of the sea was deeper, the sky was brighter, the colors of the buildings were more saturated. The Mediterranean atmosphere immediately permeated me, and I knew that I would not be in a hurry here.

Nice is not just a beautiful city on the coast - it is the heart and gateway to the Côte d'Azur. It all starts here: to the west of the city, the sunny Riviera towns such as Antibes, Cannes and Saint-Tropez stretch for miles, while to the east, the wildly romantic hillsides and the panoramic road to Monaco await. Nice is both a city center and a starting point: it is here that planes arrive, where coastal trains and buses depart, and where the Mediterranean spirit meets elegant French sophistication. If you are visiting the Riviera for the first time, Nice is where you will experience what the Côte d'Azur is all about - the lights, the flavours, the tranquility and that special southern French lifestyle that you cannot experience so clearly anywhere else.

As you walk through the narrow streets of Nice's old town, you can almost hear history echoing through the walls. This city is not just for tourists or beach holidays - Nice has a deep, exciting past.

It was founded around 350 BC by the Greeks under the name Nikaia, in honor of Nike, the goddess of victory. Later, the Romans, medieval merchants and Genoese rulers took turns ruling the city. For a long time, it was part of Savoy, and only in 1860 was it annexed to France – an effect that can still be felt today: Nice’s identity hovers somewhere on the border between French and Italian, preserving the best of both. The city’s past is there in the patina of the walls, the wrought-iron ornaments of the balconies, and the street names, which often have an Italian ring. In Nice, history is not in a museum – it lives in the rhythm of the city.

Nice is best explored on foot, but the tram network is modern and reliable. Rickshaw tours of the city are particularly recommended if you want a quick and convenient overview or if you are looking for something special. It is also easy to rent a bicycle or scooter.

It's best to stay near the old town ( Vieux Nice ) or the Promenade des Anglais - so you can reach all the important places on foot. If you're looking for a quieter environment, the hillside villa districts also offer great views and a quieter atmosphere.

Try the local specialties: socca (a savory pancake made with chickpeas) is a true Nice classic, and salade niçoise is almost a national symbol. A little Provençal rosé is always a good choice, and don't miss the lavender ice cream.

When walking around Nice, it’s almost impossible to pass by the famous Fenocchio ice cream parlor without stopping. It’s located near the Cours Saleya market, and you can tell from afar by the long line and the sweet scents in the air. Here, you don’t just get ice cream – you get an experience. The choice is almost endless: in addition to the classic chocolate and strawberry, you can also try specialties such as lavender, rose, basil or tomato ice cream. Each scoop is a little experiment, a new experience, which the Mediterranean sunlight and the hustle and bustle of the square only make even more memorable. A cup of Fenocchio ice cream in your hand and you already feel like your day in Nice is complete.

Attractions in Nice:

• Promenade des Anglais – classic seaside promenade

• Vieux Nice – charming old town with colorful streets

• Colline du Château – view of the city and the sea

• Cours Saleya – market with flowers, spices and local flavors

• MAMAC – modern art museum with a contemporary collection

• Parc de la Colline du Château – waterfall, shady walking paths and panorama

The climate is most pleasant in spring and autumn, when you can avoid the summer crowds but still enjoy the Mediterranean warmth. The weather is mild in winter, and the city is beautiful at Christmas.