France - Nice

Some five years ago, while staying in Saint-Raphael, we made a trip nearly every day and one of them was to Nice. We liked it, so decided to return one day. This happened a couple of days ago.

My sister had a long weekend, so we left our home on Wednesday noon and got to the airport. Flying to Nice is cheaper than taking the train (how unlogical it sounds). We arrived around 3 pm. From the airport you can take a bus into the town center (cost: 6€) and you can get off at the central railway station. From here it's not too far to the promenade and other sights.

We had picked a hotel at the Avenue Victor Hugo (some 8 minutes from the railway station) and found we had chosen well. The hotel was very convenient for walking around town.

If it's the first time you visit Nice, something you must definitely see is the old town. From the railway station take Avenue Jean Medecin and just walk down towards the waterfront. At the Place Massena turn left and you're into the old town. Lots of cute little shops and a whole lot of places to eat. Just be careful where and what you take. I've seen some of the eating places serve pommes frites that I wouldn't give to a dog. My advice would be to find a restaurant outside this quarter - there are lots of them around.

Another place to see is the promenade. It's very nice to walk down (it's long enough) and enjoy the beautiful weather (when you travel at the end of May, you're almost sure to get blue skies and lots of sun, while still not too warm). You can take a rest along this promenade, as there are benches and chairs at regular intervals.

I would also like to mention that you can visit the yacht harbor. It's a bit of a walk (when going down Avenue Jean Medecin, turn left at the promenade) but it worth it. I just love the sound of the wind going throught sails and masts.

There is is lot more to see, of course, but then you'll have to stay longer. And I also must say the weather was too nice to go into museums and such!