Nissa la bella

Nice is a city of a thousand colors, with many Italian influences. Great destination for a family weekend, the city is easily accessible by plane or train. It can be visited on foot and under the sun which shines 127 days a year. Don’t forget your towels and bathing suits!

An ideal day in Nice

After a good breakfast at Marinette’s, a gourmet’s delight in the heart of the old Nice, let’s go to the Cours Saleya and its famous flower market. Around 11 am, we stop to take a drink at the Civette to enjoy the atmosphere then we make a turn to the Workshop of the toys (street of the former Senat) to find wonders which will delight the children.

When your belly starts rumbling, there is nothing better than a socca and a chard pie, specialties of Nice, bought at the triporteur « Chez Thérésa » (28 Rue Droite). Go early, there is often a line from noon. To eat on the beach, because the famous Promenade des Anglais is only a few meters away. 

Marie’s advice: bring a towel to sit on, the pebbles hurt your buttocks!

After an obligatory stop at Fenochio, the best ice-cream parlour in the city, which offers almost 100 flavours – from the most classic to the most original, including thyme, rosemary, violet, lavender, etc. (Be careful, there are two of them, so choose the one in Piazza Rossetti with its fountain and the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Reparatrice, a listed historical monument), it’s time to stretch the legs of the little ones!

Go to the unmissable Castle Hill Park. The castle is long gone, but you’ll have a great view from the top of a green hill. For the more adventurous, climb a steep staircase. For those who carry children and strollers, don’t panic, there is an elevator (for a fee)! At the top, enjoy games for children, a small guinguette if you are thirsty (and only thirsty, the rest is to be avoided!) and especially an incredible view on the port of Nice. 

Go down to the Port side and stroll through this new district of Nice which is full of nice addresses. Then go back up to Place Garibaldi via Place du Pin, nicknamed “Le petit marais niçois”. On the square, a ride on the old merry-go-round will be a must to please the children.

The addresses of a real mama from Nice

Eating in Nice

Bocca Nissa  
On the program: tapas on a small rooftop with a decoration as beautiful as the view.
> Bocca Nissa, 3 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice

Le Safari 
An unpretentious classic that has a reputation for making the best pizza in town, as well as some killer little stuffings. Great with the kids!
> La Safari, 1 cours Saleya, 06300 Nice

La Merenda
A former Michelin-starred chef has opened a small shop selling Nice specialties. The whole city runs there. To be done with children ready to taste new things… and without a stroller, because the place is tiny.
> La Merenda, 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice

Marie’s advice: reservations are mandatory in all restaurants, especially as soon as the good weather arrives!

Les Agitateurs
More chic, the brilliant bistronomic restaurant Les Agitateurs, rue Bonaparte. Best done with your partner if you have found a babysitter. The young inventive and starred chef Samuel Victori will delight you with a unique menu in every sense of the word.
> Les Agitateurs, 24 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice

 

L’hôtel Amour
If you’re dreaming of a meal overlooking the beach instead, Hotel Amour has opened theirs with a great atmosphere and a simple, yet effective menu. You can eat in peace while the kids play in the pebbles (ah, there are also good sides! 😋)

 

A bit of culture…

The MAMAC
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is located in the city center. It is easily accessible on foot or by streetcar. You will find works by Klein, Ben, Nikki de St Phalle. I promise, the kids will love it! Cherry on the cake: you can climb on the roof to take a nice picture of the city seen from above.
> The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC), Place Yves Klein, 06000 Nice

The Matisse Museum
The Matisse Museum will appeal to the whole family. It has more than 500 works by the artist, many of which are inspired by the city of Nice. It is located in a beautiful park, Les Arènes de Cimiez, where you can picnic in the shade of the olive trees.
> Musée Matisse, 164 Av. des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice

The Charles Nègre Museum of Photograph
A small and nice place. Perfect for those who want to make a quick museum.
> The Charles Nègre Museum of Photograph, 1 Pl. Pierre Gautier, 06300 Nice

Where to stay

The Hotel Amour Nice
The little brother of the now mythical Hotel Amour has opened on Avenue des Fleurs, in Nice! Mediterranean decor, nods to Cocteau, roof top with pool and Instagrammable bar, this numberbis has everything to please!
> Hotel Amour Nice, 3 Av. des Fleurs, 06000 Nice

The Saleya Palace
If you are traveling with the kids, perhaps you prefer to have a small kitchenette? In that case, book at the Palais Saleya instead. More sober, but very well located and which will allow you to shine.
> Hotel Palais Saleya, 21 Rue du Marché, 06300 Nice

Enjoy your stay in Nice!

Marie and the Charlie Crane Team