5-Day Itinerary for a Couple in Nice, France

Nice, located on the French Riviera, offers the perfect mix of coastal charm, culture, history, and cuisine. This 5-day itinerary is curated for a couple looking to relax, explore, and enjoy the romantic essence of Nice and its surroundings.

Morning:

• Arrive in Nice and check into your hotel. For a romantic stay, consider staying in a boutique hotel in Vieux Nice or along the Promenade des Anglais for sea views.
• Head to Cours Saleya, the bustling flower and food market in the heart of the Old Town.

1. Enjoy a light breakfast: Try a fresh croissant, pain au chocolat, or a slice of socca (chickpea pancake) at a local stall.

Midday:

• Explore the charming streets of Vieux Nice:

1. Wander through narrow alleys lined with colorful buildings and quaint shops.
2. Visit Sainte-Réparate Cathedral and stop at artisanal shops for souvenirs.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a romantic lunch at Le Bistrot d’Antoine, a cozy restaurant serving Provençal cuisine. Try their Niçoise salad or fresh seafood dishes.

Afternoon:

• Relax with a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.

1. Option: Rent a pair of bikes to cover more ground and enjoy the stunning views of the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels).

• Head up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views of the city, sea, and Old Port.

1. Tip: Visit around sunset for an unforgettable romantic experience.

Evening:

• Have dinner at La Petite Maison, a famous Niçoise restaurant. Splurge on regional delicacies like pissaladière and grilled fish.
• Post-dinner: Grab some gelato at Fenocchio, a renowned ice cream parlor in Old Town.

Morning:

• Start your day with a visit to the Musée Matisse (Matisse Museum) in the Cimiez neighborhood.

1. The museum showcases works by Henri Matisse, who spent much of his life in Nice.

• Take a short walk to the Franciscan Monastery Gardens nearby for a peaceful escape.

Lunch:

• Have a casual lunch at Chez Pipo, famous for its authentic socca. Pair it with a glass of rosé.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Marc Chagall National Museum, dedicated to Chagall’s biblical-themed masterpieces.
• Later, stop by the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) for modern art exhibitions.

Evening:

• Have a relaxed dinner at Olive & Artichaut, a modern bistro offering refined dishes inspired by local ingredients.
• For a romantic end, sip cocktails at Le Negresco’s Bar, located in the iconic Hotel Negresco.

Morning:

• Take a short train or bus ride to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a beautiful coastal town just 15 minutes from Nice.

1. Stroll along the waterfront and explore the Rue Obscure, a historic covered street.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a seaside lunch at La Mère Germaine, known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the bay.

Afternoon:

• Visit Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, one of the most luxurious and scenic spots on the French Riviera.

1. Tour the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gorgeous gardens overlooking the Mediterranean.
2. Walk the Sentier Littoral coastal path for breathtaking sea views.

Evening:

• Return to Nice and have dinner at Boccaccio, an excellent seafood restaurant.
• Optional: Take an evening walk along the Promenade des Anglais to soak up the nighttime ambiance.

Morning: Visit Èze

• Take a bus (Line 82/112) or taxi to Èze Village, a picturesque medieval hilltop village.

1. Explore the cobbled streets, artisan shops, and galleries.
2. Visit the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique) for stunning panoramic views of the coastline.

Lunch:

• Have a romantic lunch at Château Eza, a luxury restaurant with breathtaking sea views.

Afternoon: Visit Monaco

• Head to Monaco (20 minutes from Èze).

1. Visit the Prince’s Palace and watch the changing of the guard.
2. Explore the Monaco Oceanographic Museum and the luxurious Monte Carlo Casino.

• Stroll around the Monte Carlo Harbor to admire the yachts and glamorous atmosphere.

Evening:

• Return to Nice and have dinner at Le Comptoir du Marché, a relaxed bistro with a seasonal menu.

Morning:

• Spend a relaxing morning on one of Nice’s beaches. Options include:

1. Public Beach: Plage Publique de Beau Rivage.
2. Private Beach Clubs: Plage Castel or Ruhl Plage, offering loungers and food service.

Lunch:

• Have a casual seaside lunch at Blue Beach Restaurant, offering Mediterranean dishes.

Afternoon:

• Explore Nice’s shopping areas:

1. Avenue Jean Médecin: Main shopping street with boutiques and Galeries Lafayette.
2. Old Town: Browse local shops for artisanal items like lavender sachets, soaps, and olive wood products.
3. Cours Saleya: Pick up local specialties such as dried herbs and spices.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

• End your trip with a special dinner at Le Chantecler (2 Michelin stars) in the luxurious Hotel Negresco.

1. Enjoy an unforgettable fine dining experience with French Riviera flavors.

Optional:

• Take a final walk along the Promenade des Anglais, reflecting on your time in Nice.

This itinerary combines relaxation, exploration, art, history, and romance to give you a well-rounded experience of Nice and its stunning surroundings.