Welcome To Nice, France!
Welcome to Nice, where the views are always giving, and the vibes are on point! Nestled along the French Riviera, this vibrant city is a sensory playground. Picture-perfect beaches, colourful markets, and charming cobblestone streets await you around every corner. Plus, it’s a great destination to explore if you want to do a solo travel trip, as it’s super easy to navigate. Whether you’re here to relax by the sea or explore the bustling Old Town, prepare for an unforgettable adventure in France.
Now, in this blog, I’ll include the important bits about Nice and all the fun things you can do during your visit to France. Spending just three days as a solo traveller in Nice will give you enough time to see the best attractions. So, get ready for an amazing trip!
Picture yourself walking down this waterfront with an ice-cream and these gorgeous views. Wow.
Quick Links – Things To See
- Hop On & Off Bus (HOHO)
- Explore Jean Médecin: Nice's Lively Hotspot
- The Chilled Vibes: Opera Plage
- Place Rossetti: A Delight In Nice's Old Town
- Colline Du Chateau Park & Garden
- Promenade Des Anglais
- Monument Aux Morts: Honouring Heroes Of World War l
- Step Into History: Place Garibaldi
- Get Squared Away In Nice: La Tete Carree!
- Russian Orthodox Cathedral
- Norte-Dame De Nice
- From Nice: Explore Nearby Monaco
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Language, Culture & Currency in France
Bonjour! Ready to dive into some fun facts about France? Let’s get started.
Language: The official language of France is French, a beautiful Romance language with roots in Latin and a sprinkle of Celtic and Germanic influences. Most locals speak French in their everyday conversations. But guess what? France is a bit of a linguistic treasure chest! In certain regions, you’ll hear Occitan, Breton, and Alsatian.
Many locals speak English, especially in popular tourist spots. So, whether ordering a croissant or asking for directions, you’ll find someone who can help.
Currency: Regarding money, France uses the Euro (€). The Euro became the official currency in 2002, replacing the French Franc. It’s always handy to carry some Euros while exploring, but don’t worry—credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places.
Hop-On-Hop-Off: The Fun Way To Explore Nice
Firstly, grab a 2-day Hop-On-Hop-Off Pass (HOHO Pass) before diving into Nice. This pass is a total game-changer, saving you time and money while whisking you directly to the city’s main attractions. The best part? You can hop on and off at any stop along the route as much as you like! I love its convenience and feel confident using this pass as a solo traveller.
The Nice route has 12 fantastic stops and takes about 120 minutes. When you hop on, you’ll get a super handy map showing all the key attractions at each stop. Plus, you’ll receive complimentary earphones with fun and engaging commentary during the ride. So sit back, relax, and get ready to explore Nice in style.
HOHO Bus – My favourite way of exploring any city as a solo traveller!
Explore Jean Médecin: Nice’s Lively Hotspot
Welcome to Jean Médecin, one of Nice’s most vibrant and bustling streets! Renowned for its fabulous shops, charming cafes, and lively atmosphere, this major thoroughfare is a must-visit. Elegant buildings line the street, creating a perfect backdrop for all the activities.
Don’t miss the heart of Jean Médecin—the stunning Fontaine du Soleil (Fountain of the Sun). It features sculptures and water features, making it a magnificent landmark that is sure to impress!
Fountain of the Sun in the heart of Jean Medecin
The Chilled Vibes: Opera Plage
Looking for a beach day with a touch of luxury? Check out Opera Plage, a popular beach club on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Head here for a well-deserved rest when you’re tired of exploring the city.
Opera Plage’s prime spot overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea offers a chic beach experience complete with comfy sun loungers and umbrellas. It’s the perfect place for solo travellers to soak up some sun, enjoy the seaside glamour, and enjoy those stunning views. Whether you’re here for the vibes or the vistas, Opera Plage is the place to be on a sunny day in Nice!
During peak season, this popular place is filled with vibes
Also see: 28 fun activities in Nice
Place Rossetti: A Delight In Nice’s Old Town
Check out Place Rossetti, where charm is served with a side of gelato! Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, this picturesque square boasts colourful buildings that will make your camera happy. Named after the talented architect François-Joseph Rossetti, who whipped it up in the 19th century, it’s a testament to his vision and creativity.
Furthermore, at the centre stage is the Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate, a jaw-dropping Baroque beauty. So, take a leisurely stroll around the square, soak in the architecture, and treat yourself to some of the delicious gelato France is famous for. It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
The gorgeous Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate in Place Rossetti
Colline Du Chateau Park & Garden
Visit Colline du Chateau Park and Garden, where stunning views and fun adventures await! This scenic hilltop park offers breathtaking panoramas of the city and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. But wait—there’s more!
Feel like a true solo traveller as you wander along winding trails, uncover hidden waterfalls and cascades, and soak in the beauty of panoramic vistas from various viewpoints. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder this park is a favourite spot.
Chasing waterfalls in Colline du Chateau
Explore The Iconic Promenade Des Anglais
A cool place to hang out is the Promenade des Anglais, the ultimate waterfront playground in Nice! This iconic promenade stretches along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, inviting you to soak up the sun and enjoy the coastal breeze.
Lined with swaying palm trees, luxury hotels, charming cafes, and stylish boutiques, the Promenade des Anglais sets the stage for strolls. This relaxing but full-of-life location has scenic cycling adventures and thrilling rollerblading sessions. I love it as it’s a great place just to catch a vibe and people-watch.
Oh, and don’t forget to look for the #ILOVENICE sign—it’s the perfect backdrop for snapping cool pictures and capturing memories of this vibrant area.
On top of the world in Promenade Des Anglais
Monument Aux Morts: Honouring Heroes Of World War l
Step into the city’s heart and discover the Monument aux Morts, a solemn tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in World War I. This majestic memorial reminds us of the sacrifices made for peace and freedom. Surrounded by the city’s bustling energy, it offers a quiet oasis for reflection and remembrance. So, pay your respects to the fallen heroes and honour their legacy at this iconic landmark in the heart of town.
Pay your respects at Monument aux Morts
Step Into History: Place Garibaldi
Place Garibaldi, where history meets charm in the heart of the city! Named after the legendary Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, this square bursts with neoclassical architecture, lively vibes, and cosy cafes.
Surrounded by colourful buildings, Place Garibaldi is home to a central statue of Garibaldi, proudly mounted on horseback—a symbol of freedom and unity. Its picturesque setting and rich cultural significance make it a must-visit area for exploration and soaking up the local atmosphere. Get ready to be enchanted!
Place Garibaldi, a central landmark
Get Squared Away In Nice: La Tete Carree!
Ever heard of a library that’s also a massive sculpture? Meet La Tete Carree, or Square Head! Standing tall at 28 meters, this iconic landmark isn’t just about books—it’s an experience. Known as ‘Thinking inside the Box’, this cool sculpture is impossible to miss! So, if you’re up for a unique adventure, check out La Tete Carree. This was one of my highlights of Nice.
Thinking Inside the Box – Le Tete Carree
Marvel At The Cathedral Of Saint Nicholas
Officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, this iconic landmark is a real head-turner in the city. Its ornate domes and intricate designs make it a beautiful place of faith and a symbol of Russian identity. Trust me, this gorgeous cathedral is absolutely jaw-dropping and is an absolute must-visit during your trip to Nice. You won’t want to miss out on this Instagram-worthy piece of art!
I literally was in ore of this Orthodox Cathedral
Norte-Dame de Nice: A French Beauty
Welcome to the Norte-Dame, or as they call it, Our Lady of Nice! But hey, this isn’t your ordinary church—it’s a dazzling cathedral in the heart of the Old Town. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Reparta, it’s a place where history meets awe-inspiring Baroque architecture. Get ready to be blown away by its majestic presence and soak up the rich religious and cultural vibes that make it an absolute gem to visit!
Inside the Norte-Dame du Nice Cathedral
From Nice: Explore Nearby Monaco
You can catch a 30-minute train ride from Nice to Monaco, a nearby country renowned for its glitz and glamour and Formula One Grand Prix. Despite its small size—the world’s second smallest country—Monaco packs a punch and offers a jam-packed day of exploration.
Monaco offers a luxurious escape for travellers seeking elegance and sophistication. Check out if you plan to dine, shop, or play at Monte Carlo Casino. It’s also a great place to explore as a solo traveller, as it’s super easy to get around, and there is plenty to see.
Just a few amazing statues the beautiful Monaco offers
Visiting Monaco really was a highlight of my trip; it was absolutely stunning. Also, another flag ticked off my list; that’s a hell of a yes from me!
Fancy Doing A Tour In Nice?
That’s A Wrap!
To wrap it up, Nice is a total charmer on the French Riviera, mixing old-school elegance with a fresh, modern vibe and loads to discover. From its artsy wonders to its jaw-dropping beaches, Nice practically begs travellers to dive in and soak up its awesomeness for a trip you won’t forget. It’s the perfect place to visit with your friends and is even better for exploring as a solo traveller. If you’ve never solo travelled, check out:
So, why procrastinate? Grab your suitcase and book that trip to Nice ASAP! And hey, if you’re itching for more Euro adventures, don’t miss out on these other super cool European Destinations.