Not the classic glitzy and luxurious town of the Côte d'Azur, Nice is a multicultural and heterogeneous city, full of life, to be experienced fully both culturally and gastronomically, up to the lively nightlife it has to offer.
The white of the pebbles by the turquoise and green sea, the ocher of the roofs of the Art Nouveau buildings, the lilac of the dry and fresh lavender that intoxicates the air among the market stalls: all this, and much more, is Nice. Contrary to what is often thought, we are not talking about the classic location of the cote azur, where luxury and pomp (which easily leads to kitsch) are the masters, and where appearance is often privileged at the expense of substance (especially in prices of the services offered). Nice is a city (the fourth of France) "normal". A lively city, which has a life of its own: the tourists who visit it are American backpachers as well as groups of retirees from the old continent.
Weekend in Nice: what to expect
Between museums (like those on Matisse and Chagalle to name the main ones), markets and events of all kinds, Nice has a lot to offer throughout the year.
Just think of the Christmas markets in December and the carnival parades in February. All this without having to give up the good weather, given the 200 and more sunny days a year. However, the best time to visit Nice is still summer, perhaps in June, when the temperatures are milder and the days are long.
Perfect for a long weekend, dedicate a few more days if you can, to explore the wonders that arise around it: the perched villages of the corniches (St Paul de Vence and Eze are absolutely worth a visit), the gorges of the Verdon, the golden beaches of Hyeres islands.
To do
Nice is a city that can be easily done visit entirely on foot and by public transport, since the main attractions are in the center, between the sea and the Vieille ville (the old Town). The symbol of the city is undoubtedly the Promenade des Anglais, the seaside. Perhaps the most beautiful in Europe, the real pulsating center of the city. Walk it for a couple of kilometers, from the harbor hidden behind the promontory to the casino, walking among groups of young skaters, girls on rollerblades, and young families on bicycles. Halfway along the promenade it is possible to enter the city and discover Massena square. It is a masterpiece of urban redevelopment, born a few years ago through a project that wisely integrates the ancient square, the public gardens and the fountains with their water features, truly a bijeux.
A very special park
In my opinion the most fascinating and magical place in the city is the Public park on the castle hill. Climb to the top to enjoy a truly breathtaking 360-degree view, from the sea to the maritime alps passing through the bell towers of the cities. From here you can go down through the steep streets to "fall" into the Old City, to continue the walk and get lost among butcher's stalls, perfume shops and typical restaurants.
What to eat
The freshness and variety of ingredients, together with the resemblance to Italian cuisine, are the first features that you will notice nicoise cuisine. Thus, in addition to the very famous Nicoise Salad, we find, for example, the Soca, the equivalent across the border of farinata, the low and fried pizza made with chickpea flour that can be tasted along the entire Tyrrhenian coast, from Livorno to Marseille, and the wet pan, a kind of panzanella, delicious in its simplicity.
Walking through the alleys of the old town, it will not be unusual to come across fresh pasta shops and small restaurants serving traditional take-away food. Arranged in the window we find the focaccia stuffed with escarole, delicious in both its salty and sweet versions, sprinkled with powdered sugar, vegetables stuffed with minced meat and flavored with thyme and marjoram, mixed and fried fish and vegetables.
Nightlife
La nightlife of Nice reflects the heterogeneity of its population: brasseries, wine bars, American pubs, there really is something for everyone. A surprising aspect is the number of clubs offering live music, from seven in the evening until late at night (especially on weekends).
Il Wayne's it is the typical English pub with American pop music bands, 90% of the clientele is made up of young tourists and students: you dance on the tables, you drink shots of tequila (often overpriced), in short, the typical Erasmus bar atmosphere perfect to have fun!
Le Shapko, unmissable stop for jazz and blues lovers, and in general for all lovers of live music. Lastly, Il Bulldog Pub Pompeii, to listen to rock and brit-pop hits until 3 am, from Kings of Leon to Blink 182 through Oasis. Often overcrowded, you dance, sweat and sing, in short, you know what you're going to encounter.
