We have finally arrived at Gare du Nice-Ville on a direct train (4:50h) from Milan. At Nice's main train station we quickly changed for another train to get to Nice St-Augustin. From here we just walked to pick up our rented car. It was early evening and the sky was cloudy, but nevertheless the view was well worth the wait.
Finally, we got the car and went to the local shopping mall. It was quite late already and finding something fairly healthy to eat was a difficult task. Travelling the whole day today, we did not want to settle for a pizza or anything similar but wanted some homemade style, cosy, warm soup for children. Believe it or not, we soon gave up and decided to check in to our apartment first.
Finally we have found our apartment building. We were eager to get inside as it was already 9pm and the kids were hungry and tired. What happened next was simply mind-blowing, we were told that our Booking.com accommodation was an error.. and that really meant we had no place to go.
It took too long to discuss and find a solution with Booking.com, and it was getting really late. Therefore, we quickly decided to go to the Novotel Suites Hotel. It was a big departure from our usual favourite chic and charming hotels. But in difficult situations, prime locations and comfort, Novotel has never failed us. We quickly got a nice little room, with a Japanese style sliding door, what created a tiny, 1 bedroom type accommodation, which was simply wonderful for a family. After a quick warm meal (thank goodness for porridge and hotel room kitchenette!) we all went to bed very tired but happy, being back on our beautiful Mediterranean coastline.
It is quite enough to look through the window, up to the blue sky to get goose bumps, thinking about what awaits you today, because, no matter what you have chosen to do, you are sure to have a great day. This part of the world is the most scenic and beautiful, the light shines here like nowhere else, the sunrises and sunsets, the scents and all the flowers, that you will see everywhere..
So get those flip flops on, as well as sunglasses, a sun hat and an oversized scarf. Pack your water bottle, a towel or a blanket (to sit on the beach) and get out of that hotel quick.
For us, the stop in Nice on our 'Le Grand Tour' trip was mainly to see our friends and visit our favourite places. But if you are in Nice for the first time, the ideal morning would probably mean getting up very early, enjoying the sunrise on the Promenade des Anglais, having breakfast on the beach, before the crowds arrive and the heat becomes just too much to bear. Then climbing up the ChΓ’teau, enjoying the waterfall, and stunning views all over Nice's Port, the Mediterranean Sea and the Promenade.
Next, walking down to the flower market, right in time for lunch at one of the Nice's chic restaurants. Not hurrying anywhere, in this already full day, just walking through the center of Nice, exploring Place MassΓ©na, Promenade du Paillon, with it's fountains, and children playing, would be more then enough.
Then finishing the day off with an evening stroll along the Promenade, the pebbles beach, admiring the sunset before returning to the hotel.
The next morning, if you are in Nice for at least two full days, and want to get away from the crowds you can enjoy some peace and quiet in either the Parque Phoenix or Jardin Botanique. The first one is quite close to the airport, so if you really want to hear the birds singing and bees buzzing, Jardin Botanique would be your best option.
Fully relaxed and recharged, you can then visit the wonderful Museum Matisse and finish the day in Vieux Ville, Nice's beautiful old town, where you can stock up on some beautiful French souvenirs.
Look out for future posts, when I will tell you about Nice in more detail, but for now, passe un belle journΓ©e! Have a beautiful day and plan, plan your trip away!
Valuable info:
The next morning, if you are in Nice for at least two full days, and want to get away from the crowds you can enjoy some peace and quiet in either the Parque Phoenix or Jardin Botanique. The first one is quite close to the airport, so if you really want to hear the birds singing and bees buzzing, Jardin Botanique would be your best option.
Fully relaxed and recharged, you can then visit the wonderful Museum Matisse and finish the day in Vieux Ville, Nice's beautiful old town, where you can stock up on some beautiful French souvenirs.
Look out for future posts, when I will tell you about Nice in more detail, but for now, passe un belle journΓ©e! Have a beautiful day and plan, plan your trip away!
Valuable info:
- It is almost impossible to see Nice in just one day. A minimum of two days (or more!) is a better option, for not just seeing it all but also enjoying as well.
- It is very hot between middle of June and middle of August, so it is good to plan those peak hours of the day in the shade. Always remember your scarf, hat, sunglasses and water bottle.
- April, May, June, September, October are my favourite months for travelling in the Meds
- Always have some change for museum and garden visits, snacks and toilets
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