Perched between the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Alps, Nice served as our anchor for exploring the Côte d’Azur. From the wide sweep of the pebble-lined Promenade des Anglais to the narrow, ochre-walled alleys of Vieux Nice, the city blends classic Belle Époque elegance with an easygoing seaside pace. With Tamara fluent in French, navigating local markets and transit hubs was seamless, making Nice an ideal, sun-drenched home base for exploring further down the coast by rail.
Coastal day trips:
Monaco (Monte Carlo): A short hop across the border, where superyachts crowd Port Hercule beneath sheer limestone cliffs. We spent our time walking the cliffside paths of the Rock, taking in the Prince's Palace, and passing the grand Belle Époque façade of the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Cannes: Located just southwest down the rail line, Cannes brought a distinct shift toward film heritage and luxury. We strolled the palm-fringed Boulevard de la Croisette, explored the historic hilltop quarter of Le Suquet, and caught the contrasting atmosphere of private beach clubs alongside historic harbor boats.
Menton: Tucked right against the Italian border, Menton felt significantly more tranquil than the rest of the Riviera. Known for its microclimate and citrus groves, the town features cascading pastel-orange facades descending straight to the water, centered around the Basilica of Saint-Michel and the calm waters of the Old Port.
