France | Start our Côte d’Azur trip from beautiful blue Nice
We started our tour in Southern France in early September 2024, slightly avoiding the tourist crowds and heat of midsummer, experiencing the brightness and cloudy weather between summer and autumn as well. Although there were some weather changes between seasons during our 12-day trip in South of France, which made the travel memories a little cool and rainy, the overall travel experience was still very good; the weather was mostly sunny and comfortable.
We chose to drive on this trip, freely traveling within French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) and Provence towns. We visited Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Menton, Antibes, Saint-Paul de Vence, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Tropez, Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Arles. Each town has distinct and colorful characteristics, which is very likable. I will share my travel experience of these towns in Southern France gradually. The first article starts with Nice where we landed in France.
In Nice, our favorite is to stroll along the famous, palm-lined Promenade des Anglais. The refreshing sea breeze, the azure Mediterranean Sea, and people sunbathing on the beach are just like the classic summer scene in Nice. There are many restaurants aside Promenade des Anglais. It is great to enjoy delicious food and sea views in a restaurant, or enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze on the Nice beach.
We hiked up Castle Hill (Colline du Château) to overlook panoramic views of Nice and Baie des Anges. Even though the clouds were a bit thick when we climbed up that day, the scenery was still pretty.
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In the center of Nice, the Place Masséna comes into view with grandeur and beauty. Walking on the historic square with black and white paving, brick-red buildings, and the beautiful fountain of the Sun, it felt like walking into a movie scene.
The spectacular Basilique Notre-Dame de Nice is situated on the Avenue Jean Médecin.
The Old Town of Nice (Vieux Nice) is full of vitality. It is good to have a cup of coffee in a café, enjoying the charm of the old town, and explore the city with pleasantness.
The next article would be about visiting the beautiful Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France.
