French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, lies on the French coast of the mesmerizing Mediterranean Sea. Its capital, Nice, is situated near Monaco and the France-Italy border. A honeymoon in Nice is a dream vacation for couples who want to explore the charming coast of France.
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Is Nice a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Newlyweds wishing to have a French getaway mainly think of Paris and Nice. While the City of Love has a more cosmopolitan appeal, Nice has a more laidback, outdoorsy atmosphere. It has a warm Mediterranean climate, unique neighborhoods and ruins, beautiful museums, and fantastic beaches.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Nice?
- Soak up the sun. Nice and nearby areas boast some of the best beaches France offers: La Plage d’Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Juan-les-Pins- and Plage de la Salis in Antibes, and Plage de la Bocca in Cannes.
- Go sightseeing. Castle Hill has some of the best panoramic views of Nice. Remember that you need to climb 100 inlaid stairs to get that view. You can also take the Train des Pignes to see the Mediterranean hinterland.
- Challenge yourselves at the Southern French Alps. While the French Alps are famous among ski lovers, you can also find hiking trails in Europe’s most popular mountain range.
- Feed your artistic cravings. A fan of painter Henry Matisse? Explore Matisse Museum and see his best art pieces. You can also catch a movie at the Nice International Film Festival. In the neighboring Antibes, you can also visit Picasso Museum.
- Book guided food and wine tours. French cuisine and wine are things you shouldn’t miss when visiting Nice or any other part of France.
- Take a day trip to nearby tourist-attracting areas. St. Tropez, a 1.5-hour drive from Nice, is where you can experience glitz and glamour on the French Riviera. A nearer destination is Eze, a village known for its Medieval charm. Since Nice is close to Monaco, you can also take a side trip to Monte Carlo.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Nice, France?
You’ll enjoy warm days when you visit Nice between April and June. If you want to experience a more budget-friendly vacation, consider going during the shoulder season: September and October or mid-March to April. Year-round, the temperature in Nice ranges from the mid-50s to low 80s degrees Fahrenheit.
Is a Honeymoon in Nice Expensive?
A seven-day stay in Nice for a couple will cost anywhere from $1,500 to 7,000, depending on whether you want a budget vacation or a luxurious romantic holiday.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Nice
- Don’t go on a honeymoon during peak season, May through August.
- Consider booking your lodging a few blocks away from a central location. You’ll still have easy access to attractions, but accommodations will be cheaper.
- Take advantage of free walking tours.
- Shop in French markets and dine-out picnic-style. You can also check out Nice’s street eats.
- Nice has many free street performances. You may be asked to leave a tip, but it will be much cheaper than paying for entertainment.
- Avoid private beaches. You’ll likely need to pay a cover or spend a certain amount at the bar or restaurant.
- Search for museum passes or consider investing in the French Riviera Pass.
5 Best Areas to Stay In Nice, France
Old Town (Le Vieux)
Old Town is a romantic area filled with cobblestone streets, arched pedestrian passages, and idyllic nature views. It also has many shops, cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants. This neighborhood is also home to the famous Cours Saleya Flower Market, Basilique Notre Dame de Nice, and is accessible to the seafront Promenade des Anglais, where you can explore more touristy establishments.
Jean Médecin (New Town)
This downtown neighborhood is great for shopaholics. It has a pedestrian-only avenue to find high-end shops, notable eateries, and museums. Also located in New Town is Carre d’Or, a seafront neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife. During the day, you can stroll around and wonder at its Belle Epoque buildings.
Le Port
The port is more than just a place to spot high-end yachts and traditional fishing boats. If you and your loved one are big seafood lovers, this is where you can dine at the best seafood restaurants in the region. Many eateries here also offer homemade pasta dishes. Every Monday, the city hosts an antique market where you can find a unique souvenir for your honeymoon.
Cimiez
A place for nature lovers, Cimiez has a residential appeal. You can stay at any of its apartments or villas for rent and enjoy a stroll along its tree-laced streets. Must-see attractions include Jardin des Arenes, Cimiez Monastery, ancient Roman ruins, and Matisse Museum.
Gambetta
For a cheap Nice getaway, Gambetta is the area to be. Like Cimiez, it’s primarily a residential area. This neighborhood takes pride in its various architectural styles, from Victorian to Art Deco. The best thing about this place is just a 20-minute walk from Old Town.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Nice?
Nice, one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe, is the gateway to French Riviera. You can book a direct flight from the US to Nice Cote d’Azur Airport, about 5 miles from the city center. You can hire shuttle services or rent a car to reach your destination.
Traveling Within Nice
Taxi fares can be expensive in Nice, but their buses offer a real bargain. However, you can always rent a vehicle if you prefer convenience and flexibility. If you book central lodging, exploring the area on foot is best. You might just find hidden gems along the way.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Nice?
There are honeymoon resorts in Nice that give you access to beaches and other resort staples like swimming pools and spas. You can also enjoy a posh stay at a luxury hotel like the Castle Hill-nestled Hotel La Perouse.
If you’re looking for wallet-friendly options, you can opt for boutique hotels or vacation rental properties on apps like Airbnb.
4 Local Foods to Try in Nice
- Ratatouille. While this word is most commonly associated with the Disney movie, it’s a vegetable stew that puts Provencal veggies (e.g., eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes) in the spotlight.
- Socca. This bread-like pancake is made of chickpea flour and is one of the most popular street foods in Nice, gaining popularity in the 1990s.
- Ganses. Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, ganses are a must-try. These are deep-fried, diamond-shaped pastries made of flour, eggs, sugar, and orange blossom water.
- Salade niçoise. This famous salad originated in Nice. It consists of lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, tomatoes, potatoes, olives, and green beans.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Honeymoon in Nice?
Add visiting palaces and historical spots to your Nice honeymoon itinerary. Other noteworthy locations besides Castle Hill are Colline du Chateau, Palais de la Prefecture, Chateau & Parc Valrose, and Tour Bellanda.
If you’re into culinary experiences, why not spend a day learning French cuisine via cooking classes? If you’re traveling in February or March, join the Carnival festivities.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Nice
Expect a casual yet romantic getaway when you choose to spend your honeymoon in Nice. Pack swimsuits, cardigans, scarves, and light jackets apart from your everyday attire (and something more formal for dinner engagements). Bring appropriate footwear, especially if you plan to walk a lot.
Don’t forget your favorite sunglasses and hats. Bring insect repellant and sunscreen for your safety against mosquitoes and sunlight.
Is Nice Safe to Visit?
Overall, Nice is a safe place for couples to visit. It has a lower crime rate than other popular cities in Europe. However, there are a few safety precautions you should always keep in mind, including the following:
- Beware of pickpockets and thieves, which are often found lurking on the beaches.
- Avoid shady areas such as Les Moulins, Nice Nord, and La Triaite.
- Always lock car doors and be mindful when taking public transportation.
- During your stay, follow local media to avoid areas affected by gang violence and terrorist attacks.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit France?
As a US citizen traveling for 90 days or less, you don’t need a visa to go to Nice or anywhere in France. The passport stamp you receive upon entry grants you entry to all of the countries in the Schengen Visa area, including nearby Monaco (an associate member of the zone).
Bonus Nice Honeymoon Travel Tips
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Be polite and greet people with a friendly “bonjour” (hello) and “au revoir” (goodbye).
- Only wear bikinis and flaunt bare chests while on the beach.
- Follow posted beach rules. Most beaches don’t allow camping or loud music. Also, watch out for stinger jellyfish.
- French is Nice’s official language, but as it’s a touristy area, many locals speak English.
- Most establishments there don’t accept US dollars, only euros ($1 equals €0.94 as of writing). They accept credit cards, but American Express is less recognized than Mastercard or Visa.