During our camper van road trip through Provence & Monaco, we made a stop in Nice on the beautiful French Riviera. We stayed at a campsite in Villeneuve-Loubet and took the train directly to the centre of Nice. It turned out to be an easy and convenient way to explore the city. From colourful old streets and seaside views to lively squares and local food spots, Nice is a perfect city to discover on foot. So what to do in Nice in one day?
Admire Place Masséna
Our first stop was the colourful Place Masséna, one of the most iconic squares in Nice. Surrounded by elegant red buildings, black-and-white checkered pavement, palm trees, and lively cafés, the square has a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. Right in the centre stands the beautiful Fontaine du Soleil with its impressive statue of Apollo.
Walk along the Promenade des Anglais
We continued with a walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais, one of the most iconic seaside promenades on the French Riviera. Stretching along the coastline of Nice, it offers beautiful views of the beach and the Mediterranean Sea. The water has that incredible turquoise colour the Côte d’Azur is known for. I was surprised by how beautiful the city beach along the promenade is, with its small grey pebbles. I was even a bit disappointed not to have my swimsuit with me.
Explore the Old Town
We also explored the charming Old Town of Vieux Nice, wandering through its narrow colourful streets filled with local shops, and small restaurants. After some exploring, we found a really good coffee spot at La Claque Café. A perfect for a short break before continuing our day in the city.
Have lunch at Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya
We then stopped for lunch at the lively Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, one of the most vibrant spots in Nice. It’s a great place for a relaxed meal surrounded by local flavours, fresh produce, and flowers. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from.
Climb up Colline du Château
One of the highlights of the day was a visit to Castle Hill. It offers stunning panoramic views over the city, the famous promenade, and the marina. You can reach the top either by a scenic walk or by taking the funicular. It’s the perfect place to pause and take in the full beauty of Nice from above.
Stroll & shop at Avenue Jean Médecin
To finish the day, we enjoyed a bit of shopping along Avenue Jean Médecin. It is one of the main shopping streets in Nice. Lined with popular stores, local shops, and cafés, it’s a nice stroll to soak up the city atmosphere.
Travelling with kids: Don’t skip the playgrounds
We made sure to combine our day in Nice with plenty of time in the parks and playgrounds for my daughter. Our favourite playground in the city was located on Promenade du Paillon. It’s a green oasis right in the centre of town. You can find more details about playgrounds here.
Visited: September 2025
