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Nice has famous landmarks, historic streets, museums, markets, coastal walks, and so many good viewpoints that choosing what to see is harder than it first appears. This guide covers the places I would prioritize on a first visit, along with quieter corners and less obvious photo locations worth adding if you have more time.
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Nice is easy to get around without a car. Tram Line 2 connects Nice Côte d'Azur Airport directly with the city center and Port Lympia, while many central sights are close enough to reach on foot. Trams cover longer journeys around the city, and trains are often the simplest option for day trips along the French Riviera.
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Nice is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want from the trip. Summers are hot and sunny, winters are generally mild, and spring and autumn can be more comfortable for exploring.
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France is difficult to fit into one itinerary. Paris, the Atlantic coast, the Alps, Provence, and the French Riviera each call for a different pace, transport plan, and season. Before buying tickets, choose one or two regions that genuinely fit your trip.
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What surprised me most was not one high price, but the difference between the free and expensive versions of almost the same day. In Nice, you can walk everywhere and sit by the sea for free. In Cannes, one lunch at a beach club can easily cost as much as several regional train journeys. Below, I separate my own expenses from prices I checked but did not pay myself.
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For a walk around central Sanremo, I would first check Palafiori, the railway-station garage, or Calvino/Dapporto. These three municipal car parks have clear rates and 24-hour access. For a guaranteed place over several days, ask Autosilo Colombo or Autosilo Via Volta for a price in advance.
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Sanremo is best known for its music festival. The city itself can seem like scenery behind the Ariston stage. It is worth visiting outside festival week too: climb the lanes of La Pigna, walk to the Madonna della Costa sanctuary, see the Russian Church, follow the seafront, and visit the gardens of Villa Ormond.
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There is no honest universal price for a week on the French Riviera. Accommodation in August and November, a public beach and a club by the Carlton, or a picnic and dinner by the sea produce completely different totals. A better method is to calculate five lines: travel, accommodation, local transport, food, and paid activities.
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French cuisine changes noticeably from one region to another. Burgundy cooks beef in red wine, Provence makes bouillabaisse, and Brittany serves buckwheat galettes. This guide brings together traditional French dishes to help you decide what to order and where to look for local specialties.
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You can see Monaco's main sights in one day, but it will be a busy walk from the old town to Monte Carlo. With two days, add the coast and a contemporary-art museum. Give the third day to Fontvieille, while a fourth allows time for the Exotic Garden, cave, and a relaxed evening without racing through a checklist.
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