Nice, France with my mom

My mom and I went to Nice for 6 days. The goal was mainly to relax, but also to enjoy some experiences in the city.

We stayed at Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame, a 4-star hotel right in the center. I don't remember the exact price of flights and hotel, but I usually book through Booking.com and often fly with Norwegian. That combination tends to be both simple and affordable.

On the hotel rooftop there was a small bar where you could sit outside with a drink. They also had a sun terrace with a small pool and sun loungers, the perfect place to relax after shopping. We visited in early March, and for us Norwegians it was warm enough to wear just a blouse and sweater, while the locals wore down jackets 😅 The sea was only about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, which made the location very convenient.

Shopping and City Life

The hotel was right by Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice's main shopping street, and close to the Notre Dame Cathedral. From the rooftop terrace we had a great view down the shopping street. We spent our days exploring markets, sightseeing, walking around the city, and taking small trips.

Tips:

• Start your day early, Nice wakes up slowly, and the crowds are smaller in the morning.

• The markets (like Cours Saleya) are perfect if you enjoy local food, flowers, and souvenirs.

• Wear comfortable shoes, many of the streets are cobblestone and slightly hilly.

Day Trip to Éze Village

One highlight was visiting the medieval village of Éze, perched on a cliff 450 meters above the Mediterranean. It felt like stepping back in time, narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, and old stone buildings.

To reach the very top, there's a ticket booth where you pay an entrance fee, but after the climb up it's worth every penny. At the top we enjoyed breathtaking views, beautiful flowers (with small explanations next to them), and little shops selling local products. There were also benches where you could rest and just take in the scenery.

Tips for Éze:

• Bring water, especially if you go on a warm day.

• Wear good shoes, it's uphill all the way.

• Set aside a couple of hours so you don't have to rush.

Food and Drinks

Nice offers plenty of good food, from French bistro dishes to Italian pizza and pasta. We enjoyed drinks on the rooftop, lunches by the beach, and cozy dinners at small restaurants in town.

Tips:

• Try the local specialty socca (a type of chickpea pancake).

• Explore the side streets, often you'll find cheaper and more authentic places to eat.

• Remember that the French usually have dinner late (around 7–9 pm).

Summary

This trip to Nice turned out exactly as we hoped, a mix of relaxation and experiences. We soaked up the sun on the rooftop, walked around town, visited markets, shopped, and enjoyed sightseeing. We also had short excursions, ate delicious food, and enjoyed good drinks.

Tips if you're considering Nice:

• Travel outside of peak season (March–May or September–October), it's cheaper, less crowded, and still warm enough.

• Choose a hotel with a rooftop terrace or close to the beach to get the most out of your stay.

• Combine your city break with short day trips, for example Éze Village or Monaco, both close by.

A lovely and relaxing trip that I highly recommend 🌞