A stroll along the water in Nice

A day by the sea begins at Port Lympia, behind the Château de Nice hill. Commercial activities and yachting share the berths at bargain prices! The Place de l'Île de Beauté and its church dominate the area, where the colours of the town's facades continue to brighten up every corner.

Luxury yachts, wooden fishing boats and small tourist boats at a standstill set the tone for the calm seaside atmosphere that reigns in the harbour. Take your time to get the day off to a gentle start before heading off for the first surprising stop.

Perched on a rock, in a setting that is unique in the world, the restaurant Le Plongeoir and its breathtaking viewsawait youfor a real experience. Mediterranean flavours are the order of the day, from sea bream and prawns to tuna mi-cuit.

Immerse yourself in an atypical interlude, where luxurious modernity meets 50s vintage. Immaculate white and navy blue decorate the wooded facilities, facing theinfinite horizon of the sea. The urge to come back for a drink and a few tapas as the sun sets will not fail to cross your mind.

📍 Address: 60 Boulevard Franck Pilatte, 06300 Nice

After this culinary escapade with its splendid scenery, Coco Beach stretches out in front of you, a few hundred metres higher up. Tourists and locals alike can be found sunbathing, picnicking or swimming on the succession of rocky outcrops.

You'll need to take a photo for your album before setting off on the sentier du Littoral. The view over the Baie des Anges and the port of Nice gets more stunning as the walk progresses!

Where to stay on the Nice coast?

Arriving at Cap de Nice, between the sumptuous Côte d'Azur mansions perched on the heights, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area, all the way to Cap Ferrat. Nicknamed the " customs officers' path", this 1.4-kilometre trail leads to the small town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, in a setting cherished by nature lovers. Coves, rocks, olive trees, palm trees and turquoise waters form a picture-postcard backdrop.

Continue the walk via Pointe du Gaton, Pointe de la Rascasse and Pointe Madame, with a few climbs along the way, before reaching the Port de la Darse in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Lined by the charmingly colourful Corderie building, the quayside, home to new yachts and other boats, is a striking contrast to the natural spaces you discovered just a few minutes earlier.

Via the Chemin de la Citadelle, access to Villefranche-sur-Mer's second (and much smaller) port is once again unmissable for its views. Restaurants and bars share the colourful palette of the buildings on the Quai de l'Amiral Courbet, below the narrow streets of the town's historic centre. The little Chapelle Saint-Pierre, with its facade combining creativity, art and spirituality, is breathtaking!

After the effort, the comfort... a gourmet break at the Glacier Feracci is well deserved. Its hand-crafted chocolate, vanilla and fruity flavours make it a renowned address among the many ice cream shops on the Côte d'Azur.

📍 Address: 1-5 Place Amélie Pollonais / 2 Rue du Poilu, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer

Fans of the charm of Old Nice will love the old town of Villefranche-sur-Mer! The narrow, colourful streets, full of architectural surprises, are home to restaurants, shops and homes. This picturesque district perfectly embodies the authenticity of the Mediterranean seaside and the Provencal change of scenery so sought-after by tourists.

Rue du Poilu, which runs parallel to the quay between two winding streets, is an easy way to get back into this almost Italian enchantment. Back to Place Amélie Pollonais, from Rue Gambetta where the elegant Place de la République is hidden.

To get back to Nice, you have to turn back or take public transport. By bus or TER, the journey is fairly quick and there are regular services.

For more information: https: //www.lignesdazur.com/