Planning a family trip to the South of France? As a former American expat who lived right here in Nice with my family, I know firsthand that the Côte d’Azur is one of the most magical destinations in Europe.
From the sparkling turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to the narrow, historic alleyways of Vieux Nice (Old Town), this guide is designed to help you plan the ultimate stress-free vacation. Below, you’ll find our tried-and-tested local recommendations, custom itineraries, transit guides, and neighborhood secrets to help you travel like a local.
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Planning Your Nice Vacation: The Best Things to Do
Whether you have one day or a full week, Nice is the perfect base for exploring the French Riviera. Before diving into day trips, start by getting acquainted with the city’s best sights, parks, and viewpoints.
- Top 25 Things to do in Nice, France – Our master list featuring top tourist attractions plus local favorites.
- What to Do in Nice, France with Kids – Actionable ideas sorted specifically for Toddlers, Teens & Tweens.
- 10 Most Instagramable Spots in Nice, France – Where to snap the absolute best family photos on the coast.
- Best Parks in Nice, France – All our favorite green spaces to play or relax with a picnic lunch.
- See the Best Nice, France Attractions – Use this step-by-step walking route if you are short on time.
A Taste of Nice: What & Where to Eat
Provençal food is incredibly unique, blending French techniques with Italian flair. When you are visiting with children, skip the uptight, multi-course restaurants and dive straight into the local street food scene!
- 10 Must Eat Foods in Nice, France – Discover local Nice specialties like socca (chickpea pancakes) and pissaladière.
- Market Shopping in Nice – How to navigate the famous Cours Saleya Flower Market & Liberation Market like a local.
Getting Around the French Riviera
One of the best parts of staying in Nice is how incredibly easy it is to travel without a car. The public transit system here is fantastic, affordable, and highly scenic.
- 5 Day Côte d’Azur Itinerary – Explore the best of the South of France in less than 1 week.
- Newbie Guide to Using the Bus and Tram Systems in Nice – Everything you need to know about purchasing tickets, validation, and routes.
The Best Day Trips from Nice
Nice is the ultimate central hub for traveling along the French Riviera. Within 30 minutes in either direction by train or bus, you can be in a medieval hilltop village or a glitzy principality. Here are our absolute favorite day trips from Nice:
- Eze – A stunning, medieval cliffside village featuring an incredible exotic garden with a view.
- Monaco Aquarium – A spectacular museum built into a cliffside, perfect for educating kids about marine life.
- St. Paul de Vence – Experience historic, artistic French charm along medieval stone walls.
- Peillon – An untouched, dramatic hilltop village perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
- Scenic Train Journey from Nice – A scenic mountain railway trip for a day of hiking in Tende & La Brigue.
- What to Do in Menton for 1 Day – Explore the vibrant, pastel-hued city once owned by the Prince of Monaco.
- Things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer – A gorgeous, colorful fishing village with a shallow, kid-friendly beach.
- What to See on Parc du Mont Boron – Beautiful pine-wood hiking trails with spectacular panoramic bay views.
- Photo Diary: An Afternoon in Cimiez – Olive groves, Roman ruins, and Matisse art—great for a quiet half-day trip.
To make planning your Mediterranean vacation even simpler, grab our FREE French Riviera guide packed with packing checklists and itinerary planners!
Essential France & Europe Travel Tips
Preparing for an international trip involves a lot of moving parts. To help you plan your journey to France seamlessly, here are our essential, tried-and-true guides on budgeting, flights, and navigating the local culture:
- Guide to Managing Money in Europe – Smart tips for using foreign currency, card payments, and avoiding high transaction fees.
- Top 10 Tips to Save Money Visiting France – Easy budget wins for dining, attractions, and lodging.
- Favorite Travel Apps for Europe – The essential translation, transit, and mapping apps we used every single day.
- Easy Guide to Understanding French Road Signs – A quick must-read guide before you rent a car and hit the toll roads.
This guide to family travel in Nice is continually being updated as we experience Nice like a local.
