The Talking Suitcase

Cruise & Curated Travel Specialist

France

See the Best Nice, France Attractions in One Day

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Nice France in One Day

Nice, France is the perfect spot to experience the French Riviera lifestyle.  As the 5th largest city in France, it has the small city charm but with big city amenities. If you only have one day, you’ll be able to explore a great deal of the Nice, France Attractions.

While one day isn’t nearly long enough to explore everything in Nice and the surrounding areas, our list of what to see in Nice in one day will ensure you hit the highlights. We tried to leave enough time for you to enjoy a leisurely lunch, stop at a café, browse the shops, relax in the park or swim at the beach. A few extra ideas are also included just in case you breeze through our list quicker than expected.

Keep reading to see how to fit in the best Nice, France attractions in one day.

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What Foreign Kids Need Instead of a French Residence Card (How To Get a DCEM)

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UPDATE: You can now apply online.  If anyone has current experience getting the DCEM, please share.

*This doesn’t apply to citizens of the EU or UK as far as I know*

Did you know that expat children in France need to apply for a DCEM or Document de Circulation Pour Étranger Mineur? I didn’t!

After our first year in France, it was time to renew our Visa’s.   Since you don’t actually get a new Visa, instead a Carte de Séjour,  that poses a bit of a problem for kids. Only adults get a fancy residents card. So what about the kids? According the lady at the Préfecture,  the kids didn’t need anything since they are residing here with their parents.   We thought that was cool and went about our lives.

Fast forward to us trying to enter the Netherlands after a vacation in Ireland. Apparently, kids DO need paperwork saying they can come back into the EU.  Thankfully, we weren’t given too much of a hard time.  The customs officials just instructed us to get the kids documentation.

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Futuroscope Travel Tips: How to Spend a Day at France’s 2nd Largest Theme Park

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Kids are always looking for the next big adventure.  If you’re visiting the west coast of France, stop by Futuroscope, France’s 2nd largest theme park.  Kids can dance with a robot, go on a 4D adventure with Arthur and laugh at the antics of the Raving Rabbids.  We’ve put together some Futuroscope travel tips to help you prepare for a visit.

Just be aware that this is not a traditional theme park with roller coasters and thrill rides. At Futuroscope, you’ll experience multimedia attractions with 3D and 4D shows, watch educational videos on massive domed screens and even learn about water pollution through a laser game in the 8th Continent.

After entering the park and having your tickets scanned, go to the services center to the right of the entrance. You’ll see the British and Spanish flags above the doorway. Trade an ID card for free translator headsets. These will allow you to follow along with the shows in English or Spanish. All films are in French, but 9 shows can be translated. You’ll also want to grab an English map before starting your day.

Once equipped with your translator, head to Danse with les robots and Arthur, the 4D Adventure. They are 2 of the most popular rides in the park, so make these your first or last stops of the day.

 

Kids favorite rides:

  1. Dances with Robots (Danse avec les Robots) – Dance party strapped into 23ft high robots
  2. Raving Rabbids Time Machine (La Machine à Voyager dans le Temps) – Take a trip through time with the Raving Rabbids.
  3. Arthur, the 4D Adventure (Arthur, l’aventura 4D) – 4D adventure through the world of Minimoys.
  4. Ice Age (L’Âge de Glace) –  A 4D experience with the nutty squirrel, Scrat and other Ice Age friends.
  5. La Gyrotour – Get 360º views of the park from 150ft in the air.
  6. The Little Prince in Studio 16 – Embark on a 3D adventure with Le Petit Prince.
  7. The Arena (L’Arena fun Xperiences)- The kids loved the slides so grab a mat and zip along.

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Photos That Will Make You Want to See The Nice Carnaval Battle of Flowers

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One of the largest carnivals in the world is held on the sunny French Riviera.  The colorful parades of the Carnaval de Nice entertain visitors, both young and old.   For the 3rd year in a row, we joined in the fun during the elegant Bataille de Fleurs or Battle of Flowers. The Nice Carnaval Battle of Flowers is Lucy’s favorite event. She loves dancing to the music, seeing the gorgeous floral displays and admiring the extravagant costumes.

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Day Trip from Nice: What to Do in Menton for 1 Day

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Located near the border of Italy, the coastal city of Menton boasts beautiful pastel colored buildings, quaint cobblestone streets and fabulous sea views. If visiting the South of France, the historic city makes a great day trip from Nice.

A bit of history – in 1346, Menton was purchased by Prince Charles Grimaldi.  It remained part of Monaco for just over 500 years before being annexed to France and becoming part of the Alpes Maritimes department.  In the late 1800’s, Menton was a famed health resort. British families flocked to the city to spend their winters soaking up the warm Mediterranean sun.  Today, it’s easy to see this why the city was a draw for the Prince of Monaco and northern Europeans.  Wandering the old streets, visitors will  be transported back in time.

So, what to do in Menton for 1 day?

 

Follow the narrow, cobbled streets as you climb through the Old Town. The dark alleys are spotted with bursts of greenery & fragrant flowers around every corner.

The Basilica St. Michel was built in 1619 at the direction of Prince Honoré II of Monaco, but was completely restored in 1887.  The ornate architecture, frescos and imposing altar make it well worth a visit.   The Basilica isn’t open all day, so check the opening times, as it varies by season.

Next to the Basilica is La Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs or The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, which was built in the 1680’s on the grounds outside the walls of the medieval city.   The beautiful altars and unique red walls inside the chapel are worth a look.

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