The city of Nice, France holds a great memory in my heart. Having previously visited the city during my time in business school at Grenoble – France, it was a place that I’d always known that I would return to at some point in the future. I never knew exactly when that was going to be. However, on this trip, I would get that opportunity to revisit some of the places that I had visited seventeen years ago. Our first day in Nice marked a visit to these wonderful destinations.

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This post is one chapter on a trip to the South of France and Cinque Terre, Italy. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. For information on how this trip was booked, please see our introduction. For parts of the trip, please see this index.

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Walking the Streets of Vieux Nice and the Old Port of Nice, France

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Arguably one of the most popular attractions in Nice is the city of Vieux Nice, or old Nice, France. It remains one of the most quaint and popular old cities in France and greater Western Europe. We designed our stay to take advantage of some of the features and attractions of old Nice.

Nice, France holds a special place in my heart. I first visited in the year 2006 when I was attending business school nearby at the Grenoble Graduate School of Business. At the time, I would end up visiting Nice, France on a weekend day trip down from the school. I always knew that I’d return to Nice one day, but I was never sure exactly when that would be. Today’s visit marked my return to Nice some seventeen years after my first visit.

Visiting Vieux Nice, France:

We set out from our hotel at Le Méridien Nice, which was conveniently located down the street from Vieux Nice. From the hotel, it as a short walk across the street to the Promenade des Anglais.

It was a gorgeous sunny fall day on October 1st when we set out, with short sleeve weather and temperatures in the mid twenties Celsius. Our walk took us along the Promenade towards Vieux Nice.

Stepping off the Promenade des Anglais, we walked inland towards the Place Pierre Gauthier next to the Palais de la Prefecture. There was a small market set up selling all sorts of different used items; books, furniture accent pieces, old coins. It was a great day for window shopping as we wandered the streets settling into Vieux Nice.

We started walking into the streets of Vieux Nice. It was a stark contrast from the usual streets back home. Tiny narrow passage ways formed the heart of this old world neighbourhood, layouts that have withstood the time of centuries.

We wandered into the heart of Vieux Nice with some window shopping and restaurant looking along the way. With five days in the area, we had some situating and orienting to do in order to be organized for a stay.

With dozens of shops and restaurants, there was something for everyone to look at and enjoy while walking through Vieux Nice.

Climbing Up to Nice’s Chateau:

We eventually started the slow climb up the Rue de Chateau. Fortunately, the walk uphill was in the shade, which helped off set some of the heat of the climb.

Using the help of Google Maps offline, we meandered our way up towards the Castle. Shaking off the jet lag, we took it pretty easy on our climb. With great views along the way, there were plenty of opportunities to stop to appreciate the sights.

Viewpoint at Colline du Château:

We eventually arrived over to the Colline du Château. The Colline du Château is a terraced area with outstanding views over Vieux Nice and the Promenade des Anglais.

Mission Accomplished. A climb celebrated with a victory photograph.

On such a picturesque day, there was nothing not to like about seeing these terrific views. The view from the terrace stretched for miles along the shoreline towards the airport in the distance.

No trip to the top of the Château de Colline wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the fountain. We paused briefly for a view of this landscape castle feature.

Descending to the Port of Vieux Nice:

After our time at the Colline du Château, we descended the other side of the hill to take us towards the Vieux Port de Nice. The Vieux Port de Nice was an area that I had missed on my last visit. As a result, my visit marked new territory.

We briefly stopped at Rouge Wine Bar, a hip wine bar for a few snacks in order to allow us to recharge for the day.

Having been refilled, we left Rouge and wandered down to the old port. The Vieux Port of Nice is set out in a large square format, allowing boats to port up spread all around the harbour.

Being the end of yachting season, there were always some impressive harbour metal around the dock. Without much security around, no one seemed to mind us wandering through the harbour admiring all the impressive yachts.

Eventually, we walked the shoreline back towards the Promenade des Anglais. It was another spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea and it’s coastal shoreline on the south of France.

The Promenade des Anglais is a terrific shoreline walk that can be appreciated by anyone.

Sunset on the Beach in Nice:

With such terrific weather, we aimed to make the most of our time outside. On an impromptu basis, it was time for a bottle of wine outside along the shoreline. With MrsWT73 selecting a bottle of her favorite Aix en Provence rosé, we navigated down to the shoreline with towels courtesy of the Le Méridien Nice for some terrific sunset reds.

What a terrific first day for visiting Nice, France.

My Thoughts on Visiting Vieux Nice, France:

The city of Vieux Nice in France is always a special experience. The old city is an area full of exploration. The Colline de Château is well worth clambering over, and the Vieux Port was an area I previously hadn’t had the opportunity to visit.

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If you’ve visited the city of Nice, what is your favorite part of the city ?

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