Que faire à Nice : le guide pour découvrir la Côte d’Azur lors d’un week-end

Nov 14, 2025

Are you planning a weekend in Nice? Whether you’re travelling for business, enjoying a romantic getaway, or spending a family break on the French Riviera, Nice is a dream destination. With its rich culture, fascinating history, sun-soaked beaches and outstanding local cuisine, the city perfectly captures the Mediterranean art of living.

To make the most of your stay, the Nemea Appart’Hotel residence in Nice — the Riviera Nice Airport residence — offers fully independent, comfortable and well-located accommodation. It’s the ideal base to explore the city freely while enjoying complete autonomy.

Ready to discover the must-see highlights of Nice in 48 hours? Follow our guide.

Day 1 in Nice: Old Town, panoramic views and the seafront

Morning: dive into the heart of Nice

Start your day with a stroll through Vieux-Nice, the historic old town. From your Appart’Hotel near the airport, you can easily reach the city centre via tram line 2, stopping at “Opéra – Vieille Ville” (around 20 minutes).

  • Cours Saleya: this iconic and colourful market is the perfect place to try socca, a traditional chickpea pancake. Stalls overflow with local produce, flowers, fruit and vegetables.
  • Picturesque alleyways: wander through narrow streets lined with ochre façades and shuttered windows. Stop at Place Rossetti to visit the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral.
  • Palais Lascaris: discover Nice’s Baroque heritage in this beautifully preserved 17th-century palace.

Lunch: a taste of Nice

Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the Old Town and try local specialities such as pissaladière, petits farcis, or the famous Niçoise salad. Popular spots like “Acchiardo” or “Lu Fran Calin” are great choices for authentic flavours.

Afternoon: breathtaking views and a legendary promenade

Head up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château). Accessible on foot or by lift, it offers stunning panoramic views over the Baie des Anges, Old Nice, the port and the red rooftops of the city.

Then make your way down to the sea and enjoy the iconic Promenade des Anglais, lined with palm trees and the famous blue chairs. Stretching for 7 km, it’s perfect for a seaside walk and a glimpse of everyday Riviera life, with joggers, families and strollers all sharing the waterfront. Don’t miss the legendary Hôtel Negresco along the way.

Evening: Masséna Square and lively atmosphere

As night falls, head to Place Masséna. With its checkerboard paving, contemporary statues and illuminated water mirror along the Promenade du Paillon, the atmosphere is truly magical.

For dinner, choose a terrace around the port or Cours Saleya, both lively year-round. End the evening with an artisan gelato — a local favourite.

Day 2 in Nice: art, relaxation… or Riviera escape

Two options are available depending on your mood: dive deeper into Nice’s cultural treasures or explore nearby gems along the Côte d’Azur.

Option A: culture and nature in Nice

Morning: Cimiez, the city’s artistic district

Take bus no. 5 to Cimiez, a peaceful and elegant hillside neighbourhood.

  • Matisse Museum: housed in a Genoese villa, it showcases one of France’s finest collections dedicated to the artist.
  • Marc Chagall National Museum: a vibrant, spiritual journey through 20th-century art.
  • Arènes de Cimiez Park: Roman ruins, olive trees and the Cimiez Monastery create a calm and timeless setting.

Lunch: picnic or local brasserie

Enjoy a picnic in the park or return to the city centre for a relaxed lunch.

Afternoon: harbour and coastal paths

Head back down to the Port Lympia, easily accessible by tram or on foot. Stroll along the quays, admire traditional fishing boats (“pointus”), and climb the Saint-François Tower for spectacular views.

If time allows, follow the coastal path towards Coco Beach or Cap de Nice for a peaceful seaside walk.

Option B: explore the French Riviera

Just a short distance from your Nemea Appart’Hotel residence:

  • Villefranche-sur-Mer: a charming seaside town with one of the most beautiful natural harbours on the Riviera.
  • Èze: a spectacular hilltop village with breathtaking Mediterranean views and a stunning exotic garden.
  • Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: perfect for nature lovers, home to the famous Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its themed gardens.

Where to stay in Nice?

For a convenient and comfortable stay, choose an Appart’Hotel in Nice. You benefit from hotel-style services (reception, housekeeping, breakfast options…) while enjoying a fully equipped studio or apartment for complete independence.

The Riviera Nice Airport residence, ideally located on the Promenade des Anglais, is a perfect starting point for exploring the city and its surroundings. Just 5 minutes from the airport, close to the beaches and well connected by tram, it offers excellent accessibility.

Whether you’re travelling for business, training or leisure, you enjoy flexible accommodation at a controlled price, with the option to extend your stay for a full weekend experience.

Nearby alternatives include Appart’hotels in Cannes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, or Sophia Antipolis.

Practical tips for a successful weekend

  • Museums: consider the Nice Museum Pass (72h access to municipal museums).
  • Food: don’t miss local specialities like socca, pissaladière and pan bagnat.
  • Families: Promenade du Paillon and Castle Hill are ideal for a family weekend in Nice.
  • Events: check local festivals such as Carnival, Jazz Festival or summer fireworks when planning your trip.

An unforgettable weekend in Nice

Between seaside walks, cultural visits, historic streets, panoramic views and Mediterranean flavours, Nice offers the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery.

Staying in an Appart’Hotel near Nice Airport gives you comfort, flexibility and freedom — the ideal way to experience the city at your own pace.

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