A week to take time: Slow tourism in Nice Côte d’Azur #1

Want to wander through the streets of Nice to find out about its treasures? Discover the Côte d’Azur capital through its cultural, architectural and plant heritage, classified by Unesco.
With its rich and sumptuous cultural and architectural heritage, Nice has been included on the Unesco World Heritage list as the “winter resort city of the Riviera”. Stroll through an exceptional area: a unique 522-hectare urban complex. It features the famous Promenade des Anglais: walk along the coast and enjoy the smell of iodine, the sound of the waves just a few steps away, sit on one of our famous blue chairs and let yourself be lulled by the “douceur de vivre à la niçoise”.
Visit emblematic districts like Cimiez and Mont-Boron. You will discover villas, charming hotels, local and exotic vegetation and, of course, a variety of architecture shaped by two and a half centuries of tourist activity.
The Heritage Centre organises guided walking tours on the Unesco theme every Tuesday at 10am: “The Riviera Winter Resort City”. Take in the local history and learn more about the exceptional heritage of Nice.

After these beautiful experiences, continue your gustatory journey by visiting the Domaine de la Source. This 7-hectare family estate in the hills of Nice invites you to discover its vineyard, its cellars and to taste local organically grown products. Soak up the peaceful and bucolic atmosphere of the place by enjoying a picnic of Nice specialities in the heart of the vineyards (don’t forget to book!). You will be able to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature while tasting the authentic flavours of the area. An unforgettable experience, to leave with a full stomach and starry eyes.

In the same spirit, I invite you to discover the Saquier vegetable garden. Installed on the hillsides of Nice for several generations, Pierre and Anne Magnani have been practising organic farming since 1996. The strong point of their farm? A great diversity of species, which you can discover through gustatory and olfactory visits.
The produce from the garden is sold at markets, to local restaurants and also as part of an AMAP (Association for the Maintenance of Rural Agriculture) for the inhabitants of the region. Fresh, organic and high quality produce!
Taste their fresh products surrounded by nature lovers, in the heart of their lush and relaxing grounds. And if you fall in love with this beautiful place, you can sleep there for a night or even a few days.
There are two options: the Vegetable Garden Hut, for two people, or the Green Guesthouse, for two to six people.

Discover the city of Nice on foot, with the Lou Camin Nissart GRV de Pays! The French Hiking Federation of the Alpes Maritimes presents you with a 42 km hike with a 1000 m difference in altitude, to walk around the city through the hills of Nice: Place Garibaldi, Port of Nice, Mont Alban, Mont Vinaigrier, Cimiez, Gairaut, Saint Pancrace, Saint Roman de Bellet, before going back down through Magnan on the Promenade des Anglais.
Of course, it is entirely possible to do only a part of the hike and to choose your favourite spots!

Finally, for the more active, what about a tour of the Bellet vineyards by electric bike? With a difference in altitude of 630 m, the tour of the vineyards stretches over 34 km and takes the small road that rises up in the middle of superb Mediterranean vegetation. You will be surrounded by olive trees and pine trees and will finish your tour in the perched village of Colomars. You will discover the vineyards of the famous Bellet wine, AOC harvested on the Nice Côte d’Azur territory. You will also pass by the castle: built in 1906, it is today a wine estate and an exceptional reception venue!
Find this route on the Outdoor Active application!

On this second day, we’re off to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, one of the jewels of the French Riviera. You can enjoy extraordinary landscapes, on foot, by bike or even by boat! If you choose to go on foot, don’t miss the port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Located between Nice and Monaco, it reflects the French Riviera in all its splendour! Benefiting from an extraordinary microclimate, it is much sought after by yachtsmen. Explore the peninsula, the birthplace of the village and a favourite holiday destination, famous for its breathtaking beauty.

Then take one of the three footpaths, accessible from the heart of the village and the port, to discover the beauty of its landscapes over the “Baie de Beaulieu”, the “Cap de Nice” or the “Rade de Villefranche-sur-Mer”. For a more nature-oriented visit, take the “Pointe Saint-Hospice” trail which starts at the “Jardin de la Paix”, above the “Anse des Fossettes”. You can also leave from the famous Paloma beach and follow the trail in the other direction! You will discover the fauna and flora of this idyllic setting as you walk along the limestone rocks.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the beach and swim in the crystal clear waters of the sea for a total and refreshing disconnection. To do so, I’ll tell you about a few beaches. Obviously, Paloma beach: a real jewel, nestled in the heart of a green setting! Very popular for its unique environment, it is also the starting and finishing point of the “Pointe Saint-Hospice” trail. However, it is likely to be very busy. For a little more peace and quiet, discover “Les Fosses” beach, “Passable” beach or “Les Fossettes” beach. Quieter but just as beautiful, they are much appreciated by the locals as they are more preserved and discreet. It’s an opportunity to bask in the sun and forget about everyday life and to relax in the azure waters! Finally, the beaches of “Les Fosses” and “Les Fossettes” are ideal for a bit of snorkelling! So grab your mask and snorkel and discover the fauna and flora around you without disturbing the peace and quiet of the inhabitants of this blue immensity.

To start the day off right, head to Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Stroll through the narrow streets and discover the three markets of the town: the market at the Hôtel-de-Ville, the one in front of the nautical centre and Cap 3000, and the one at the station. Pick up some great artisanal gifts, taste the specialities and take the time to chat to the locals: they often give great advice!
To finish your stroll, head down to the coastline and enjoy an entirely pedestrianised area by the sea with restaurants, pubs and clubs, both day and night. Sit on a terrace and take in the vastness of the sea.

After a short break, continue your walk along the coast. You can rent a bike and ride along the seafront to your next destination: Cagnes-sur-Mer.

For the next part of this third day, head to Cagnes-sur-Mer for some culture. Located in the Collettes estate, among olive and orange trees, discover the Renoir museum. Accessible on foot from the railway station in 15 minutes, it is dedicated to the life of the artist and his works. 14 original paintings, 40 sculptures, the artist’s studio to visit: immerse yourself in the creative world of the Impressionist Master who spent his last 12 years in Cagnes-sur-Mer. After visiting the museum, sit down in the magnificent garden, in the shade of one of the hundred-year-old olive trees. Observe the Collettes house and the Renoir museum’s garden and imagine the artist tending his olive grove with his wife and son Claude. Take the time to smell the oranges all around you and the warmth of the sun as it filters through the branches. Slip into Renoir’s boots, fascinated by the azure sky and, why not, surprise yourself by sketching the peaceful landscape in a small notebook. For September travellers, take the opportunity to have a picnic in the garden.

Did you know? The town of Cagnes-sur-Mer, which has owned the olive grove for 25 years, has decided to allow the park to be used for agricultural production. Milène Servelle carries out this mission with passion: find out more about her portrait and her work in episode 6 of Brillantes!

To take home a little piece of the Renoir experience, head to the museum shop. Here you will find products coming directly from the estate. From making olive paste to growing bitter orange trees for jams and orange blossom water, it’s sure to be a good tasting experience when you get home.

After your visit to the museum, come back to Nice for an exceptional evening with the Sunset Apéro Paddle package from Nice Creative Tour. You will discover magnificent landscapes and what better way to admire them than by floating along the water? Enjoy a paddle activity and explore the coastline of the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis. Let the sea breeze carry you along and be seduced by the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, the hidden coves and the luxurious houses that line the coast.

After a two-hour ride, stop at one of the exceptional sites seen during the ride to enjoy an aperitif from Nice.
Share local specialities with a glass of wine in a heavenly setting, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city. As if cut off from the rest of the world, this moment will undoubtedly remain one of the most beautiful of your trip: a moment out of time, lighter, necessary.