How to Spend 3 Days in Nice, France: The Perfect French Riviera Itinerary
- Sadie
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 3
By Sadie | See with Sadie
There are few places that capture the beauty of the French Riviera quite like Nice. Picture pastel buildings lining narrow streets, flower markets overflowing with color, sparkling turquoise water, seaside cafés, and long afternoons that somehow convince you to slow down.
Whether you're adding Nice to a larger European adventure or planning a long weekend along the Côte d'Azur, three days is the perfect amount of time to experience the city's charm while taking a day trip to the town of Menton.
Here's exactly how I'd spend three unforgettable days in the South of France.
Day One: Discover the Heart of Nice
After an early morning flight from Zurich, check into a centrally located hotel before heading straight into Old Town Nice. With its colorful buildings, winding alleyways, and lively atmosphere, it's the perfect introduction to the French Riviera.
Start your morning with brunch at Café Fino, then wander through the famous Cours Saleya Market, where you'll find fresh flowers, local produce, artisan goods, and plenty of photo-worthy corners.
Spend the afternoon climbing Castle Hill (Colline du Château). The panoramic views overlooking Nice's red rooftops and the Mediterranean Sea are worth every step.
Finish your first day with dinner at Gina, a restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes and beautifully crafted cocktails before heading back to your hotel for an early night.
Day Two: A Day Trip to Menton
Just under an hour from Nice sits one of the French Riviera's most underrated destinations, Menton.
Menton is known for its colorful buildings, relaxed atmosphere, and Italian influence.
Spend the morning exploring the charming streets before visiting the beautiful Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange, one of the town's most iconic landmarks.
Celebrate lunch at Restaurant Primo, where fresh Italian cuisine pairs perfectly with the coastal setting.
The afternoon is best spent at Plage des Sablettes, relaxing by the sea or renting paddleboards before returning to Nice.
For a memorable evening, enjoy dinner at Le Plongeoir, one of Nice's most iconic restaurants, dramatically perched on a rock above the Mediterranean. It's the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion while watching the sunset over the water.
Day Three: Slow Mornings & French Perfume
One of my favorite memories would undoubtedly be an early morning swim along the Promenade des Anglais. Watching the sunrise over the Mediterranean before the city wakes up is a peaceful way to experience Nice.
After breakfast at La Brioche Chaude, spend your morning creating your own signature fragrance during a perfume-making workshop at Molinard. If you're looking for one truly unique experience in Nice, this is the one I'd recommend.
✨ Book the Molinard Perfume Workshop here.
Finish your trip with lunch at Marinette, stroll through Nice one last time, and soak in every final view before heading back to the airport.
Where I Stayed: Hotel Beau Rivage
For this itinerary, I chose Hotel Beau Rivage because of its unbeatable location. Just steps from the Promenade des Anglais and only a short walk to Old Town Nice, it made exploring the city incredibly easy without relying on transportation.
Why I chose it:
Beachfront location
Walking distance to Old Town
Close to restaurants and cafés
Convenient airport access
Near shopping and attractions
Estimated Budget
Expense | Estimated Cost (Per Person) |
Flights & Hotel | $610 |
Food & Drinks | $255 |
Activities & Souvenirs | $100 |
Transportation | $80 |
Estimated Total | ~$1,045 |
My Favorite Stops
Café Fino
Cours Saleya Market
Castle Hill
Restaurant Primo
Le Plongeoir
Molinard Perfume Workshop
Promenade des Anglais
Menton
Final Thoughts
Nice perfectly balances relaxation, culture, incredible food, and breathtaking coastal scenery. From wandering through colorful markets to dining above the Mediterranean and creating a custom perfume to remember your trip, every day offers something special.
If you're looking for a destination that feels effortlessly elegant while remaining easy to explore, Nice deserves a place on your travel bucket list.
Thinking About Visiting the French Riviera?
Planning a trip to Nice, Menton, or the South of France? I'd love to help you create a personalized itinerary tailored to your travel style, interests, and budget.
✨ Start Planning with See with Sadie
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