NICE is Oh Soooo Nice!

I had an amazing birthday last year.My sweetie and I traveled across the US to the East Coast and then on to France.For part of our trip, we went to Nice, France.I had always heard great things about this Southern Coast town on the French Riveria.Imagining this quaint city, I had no idea that it was the second-largest city on the Mediterranean coastline.This being said, it still has that small-town, community feel.Arriving at the end of September, the weather was sunny but the temperatures were dipping down into the upper 60's.It even rained heavy one day which caused the skies to be dramatic and moody.One of the most festive times of year to visit Nice is in February.The weather will only be in the high mid-'50s but the Nice Carnival, lasting two weeks is one of the world's major carnivals, comparable to the Brazilian Carnival, Mardi Gras in the US, and Venetian Carnival in Italy.We rented an Air BnB.It was perfect!Easy to walk to anything and stunning views from sunrise to sunset.If hotels are more your style I would check out the famous iconic Hotel Negresco.All the rooms have their own stories to tell. In fact, one of the rooms, the Suite Pompadour, was used by Louis XV’s mistress.Full of finely appointed furnishings, you will feel like a Queen (or King) staying here.No matter where you decide to lay your head at night, staying on the Promenade des Anglais is a must in my opinion.This famous boardwalk stretches along the coast for over 4 miles.Plenty to see and do on "The Prom", walking paths, bike paths, and several beach volleyball nets.Sprinkle in countless striped beach umbrellas and Adirondack chairs for tourists and locals to sit and waste away the day.Midway down on the Promenade des Anglais is "OLD TOWN".The Old Town of Nice is made up of tall tenement houses lined up along narrow and shadowed streets. The ground floors are occupied by restaurants, shops, and the galleries of local artists.Anything and everything is sold here in Old Town.Plenty of local artists, painters, and fine or casual cuisine can be found throughout.A stroll around Old Nice is best started from Place Massena, which is the central square of NicePlace Massena is Nice's main square.You know are at the right spot when you see black and white tiled streets, full of hustle and bustle.Getting around town is a breeze!The tram was our go-to!There are three tram lines in Nice.Taking the tram to and from the airport was an easy and convenient way to get to our Air BnB.Nice also has an easy-to-navigate bus system.The tram and bus lines are interchangeable, meaning jumping off a bus and getting on a tram is free of charge.We even rode the bus over to Monaco one day.Incredibly simple to figure out, even in a foreign land.Gorgeous scenery and another wonderful option to do while visiting Nice....Another must-do is to hike up to Castle Hill.If exercising while on vacation sounds undesirable, there is also a lift that will take you up there.The views are stunning!With an amazing view of Nice, the port, mountains, and Baie des Anges. Castle Hill also features a military fortress that overlooks the Bay of Nice.The port of Nice is another great find!Take a for a leisurely walk with someone special.The port is quiet and full of small colorful boats mingled in with mega yatchts.There is a selection of small cafes and restaurants to pop into, enjoying the day, and looking out at the blue sparkling water.Most people know my love of France... Paris of course is my #1 destination spot.I quickly fell in love with Nice and will return every chance I get.Flights from Paris are on the hourly and very affordable.I hope you get there someday!