The Perfect Summer Itinerary in Nice
- Aurora Rocca
- May 7
- 3 min read
Nice isn’t just a destination — it’s a mood. Draped along the glittering Côte d’Azur, this sun-drenched city delivers the perfect blend of laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle and effortless French elegance. Think pastel-hued buildings, palm-lined boulevards, rosé at golden hour, and boutiques nestled in centuries-old alleyways. With 48 hours to spare, Nice invites you to indulge in coastal glamour with a fashionable twist.
Where to Stay: Boutique Dreams by the Sea
Hotel Le Negresco
This legendary Belle Époque palace is a fashion icon in itself. With rooms that feel like curated art galleries, it’s ideal for those who appreciate history, haute couture, and a side of sea views
Hotel Amour Nice
A sister to the Paris hotspot, Hotel Amour is a playful, pastel-hued retreat with retro interiors, a chic rooftop pool, and a clientele that looks like they walked out of an indie fashion campaign.
Day 1: Riviera Romance & City Strolls Morning:
Begin your day with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais — the iconic seaside boulevard that embodies Riviera elegance. Grab a fresh croissant and café crème at Maison Auer, a beloved pâtisserie since 1820.
Head uphill to Colline du Château for panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops and the turquoise sweep of the Mediterranean. Don’t forget to snap that perfect Insta-shot with the city as your backdrop.
Afternoon:
Wander through Vieux Nice (Old Town) — a maze of narrow streets bursting with charm. Browse vintage shops, local designer boutiques, and Provençal markets. Stop for a Niçoise salad or socca (a local chickpea pancake) at Chez Pipo.
Evening:
As golden hour hits, head to the Rooftop at Hotel Méridien https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ncemd-le-meridien-nice/dining/for an Aperol spritz overlooking the sea. Then, dine at JAN https://janonline.com/restaurantjan/?srsltid=AfmBOoqJsEvh0KZnas5CTnpXiRj11AEez13ile019qTyOmdLo66RRa0w, a Michelin-starred gem blending South African flair with French technique. Cap the night with cocktails at Wayne’s https://www.waynesbar-restaurant.com/, a low-lit bar popular with the stylish crowd.
Day 2: Art, Beach Clubs & Riviera Chic
Morning:
Start your day at the Marc Chagall National Museum — an artistic haven nestled in a garden setting. Then take a short walk to Musée Matisse, housed in a 17th-century Genoese villa surrounded by olive trees. Lunch:
Make your way to Plage Beau Rivage,https://plagenicebeaurivage.com/ one of Nice’s trendiest beach clubs. Order grilled sea bass and a crisp glass of rosé, then lounge by the water under striped parasols — Riviera living at its finest.
Afternoon:
Explore Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice’s main shopping artery, where high street staples meet French pharmacy finds. Pop into Galeries Lafayette for a designer fix, or detour into hidden side streets for local fashion gems.
Evening:
Wrap up your trip with dinner at La Petite Maison, https://la-petite-maison.tablein.com/isa local institution known for its vibrant atmosphere and fresh Mediterranean fare. Then head to Le Plongeoir https://www.leplongeoir.com/reserver/— a dramatic bar and restaurant perched on a rock above the sea — for a final cocktail under the stars.
Getting There: Direct Flights from Ireland
From Dublin (DUB):
Ryanair and Aer Lingus offer direct flights to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), with return fares starting around €55–€75 depending on the season and availability.https://www.skyscanner.ie/
From Cork (ORK):
While direct flights are not currently available, several airlines offer one-stop routes via major hubs like London or Amsterdam. Return fares typically start from €130–€160.https://www.skyscanner.ie/
Nice offers the perfect 48-hour blend of Riviera radiance and city sophistication. Whether you're sipping champagne by the sea or meandering through flower markets in vintage linen, every moment feels like a scene from a French film. Elegant, eclectic, and eternally photogenic — this is a getaway that dresses up beautifully.
Comments