VERDICT: We gave 5 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!
A Mediterranean arrival, a jaw-dropping hotel balcony view and an unforgettable night at Carnaval de Nice made this the perfect ending to seven incredible days across France.
After seven unforgettable days driving from Paris through the heart of France, we finally reached the Mediterranean city of Nice and it completely exceeded our expectations. From our very first glimpse of the sparkling blue sea near Cannes, to a sunset, wine overlooking the Riviera and an unexpected night at the world-famous Carnaval de Nice. This final stop turned into one of the highlights of the entire journey.
Leaving Avignon behind, we began the final leg of our extraordinary seven-day road trip across France. The drive from Avignon to Nice covers roughly 260 kilometres and follows the famous A8 Autoroute; often called “La Provençale.” This route gradually transitions from the vineyards and historic towns of Provence toward the glamorous coastline of the French Riviera.
Historically, this region has attracted artists, royalty and travellers for generations. Nice itself dates back over 2,000 years and was founded by the Greeks around 350 BC before later becoming part of the Roman Empire. For centuries, the city was connected culturally and politically to Italy before officially becoming part of France in 1860. Even today, the Italian influence remains visible in the architecture, cuisine and atmosphere.
As we approached the Riviera, we stopped for a coffee just outside Cannes. Within moments, we caught our first sight of the Mediterranean Sea on this trip. Pulling over beside the beach, we stood staring at the deep blue water, palm trees swaying nearby and waves rolling gently onto the shore. After days travelling through castles, cathedrals, countryside and medieval cities, this felt like an entirely different world. At that moment, we knew we were very close to Nice.
Arriving in Nice proved a little more adventurous than expected. Our first mission was returning the rental car, which quickly turned into a challenge. Driving up and down the iconic Promenade des Anglais, our GPS continually sent us in circles, redirecting us back and forth along the waterfront. Eventually, after several confusing loops, we finally spotted the Sixt Rental sign. We parked, returned the keys and began walking along the promenade toward our hotel.
Entering the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice, we still weren’t entirely sure what to expect from the room. Our hotel, once again, was booked via booking.com.
Then we opened the door. It was one of those genuine jaw-dropping travel moments.
The room itself was beautiful, but the real showstopper was glass doors opening onto a private balcony overlooking palm trees and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. After nearly 1,000 kilometres on the road across France, standing there with the Riviera stretched out in front of us felt surreal.
The Radisson Blu has a private beach opposite along with a rooftop pool, terrace restaurant and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
That evening we walked along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, one of the most famous waterfront boulevards in Europe. Originally developed in the 1800s thanks to wealthy English aristocrats wintering in Nice, the promenade stretches for seven kilometres along the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels) and remains the heart of the city’s social life.
As the sun began setting over the Mediterranean, we returned to the balcony with a glass of wine and simply watched the sky turn shades of orange and pink over the sea.
The next day we were told that most of the energy and activity could be found in Old Nice at the far end of the promenade. We decided to walk along the beach first, eventually stopping at a relaxed beachfront café called Canailles. The weather was already surprisingly hot for February, so we cooled down with a couple of Coronas while watching people stroll along the waterfront.
Later we jumped aboard a local tram heading toward Old Town. When we arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Streets were packed, giant parade floats lined the roads and barriers had been erected everywhere. Completely by surprise, we discovered the city was preparing for the famous Carnaval de Nice; one of the largest and oldest carnivals in Europe, dating back to 1873.
We were told all the tickets were sold out. To see the Carnaval you had to purchase tickets to access the high walled area for the event.
But with a little perseverance and patience, we somehow managed to secure two tickets.
That evening turned into one of the biggest surprises of our entire trip. Massive illuminated floats, music, performers, lights and thousands of spectators transformed the streets into an unforgettable celebration. To say the Carnaval de Nice was amazing would honestly be an understatement.
The following morning we headed for Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to catch our two-hour flight to Barcelona. BTW – The airport is minutes away from the hotel.
As far as Nice is concerned… we’ll absolutely be back. And deserves a 5 Ticket Rating.
Welcome to the Mediterranean!
🎯 Top 10 Things to see and do in Nice
- Walk the famous Promenade des Anglais
- Explore Old Nice (Vieux Nice) and its colourful streets
- Visit Castle Hill for panoramic Mediterranean views
- Experience Carnaval de Nice (February)
- Relax at a beach club along the Riviera
- Visit the Cours Saleya flower and food market
- Enjoy rooftop dining overlooking the Mediterranean
- Take a day trip to Monaco or Cannes
- Visit the Marc Chagall National Museum
- Watch sunset from the Promenade des Anglais
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one nto five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
