A Slow Wellness Day in Nice, on Foot

Among the top things to do in Nice is to explore it, leisurely on foot, and with Azur Xperiences. Why? Because getting acquainted with Nice is like getting to know a lover: slowly, diligently, and admiringly.

So, without spending too much time on introductions, let’s show you how to well and truly get to know your long-awaited lover, Nice.

Top Things To Do in Nice

Your First Stop: Vieux Nice

Vieux Nice, meaning ‘old Nice’, is not merely the old part of the famous city of Nice; it’s the heart and soul of it. Situated beneath the Colline du Château (Castle Hill), inland from the Mediterranean and the Quai des États-Unis, this relatively compact neighbourhood feels so much bigger than it is in actuality.

Comprised of a maze of narrow streets, delightfully colourful buildings good enough to become the next inspiration for a Lenox Spice Village range, and incredible culturally significant sights, sounds, and flavour fiestas.

There are also many passageways to explore, many churches to marvel at, both inside and out, and various shops with all sorts of goodies to peruse. Don’t forget to pop into one of the main attractions though, the Palais Lascaris, a Baroque palace operating as a museum today. Diving into the beauty that is Vieux Nice is ultimately the best way to start a slow wellness day in Nice, on foot.

Your Second Stop: Cours Saleya Market

Gliding through the Cours Saleya Market provides a chance for all those getting to know the ineffable beauty of Nice to also interact with the locals making a living within its embrace. This long, elegant pedestrianised market square runs parallel to the Quai des États-Unis and the Mediterranean, and is best known for the Marché aux Fleurs (roughly translated as the flower walk).

But although the flower walk is intensely interesting to behold, the regional food products being sold, the fresh seafood on offer, and the sweet fruits and flavourful veggies begging to be taken home to feature on the dinner plate or within pudding creation are among the other highlights of the market. But at the heart of it is the locals, and they’ll gladly help you orchestrate all the parts that make up the perfect picnic lunch, which is the next point of interest for your slow wellness day on foot in Nice to commence.

Pause for A Slow Lunch

You’ve opted for a bunch of ingredients and condiments bought from the Cours Saleya Market to have a delightful little picnic; all the walking has made you feel somewhat hungry, and you’re eager to have a rest. There’s only one question remaining: where is the best place in Nice to have a picnic?  Given that you want to have a picnic (which we would obviously recommend).

The answer lies only a 5- to 10-minute walk from the Cours Saleya Market, at the Promenade du Paillon. This 12-hectare green corridor is situated in the very heart of Nice, stretching from the Old Town towards Place Masséna and the sea. The lawns and shady enclaves here make for the perfect picnic spot to delight in the market’s feast.

Your Third Stop: Promenade des Anglais

Among the top things to do while in Nice is to walk along the Promenade des Anglais. This world-famous road is a testament to where the city is heading, figuratively speaking. If Vieux Nice is an exposé on the city’s past, then it’s safe to assume that this promenade is a promising appetiser for what’s to come. Mostly known as La Prom by locals, this grand boulevard runs along the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels), from the area around Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in the west to the Quai des États-Unis near the Old Town and Port of Nice in the east for almost 7 kilometres.

Depending on the tour offered by Azur Xperiences, you can either cycle the promenade,  swim beside it if you choose, eat beside it, photograph it, or simply stare at the Mediterranean from the comfort of its lap.

Your Fourth Stop: Castle Hill at Golden Hour

Ending your date with Nice at Castle Hill during the most beautiful time of day, the golden hour, is a sure way to fall totally head-over-heels-in-love with this gem on the Riviera. Given that this tour has been moving through Cours Saleya and the Promenade des Anglais, standing at the foot of Castle Hill’s front door will feel quite happenstance.

This giant, green hill rises like a sentinel between Vieux Nice and the Port of Nice, and is full of amazing sights to marvel at. Its summit reaches about 92 metres above sea level, and is full of wooded paths, viewpoints, archaeological remains, children’s areas, and a lavish waterfall within its size of 19.3 hectares. However, if you’re wondering how on earth you’ll be getting to the top, especially after such a long day of walking, don’t fret; the views awaiting will pull you up. Joking. There’s an Art Deco-style lift, dating back to 1952, to help you out.

Like this article? Be sure to read about eco-tourism on the Côte d’Azur before you go.

A Slow Wellness Day in Nice, on Foot

If you were looking for a list of things to do in Nice, hopefully this article has given you a pretty good idea of what you can do while you’re there. And, if you’re looking to upscale your sightseeing tours through the city, Azur Xperiences is here to meet and exceed your most lavish expectations.