So, I just got back from Nice, and let me tell you, it was quite the ride. I expected some beautiful views and maybe a chance to soak up the sun, but wow, the best things to do in Nice turned out to be way more than I ever anticipated. Grab a coffee, and let me spill the details.
This spot? Total surprise.
The moment I landed, I felt a mix of excitement and that prickly doubt creeping in. I mean, what if Nice was just… overrated? All those Instagram-perfect shots might not capture the real vibe. But boy, was I in for a surprise.
I stumbled upon this little café called Café de l'Ours while wandering through the narrow streets. Honestly, I was just looking for a bathroom and some shade. Once I stepped inside, it was like entering another world—this charming, tucked-away place humming with laughter and chatter. The barista had this wild shock of curly hair and a penchant for mischief; she grinned at me and said, "Just a sec, let me whip up something special for you." It's like she read my mind about wanting to try something local.
Then came the drink of the hour—a ‘café crème' that was out of this world. I sipped it overlooking the street, and suddenly, I felt like I was part of something bigger, all while not doing anything particularly special. It's wild how sometimes the best things in life are unplanned, right?
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
One afternoon, I was all set to check out the Promenade des Anglais, which I'm pretty sure every guidebook adores. I figured it would be a stroll along the seafront, a postcard moment, you know? As I shuffled toward the beach, I could feel a bit of a cloud over me, a mood that just wouldn't lift. The place was packed, and I started questioning if I was ever going to find peace amid all the sunbathers.
Just as I was feigning interest in the view, I saw a little sign pointing to Parc Phoenix—an unexpected oasis with lush gardens and surprisingly exotic animals. I hesitated. “This is probably dumb,” I thought, “but why not?” So I diverted off the main path; glad I did!
Parc Phoenix hit me with a wave of freshness—everything was vibrant and alive. The butterflies literally fluttered around me like confetti. I can't describe how grounding that felt. I plopped down on a bench and listened to nature do its thing for a moment, and suddenly, all my worries about the bustling city fell away. It was like someone had wrapped me up in a soft, green blanket.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Alright, here's where my infamous sense of direction crept in and almost ruined my night. I had my heart set on dining at this place called Le Tilleul, which supposedly serves the best ratatouille in the entire city. I mean, who doesn't want to try the dish that made its animated debut in a Pixar movie? So, I pulled up Google Maps—easy, right?
After wandering through what felt like the entirety of Nice, including a couple of alleyways that could double as scenes from a mystery film, I finally found this hidden gem. If you told me last week that I'd be lost, frustrated, and then incredibly grateful all within the span of an evening, I'd have laughed you off.
When I finally sat down, exhausted but buzzing with excitement, I ordered that ratatouille. Let's just say it was everything and more—colors danced on the plate, each bite a warm hug of flavors. The chefs pumped so much love into that dish, or at least that's how it felt. And the locals in the place were so welcoming, sharing laughs and smiles.
Funny enough, I shared a table with a couple of artists from Paris who were down for the summer. We chatted about everything from art to cooking. I don't know how it happened, but my simple meal turned into this multi-course experience filled with stories and laughter. I wouldn't trade that detour for the world.
That sunset at Castle Hill
And then there was that evening when I decided to climb up to Castle Hill. What an absolute hike! I'll be honest, there were moments my legs screamed at me, wondering why I thought I could conquer a hill after an indulgent dessert. But as I slowly trudged upward, I kept thinking about the postcard-worthy view of the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Finally, when I reached the top, I was taken aback. The sun dipped lower, throwing a golden light across the entire bay, and I felt a rush of gratitude for having actually made the trek. There's something so profound about sunsets, isn't there? It's like nature saying, “Hey, it's okay. Breathe a little.” As I stood there, I was reminded that getting lost or overwhelmed can lead to something beautiful.
I met a few other travelers up there, and we just kind of stood in silence, soaking it all in. We raised an imaginary toast to the adventures ahead. I think that simple sunset moment became my favorite memory from the whole trip.
Back down at the beach, I trailed my feet through the sand, splashing water around like an excited child. Who knew that a small city tucked away on the French Riviera could spark so much joy and surprise?
The funny thing about these experiences is that they're all woven together by little missteps and happy accidents. I came in hoping to explore the best things to do in Nice, but it turned into so much more—a series of happy accidents, bright moments, and the kind of serendipity that lingers long after the trip ends.
And now, as I sip this last bit of coffee, those vibes are still buzzing in my head. I can't help but smile and relive those moments. Life's wild, and sometimes, the messy detours are the ones that stick with you the most.
