There is no wonder Nice has its own, unique identity, yet is still embedded in the soul of the South of France. Its history stretches back hundreds of thousands of years, with the first officially recorded settlement by the ancient Greeks in 350 BC.
However, for a few hundred years, the city was under both French and Italian rule, before it was eventually, finally, occupied by France for good after 1860. The city has also changed significantly over the years since it was once a humble fishing village, especially when the English aristocrats named it their ideal winter retreat at the height of the French Riviera’s ‘Golden Age’ in the 19th century.
Today, vibrant markets, sun-washed façades, exceptional cuisine and a genuine, laidback atmosphere tell the story of a place where Mediterranean life has always revolved around good food, fine wine and friendly people.
“The organisation was seamless – all we had to really do was remember what day of the week it was, the rest was all done for us!
I cannot recommend Grape Escapes enough. We would not consider using anyone else if we plan any similar trips – it was amazing. Thank you Marianne for all your help!” – Tony, via Google Reviews
When to go to Nice
With easy direct transport links from the UK and North America, Nice is not hard to get to, and it provides the ideal base for exploring the French Riviera. The summer season remains the most happening time of year to visit, but travelling in April or early May is a great time to find fewer crowds, the excitement of the season lingering, and the first of the lovely weather. My recommendation is to visit in September or October to catch the last of the summer warmth, not to mention harvest season making this the perfect time to enjoy a glass of wine! However, Nice is also a brilliant choice for a trip over the winter months – although it will be quieter and some places, activities and wineries will be closed, it’s the perfect time to go for a relaxing, sleepy Old Town feel (and you may even get some, albeit slightly brisker, alfresco dinners in November!).
Read on for what to do in Nice, and to find out why Hôtel du Couvent needs to be on your bucket list.
Taste the hidden wines of the Riviera
While the Côte d’Azur sees a great deal of visitors year on year, its wines are perhaps slightly lesser known. The sparkling coastline, including the city of Nice, neighbours gorgeous Provence, whose wines are well known the world over. However, the region also offers some smaller wine areas which are equally as impressive!
The Bellet region is one of France’s tiniest appellations, which produces some great reds, whites and rosés made from lesser-known grapes. Grape Escapes guests can benefit from a private tour out to this region if they so desire, with an expert guide on hand to give you all the tips, affirming this region as your new favourite.
Discover the culinary soul of Nice
The history of the city under both Italian and French rule has created the unique fusion of Niçoise cuisine. With a focus on fresh, homegrown vegetables, and influenced by its proximity to the Mediterranean sea, you’ll find simplicity with elegance of flavour in every dish, paired perfectly with local wines and plenty of opportunity to dine al fresco! Your Grape Escape will always see you discovering the best food that the region has to offer.
We love to plan walking food tours for our clients, so they can take in the best of the city on foot with a local guide who’ll take them to the best local spots and hidden gems. We recommend doing this on the first evening of your trip so you figure out your favourites and the spots that you can’t help but go back to.
Walking food tours are possible both as part of a small group, where you can meet other like-minded travellers, or on a private basis, which we recommend for our clients looking for a personalised experience and the chance to really understand the region’s foodie culture with a local guide.
After you’ve tasted all the socca and pissaladière there is to taste (you’ll have to try them for yourself to find out what they are!), you’ll perhaps be looking for something a little more relaxing. The food options are endless in this city.
Guests staying at Hôtel du Couvent will be spoilt for choice – the gourmet restaurant has an incredibly relaxed vibe, despite it delivering gastronomic dishes that will rival top restaurants elsewhere. The chef prides himself on delivering simple, yet refined dishes, that will leave your mouth watering to go back for more.
However, the hotel’s two other restaurants are equally as inviting! La Guinguette is the hotel’s charming summer restaurant situated in the gardens. The setting is gorgeous – the perfect place to while away the afternoon with some fresh Mediterranean dishes, washed down with a glass or two of wine, or perhaps a summer cocktail – before retreating further into the gardens for a dip in the pool.
For those looking for something more gastronomic or set in the heart of everything, we’ll arrange a Michelin-starred meal for you in the heart of Nice, or we can arrange for you to sample the city’s authentic food scene at an authentic bistro in the city, where the food is so good that tables spill out onto the streets.
A base to explore Provence’s great vineyards and the French Riviera’s quintessential villages
Not only is Nice easily accessible by plane from both the UK and US, as well as other destinations across the globe, it’s a gateway to Provence’s vineyards and a selection of must-see, tiny villages along the coastline. We recommend spending time in St-Paul-de-Vence or Eze for that hilltop, cobblestone, picture-perfect place that is so characteristic of the south of France and will make you sure to fall in love with the region if you haven’t already. However, you may also wish to spend some time in sparkling Monaco, or Cannes further along the Riviera?
Whether Nice is your base for the whole trip, or you wish to extend and spend some time in other parts of the area, we can help.
Where to stay in Nice: Hôtel du Couvent
Hôtel du Couvent is my favourite hotel to recommend for our clients in Nice, thanks to it being both a peaceful haven and gateway to the city all at the same time. Truly discovering Nice’s fascinating history is part of the reason that makes a stay here so special. Meander through the winding alleyways of the Old Town, where you’ll find this luxurious haven tucked away on the hillside on the way up to the world-famous views from the Colline du Château.
Enter through the old gateway entrance and step back in time. The hotel may be new, but it is certainly filled with soul and character. Formerly a convent, it was originally built by the Clarisses in 1604, and then later occupied by the Visitandines from 1803 all the way through until the 1980s. Lying more or less empty since the last nuns left, the building reopened its doors to the community in 2024, beautifully redesigned into a world-class, luxury hotel, which has been carefully crafted to pay homage to its roots and history. Think soft furnishings, neutral colours, plenty of art, and original tiling restored to its former glory!
If you’re seeking an authentic stay in the heart of Nice, look no further. The beautifully restored former convent offers a rare chance to experience the spirit of historic Nice from within its very walls.
Sit back and relax
For all our visitors in Nice, we love to ensure you have the time to discover the city, whether it’s through a guided walking or driving tour, visits to your must-see museums or galleries, and plenty of places to taste good wine… However, despite this being a major city, there is an unmistakeable relaxed vibe that comes with it, and it would be amiss not to take advantage! Whether you’re visiting in the height of summer, the pleasant shoulder seasons, or even winter, we recommend making the most of this.
Hôtel du Couvent’s spa is a big enough reason to book if that was all you were after! In a nod to the Roman history of the Colline du Château, the spa is a mesmerising underground succession of pools, baths and spa facilities inspired by Roman baths. Guests can opt for a complete three-hour circuit, with a treatment, or use any of the pools and facilities as they wish. Individual treatments are possible at a supplement.
Whilst in Nice, we also love to arrange for our clients to enjoy a fantastic private boat cruise, to admire the sunset with a glass of rosé in hand, or indulge with some relaxation time on Nice’s iconic Promenade des Anglais – we know a great beach club there which will go down a treat.
For a sample of the above, why not explore our Hidden Gem – Hotel du Couvent experience which includes four idyllic nights in Nice.
Whether you’re looking for a short escape, or have time for a more extended adventure, Grape Escapes can help create something truly special. We specialise in bespoke, which means your dedicated Luxury Travel Consultant will take the time to understand what your perfect wine holiday looks like – then bring it to life. You can also explore our range of tours online for inspiration and ideas on what’s possible. Don’t hesitate to get in touch at in**@**********es.net or +44 1920 468666, or fill out our contact form, to start planning.
