France

Girls’ Trip to Nice: Shopping, Beaches, and More!

7 August, 2022

Going on a girls’ getaway is always a good idea and gives you and your closest friends the chance to unwind and catch up. A perfect place to go is the city of Nice, a stunning city in the south of France. Located in the French Riviera, this coastal city boasts year-long sunshine, a laidback atmosphere, and plenty of noteworthy attractions, making it ideal for a ladies’ trip.

With a past that dates back to the 4th century B.C., the city of Nice surprisingly strikes the perfect balance between preserving its rich history and producing a modern vibe to keep up with the developments and influx of tourists. Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion or simply chilling out, Nice will have something for you. Below, we’ve put together the top things to do on a girls’ trip to Nice!

(Pro tip: For a hassle-free holiday, look for a luggage locker at the airport in Nice or in the city center to store your shopping bags and backpacks. Don’t weigh yourself down as you explore!)

Top Things To Do in Nice with Your Girls

1. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais

Perhaps the most famous pedestrian area in all of Nice, the Promenade des Anglais is a 2.5 mile-long boulevard stretching from the airport until Old Town. Dating back to the 18th century, this vibrant boardwalk is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists. The area is regularly filled with cyclists, skaters, beachgoers, and others looking for adventure.

The Promenade des Anglais also boasts some of the most stunning Belle Époque architecture in the city, such as the lavish Le Negresco Hotel. Check out the numerous bars and restaurants, too. It’s the perfect place for you and your ladies to soak up the sun, admire the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, people watch, or grab a bite to eat.

2. Check out the city’s best museums

Being a historical city, it’s no wonder that Nice boasts many world-renowned museums and galleries.

Musée Matisse: This museum was the former home of French artist Henri Matisse and is dedicated to sharing his life and works.
Musée National Marc Chagall: This museum holds the largest collection of Chagall’s works in the world, including his iconic series of paintings known as The Bible Illustrations.
Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC): This contemporary art museum focuses on modern European and American art from the 1960s until the present day, such as New Realist and Pop Art works. The museum has over 1,300 individual pieces of art on display, including works by the likes of Andy Warhol.
Musée Archéologique de Nice-Cimiez: View a former encampment known as Cemenelum whose ruins have been turned into an open-air museum. The area gives a glimpse of what Roman life was like during ancient times.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice: Found in a stunning Italian villa that was originally constructed for Ukrainian Royal Princess Kotchoubey, this grandiose museum houses a massive art collection of French and Italian classics from the 15th to the 20th century. Some notable works found in the museum include Cliffs near Dieppe by Monet and Allegory of Water by Brueghel.

3. Explore Vieux Nice (Old Town)

Also known as Old Town, Vieux Nice is the city’s historical district as well as a major tourist hub. Located west of the city port, the area is quite a change from other parts of Nice, as it has not changed much since the 1700s.

Walking the streets of Old Town with your girlfriends will definitely keep you entertained as the spot is teeming with boutiques, architectural gems, historic buildings, and restaurants. Some points of interest worth checking out in the area are:

Palais Lascaris: A 17th-century aristocratic palace that has been converted into a museum housing the world’s biggest collection of rare musical instruments
Nice Opera House: A performance arts venue hosting a variety of productions in opera, classical music concerts, and ballet. Also one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in the city.
Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate: Designated as a national monument and one of the most stunning churches in France. It also serves as the seat of the Diocese of Nice.
Fennochio’s: A Nicoise institution and the most popular place in the city to get ice cream. This ice cream parlor serves 94 distinct flavors, including unusual ones such as beer, thyme, and rosemary flavors.

4. Shop until you drop in the city’s best shopping spots

France, as a whole, is a shopper’s haven and Nice has its fair share of retail spots all over the city. If you and your friends are looking to spend some bucks, the following are top shopping destinations in Nice:

Avenue Jean Médecin: This shopping street is filled with upscale boutiques and designer labels. It is also home to the Nice Etoile mall and the Galeries Lafayette department store.
Cours Saleya: A major part of the local’s daily life, this flea market is in the heart of Old Town where you can buy a variety of products, including fresh produce, handcrafted collectibles, and flowers.
Golden Triangle: Made up of three areas, namely Rue Paradis, Rue De Verdun, and Rue Alphonse, this area has a good mix of independent shops and high-end boutiques

5. Soak up the sun at the beach

One of the main objectives of tourists coming to Nice is to enjoy the year-round sunny weather. For this reason, coupled with the fact that the Mediterranean Sea is literally footsteps away from the city, hanging out at the beach is a major activity among both locals and foreigners.

Although the beaches in the city do not have fine white sand like other tropical destinations, Nice still has an abundance of spots that will make you feel like you’re in paradise. Some of the best beaches to sunbathe and swim with your girls are: