Citrine Travel Guide: The South Of France
There’s an easy pace to the French Riviera—the kind that invites you to slow down, sleep in, and sip your coffee a little longer than you would at home. Nice is the kind of place where mornings begin with sunlight on stone balconies and end with a salty swim just before dinner. Here’s how to make the most of your days along the Côte d’Azur.
STAY
Hotel La Pérouse – A Hidden Gem Above the Bay
Perched into the cliffside at the eastern edge of Nice, Hotel La Pérouse offers some of the best panoramic views of the Baie des Anges. It feels like a secret tucked above the town—quiet, luxurious, and still steps away from the bustle. Mornings begin with a curated breakfast on the terrace, where lemon trees frame the sea and everything slows down just enough to feel like vacation.
BEACHES
Paloma Beach – St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat's Crown Jewel
This is the place to spend a long, languid afternoon. A quiet cove dotted with sailboats, Paloma has calm, clear water and a chic little beach club with striped loungers and white tablecloth lunches. Come early, take the walking path along the coast, then settle in for a rosé-fueled lunch. It’s a favorite for good reason.
If you're staying local, spend a day at one of the beach clubs along Nice’s iconic promenade. The beach here is pebbled, the umbrellas are striped, and the vibe is relaxed but polished. A glass of rosé, a good book, and a swim between chapters is the move.
Opera Plage, the oldest beach club in Nice, and the scene for our trip, offering classic Riviera flair
Castel Plage for a more secluded, boutique vibe near the old town
Blue Beach for a casual, family-friendly spot
Walk the promenade in the morning for a quieter, breezy stroll—bike rentals are plentiful if you want to ride the coast.
EAT & DRINK & WANDER
Traditional Boulangerie
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with coffee and a pastry from a local boulangerie– and in Nice, there’s one on nearly every corner. The scent of fresh bread hits you before you even walk in—warm, buttery, unmistakably French. Whether you go for a classic croissant, a pain au chocolat, or something a little more indulgent, it’s a simple ritual that makes you feel like a local, if only for a moment. Grab a table if there’s one outside, or take it to go and wander—the best mornings here begin with flaky pastry in hand and no real rush.
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Nice’s old town is a sun-washed labyrinth of peach and ochre buildings, laundry hanging from shuttered windows, and the smell of freshly baked pissaladière in the air. Mornings are for browsing the Cours Saleya market—flowers, soaps, fruit, cheese—and afternoon strolls will lead you to tiny galleries, cathedral courtyards, and tucked-away cafés. Get lost a little.
Fish Bar Oysters
When you need a break from wandering, stop here. This tiny oyster bar is just off the market and always hits the spot. A dozen oysters, a glass of crisp rosé, and a view of the street life passing by. Simple and perfect. No website for this one, so here is the address: 42 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice.
This charming spot delivers Italian coastal cuisine with a French Riviera twist. Think grilled fish, bright lemon pastas, and Aperol spritzes. Sit on the terrace if you can, then meander along the nearby seafront promenade.
Whether you come for the sun, the salt air, or the subtle luxury of doing very little very well, the South of France has a way of reminding us that there’s beauty in both exploration and stillness.
Bon Voyage!