Why Nice Has Become the Hottest Spot on the French Riviera

When affluent travelers first flocked to the Côte d’Azur in the mid-1800s, they were captivated by Nice's expansive waterfront promenade and its pleasant winter climate. However, as time went on, that charm diminished, and the city’s hotel scene felt dated compared to the nearby glamour of Cannes and Monaco. Today, thanks to the emergence of upscale accommodations, chic local fashion brands, and restaurants that elevate traditional cuisine to fine dining, Nice is reclaiming its former allure.

The hotel landscape received a boost last year with the launch of the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, marking the brand’s debut location in France. Several new establishments have opened, including the highly anticipated Hôtel du Couvent, which opened its doors in June. This tranquil 88-room retreat, housed within a 17th-century convent in the Old Town, features Roman baths. Another newcomer in the port area, Mama Shelter, attracts younger visitors with its vibrant, eclectic décor and a popular rooftop pool and bar.

In the upscale Carré d’Or district, the 132-room Maison Albar-Le Victoria is set to open in late September, offering panoramic views of the beach and the Baie des Anges, along with a shopping gallery on the ground floor. Established hotels are also receiving makeovers. Le Negresco — an iconic property from 1913 that has hosted figures like Princess Grace and The Beatles — launched its first spa and wellness center this year. Between treatments, guests can enjoy masterpieces by Dalí, Picasso, and Rubens from the hotel’s impressive 6,000-piece collection.

Niçoise cuisine is being reimagined by a new wave of chefs. At Le Chantecler, a Michelin-starred venue within Le Negresco, chef Virginie Basselot has transformed street-food favorites. A standout creation is a delicate amuse-bouche featuring a gold-leaf-topped socca (chickpea pancake) paired with a soufflé-style pan bagnat (a salade niçoise sandwich).

Classic dishes like barbajuan (vegetable fritters) and panisses (chickpea fries) receive a fresh twist at Chez Davia, a charming bistro run by the same family since 1953. The intimate 20-seat La Merenda continues to serve some of the best traditional snacks in the city, including stuffed sardines and tomato tarts.

Another highly sought-after reservation is Onice. Chefs Florencia Montes and Lorenzo Ragnir first crossed paths at Mauro Colagreco’s renowned Mirazur in Menton. Colagreco himself has also been innovating: his artisanal bakery, Mitron, now offers fresh bread made from heirloom grains, including pétanielle noire de Nice, at a stall in the city’s vibrant Cours Saleya market.

Nice, with its stunning sea and mountain backdrop, is increasingly attracting sports enthusiasts. This summer, the city solidified its reputation by hosting the concluding day of the Tour de France—marking the first time this prestigious race has ended outside of Paris—along with several Olympic soccer matches.

Café du Cycliste offers stylish cycling gear and streetwear that elevates Lycra fashion. Another noteworthy brand is La Boulisterie, which features an entire line of clothing adorned with the slogan "Pastis Pétanque," celebrating the beloved anise-flavored aperitif and the cherished game similar to bocce, both popular in southern France.

This story originally appeared in the August 2024 issue of Dinogo, titled "Moment in the Sun."