Day 1: Bonjour, French Riviera!
After an overnight flight from Louisville, KY through Atlanta to Nice, France, we stopped by the Wash Closet (WC) in the airport for a quick refresh and change of clothes – tips on hitting the ground running after a long flight coming in a separate post.
Our adventure begins in the heart of the French Riviera, where we kicked off the first day with an unforgettable meal at L’Alchimie. If you’re ever in the area, make sure to visit this charming restaurant for a true taste of Michelin-star excellence—trés bon! 🍽️ You’ll want to make reservations in advance.
After lunch, we walked to our airbnb situated on the Promenade des Anglais to check in. Our host was very kind and pointed us to several nearby boulangeries and local restaurants. The location was perfect for strolling along the Promenade, visiting Vieux Ville, and taking the train to towns along the French Riveria.
After dropping off our things, we took a short walk to a rooftop bar at SEEN by Olivier. The cocktails were deliciously crafted, and we were surrounded by a breathtaking sunsets. The colors were nothing short of magical, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange that seemed almost unreal.
We rounded off the day with a delightful stroll through the charming streets of Vieux Ville, eventually finding ourselves at La Pizza Cresci where pizza is served by the slice – a quarter of a pizza sized slice! There’s something special about enjoying pizza and gelato under the stars in the French Riviera—#frenchlife at its finest!
Day 2: Scaling New Heights in Nice and Éze
Day 2 had us up and moving early, ready to tackle the climb to Colline du Château, also known as Castle Hill. About a mile and 330 steps up later, we were rewarded with panoramic views over Nice that took our breath away. If you’re a fan of gorgeous vistas, this spot is a must-visit.
After the hike, we relaxed with lunch in Place Garibaldi at Le Garibaldi, soaking in the atmosphere of this lively square. The nicoise salad was delicious! The people-watching here is top-notch, and we even got to see some talented local artists at work.
Our afternoon was spent exploring Éze, a quaint village just a short ride from Nice. You can get there by train, bus or about 20 Euros for an Uber. With its exotic gardens, charming boutiques, and stunning views, Éze feels like a hidden gem.
Back in Nice, we ended the day with Spanish tapas at Iberica Comptoir—a little taste of Spain on the French Riviera.
Day 3: Beach Day Bliss at La Plage Negresco with dinner overlooking the water in Villefranche-sur-Mer
After a couple of action-packed days, it was time to recharge. We spent the day soaking up the sun at La Plage Negresco, with a glass of Billecart-Salmon champagne in hand and lobster rolls for lunch. Pure bliss! 🏖️
After a day at the beach, we took a short train ride to Villefranche-sur-Mer. We enjoyed cocktails at a rooftop bar called achill’s overlooking the water before dinner at La Mere Germaine. La Mere Germaine is a long-standing tradition in the French Riveria and has been family owned since the 1930s. The laid-back vibe and stunning views made for a perfect end to the day.
Day 4: Monte Carlo Magic
Any day that starts with pain au chocolat is bound to be a good one—especially when you’re in Monte Carlo! We spent the morning wandering through the streets, admiring the luxurious cars and the grand Monte Carlo Casino. If you’re into high-end shopping, Goyard Monte Carlo is a must-visit for your timeless souvenir handbag. (Be sure to bring your passport so they can fill out the VAT paperwork for you.)
Our day was a blend of glitz, glamour, and a touch of nostalgia as we had lunch at the classic Café de Paris, explored the Prince’s car collection at La Collection, witnessed the majesty of the Casino Monte-Carlo and marveled at the famous hairpin turn from the Formula 1 track. Monte Carlo truly is a playground for the rich and famous, and even if just for a day, it was exciting to be part of it.
After taking the train back to Nice, we stopped by Le Grand Balcon for some outstanding pasta dishes. Then, we turned in a bit early in preparation for our day sailing the Mediterranean.
Day 5: Cannes and Antibes – A Change of Plans
Sometimes, the best adventures come from unexpected changes. Our sailing trip was canceled due to rough seas, so we decided to explore Cannes and Antibes instead. We spent the morning wandering through the city, enjoying the vibe and stopping by the market at Port Forville. I love the way Europeans do markets! So much fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and cheese! We tried le beignet de fleurs de courgettes which is a deep fried flower from zucchini.
Later, we found ourselves in Antibes, a cozy, artistic town that quickly made it onto our “stay longer next time” list. The charm of this place is undeniable, with its narrow streets and welcoming atmosphere.
We capped off the night with a return to Vieux Ville in Nice, where we enjoyed steak and potatoes at Le Petite Palais, followed by some of the best pistachio gelato I’ve ever had from oui_jelato.
A nightcap at Berco was the perfect way to wrap up a fantastic day.
Day 6: A Perfect Farewell to Nice
Our last day in Nice was bittersweet, but we made the most of it. We started with a visit to the market at Cours Saleya, where the vibrant colors of flowers and fresh produce were a feast for the senses.
Lunch was a delicious affair, with a croque madame (a delicious grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top) and a burger at Cafe Noir, followed by an afternoon at the beach.
We ended our week with a chef’s choice dinner at Restaurant Le Panier. Every bite was parfait, a fitting end to our incredible journey through the French Riviera.
Follow us on Instagram @HextontheGo for lots of pictures!
Next stop: Tuscany! Stay tuned as we continue our adventure through beautiful Italy. #HextOnTheGo #WhereTheHextToGoNext
Hext On the Go 
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