Nice is one of the most charming cities to visit in the South of France. As the capital of the famous French Riviera, it has plenty to do and see. It is also one of the most photogenic places not only in the South but in France. The stunning coastline, brilliant architecture, and Mediterranean lifestyle make it such a special destination. You can also visit it all year round. So, if you want to create beautiful memories and photos during your vacation, Nice is the right place. In this article, you will find the 5 best photo spots to visit on your next trip to Nice, France.
Travel Together Gr contains affiliate links. By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support ❤︎ Read our full disclosure policy here.
Things to know before visiting Nice
Nice is one of the most vibrant places in France. The adorable old town with its colorful houses and narrow alleys gives off all the typical French vibes. At the same time, the beautiful coastline makes it the ultimate summer destination. Although it is a big city with countless places to explore, it is very walkable. All the main attractions are around the city center. So, you should book your accommodation near the old town or somewhere in the center. If you visit in the summer, you should know that there are no sandy beaches in Nice. That is why we advise you to bring water shoes with you. There are many photogenic cafés and restaurants to enjoy delicious food and take beautiful photos. In case you want to visit the tourist sites of Nice and the French Riviera, we suggest that you buy the French Riviera Pass online.
How to get to Nice?
You can fly directly to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. There are many European or international flights, especially during the summer season. Once there, you can get to the city center in less than 30 minutes by tram, bus, taxi, or private airport transfer. However, the best way to reach Nice from any French city is definitely by train. You will find countless daily services connecting it to other major cities in the country. If you do not want to use public transport, you always have the option to visit by car. In case you are pressed for time but still want to get a first taste of the French Riviera’s gems, we recommend booking a one-day guided tour.
Where to stay in Nice?
As we said before, the best place to stay in Nice is the Old Town. It has incredible architecture and hundreds of shops, cafés, and restaurants. You will also be within walking distance of the main tourist attractions and the beach. Since it is a big city, you will have many accommodation options at great prices. Nice covers all tastes and budgets. If you are on a budget, there are also hostels. In case you are visiting Nice by car or renting one, you can find affordable accommodation off the city center. But, only in this case, we would recommend that you find a place away from the center.
The best time to visit Nice
Nice is one of the best summer destinations in France. So, you should expect overcrowded places and beaches in the peak summer season (late June – mid-August). That is why we suggest you visit Nice and the French Riviera during the shoulder season (spring or fall). You will have the opportunity to enjoy the sunny weather without too hot temperatures and with fewer crowds! But, we would also visit in winter, if we wanted to avoid the cold weather of Northern France or most European countries.
5 best photo spots in Nice – France
1-Place Masséna
Nice has many amazing photo locations. However, we could not start this list without mentioning the main square of the city. Place Masséna is the most vibrant and charming square. It consists of a characteristic chessboard and the Fountain of the Sun located in the middle of the square. A few meters from this famous spot, you will find the main shopping street of Nice. As you can guess, Place Masséna gets very crowded during the day. So, we recommend getting there as early as possible to have it to yourself. If you visit it at sunrise, you will have the opportunity to photograph it with the pastel colors of the sky. They blend perfectly with the vibrant colors of the square.
2-Promenade des Anglais (coastline)
Nice’s coastline is one of the must-see places on the French Riviera (7 kilometers long). Any spot on the Promenade des Anglais offers magical ocean views and is ideal for watching the sunset. If you visit Nice in summer or shoulder season, you will find plenty of spots to swim, snorkel, etc. You will also have the opportunity to relax at the beach bars, admiring the wonderful views. No matter what you choose to do, get ready for some amazing photo opportunities. If you are looking for special travel experiences, we suggest booking a sunset boat tour to fully enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. Alternatively, you have the option of having a picnic or a romantic walk along the shore.
3-The Negresco Hotel
Along the Promenade des Anglais, you will find yourself in front of one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Nice. Hotel Negresco is a masterpiece that is equally beautiful inside and out. It has a unique private collection of paintings and other artworks. Thanks to its location, it overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, offering fascinating ocean views. Although we only visited it for a drink at the bar, it was one of the highlights of our trip. However, we chose to shoot outdoors with the road and palm trees creating the perfect backdrop! In case you want to set up a tripod, you should visit early in the morning so that the road is empty.
4-The Castle Hill of Nice (Colline du Château)
The Castle Hill of Nice (“Colline du Château” in French) offers the best panoramic view of the city. The turquoise water of the sea and the colorful houses will blow your mind. You can get there either on foot with lots of stairs to climb or by elevator (address: 1 Rue des Ponchettes, 06300 Nice). Once there, you will find a park with a restaurant and even an artificial waterfall. If you are short on time, we recommend that you first visit the Promenade des Anglais and then head straight to Castle Hill! You can skip the crowds by visiting early in the morning. As you can see from the photos below, we visited at noon and there was hardly anyone around. If you plan to visit at sunset, it will be quite a mission to find a free photo spot. However, the pastel colors will make everything seem more magical.
5-The Phare of Nice
We decided to end our list with the Phare of Nice (“Phare de Nice” in French). It is a lesser-known photo spot. At the entrance of the Lympia port, you will find this beautiful lighthouse. It offers magnificent views of the city and the port. That is why it is the perfect spot to photograph, even in the middle of the day. However, if you visit at sunset, it will be much more crowded. Tourists and locals gather to witness the most beautiful time of the day. Nothing beats starting or ending your day with the relaxing sound of crashing waves.
Other photogenic places of the French Riviera near Nice
1-Villefranche-sur-Mer
About 4 kilometers from Nice, you will find one of the most aesthetic places on the French Riviera. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small town full of colors and amazing views! Strolling through the narrow alleys of the old town is one of the best things to do. Another must-visit is the port. You will find many waterfront restaurants for fresh seafood. Villefranche Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the area. However, it is small and crowded even before 10 am in the peak season. The same goes for the little streets that fill up quickly. We highly recommend going snorkeling to enjoy the stunning waters and incredible views.
2-Cannes
If you are looking for glamorous places on the French Riviera, Cannes should be at the top of your list. Located approximately 35 kilometers from Nice, it is ideal for a luxury summer vacation. You will find almost everything, from 5-star hotels and restaurants, high-end clothing and accessories stores, and charming eating places. It also has a picturesque old town to enjoy a more authentic side of Cannes. In case you prefer sandy beaches, it is the right place for you. It has a long coastline where you will find public swimming areas or beach bars to rent a sunbed to relax. If you can not spare a lot of time, we advise you to take a half-day catamaran cruise from Nice to get a good taste of its amazing beaches.
3-Menton
Menton is the most dreamy town on the French Riviera. It consists of vivid colors, lemons, and palm trees. Despite its size, it has it all! The adorable port, the beautiful sandy beach, and the colorful old town create a unique setting. It is also the last French town before the Italian border. So, you should expect a mix of French and Italian style and culture. If you are a foodie, Menton will not disappoint you. It has a wide range of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants with delicious local specialties!
4-Monaco
You cannot get a full experience of the French Riviera without visiting Monaco. It is one of those places that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Although it is the second smallest state in the world, it has many things to do and places to explore. It is well-known for its ultra-luxurious lifestyle with the famous Monte Carlo casino, yachts, etc. However, the breathtaking panoramic views are what surprised us the most. We strongly recommend visiting it even as a day trip. You will have the opportunity to experience its fancy lifestyle and its breathtaking ocean views. You can easily take a boat trip from Nice.
Final Thoughts
Nice is the jewel of the South of France. It is undoubtedly the best place to stay during your trips to the French Riviera. Day trips to the other nearby towns are the best way to fully experience the beauty of this wonderful French region. However, nothing beats the magical sunsets on the Promenade des Anglais and the Mediterranean atmosphere of this city.
Don’t have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!
