GARDEN FESTIVAL IN NICE

I was invited by the France Tourism board to visit the first edition of the Garden Festival. The festival is spread over 5 cities, Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Menton and Nice. I went to Nice for a short weekend to experience it all.

We followed a really nice itinerary where we saw multiple gardens, visited a museum and had delicious French cuisine.

I really had an amazing time here. It’s one of those cities that I know I would come back to.
Enjoy this photo and video report!

DAY 1

— Old Town —

The best way to absorb the culture is to visit the old town of the city. There is this amazing market here with fresh fruit, flowers, souvenirs, and much more goodies. I always enjoy walking on a market like this and trying out local snacks.

As we had lunch planned, I didn’t buy anything. But I was highly tempted to try the local pizza with anchovies and olives (Pissaladière), the little black olives, and the big strawberries that I saw.

— Le Parc du Château —

From the old town, it was a short walk to Le Parc du Château. It’s a big park on a hill, where there used to be a castle (hence the name), with a breathtaking view over Nice and the coast. It was my favorite park that we visited. Perfect for the picture moment from up here.

— Restaurant Acchiardo —

We had lunch at this French restaurant that exists for 5 generations now. Please try the local starter “assiette niçoise” here (photo on the right). It’s so delicious!

address: 38 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice

— Florian —

Nice is also known for its candy. At Florian, they were very busy preparing the Easter chocolate collection. We had the chance to taste a few candies, including “Les orangettes”, also well-known from this region.

address: 14 Quai Papacino, 06300 Nice
websites: www.confiserieflorian.com

— Mamac museum —

For the modern art lover, you should definitely visit this museum. Mama has an enormous collection of amazing pieces. When you finished your tour, you end up on the rooftop with a 360 view over the city.

address: Place Yves Klein, 06000 Nice
website: www.mamac-nice.org

— Promenade du Paillon —

Promenade du Paillon is the fountain square that I saw on a lot of Pinterest photos when I Googled Nice. It was such a gorgeous day, that I took off my shoes and danced on water!

— Hotel Windsor —

I love staying at boutique hotels. Hotel Windsor is exactly the reason why. It’s so unique. Every room in this hotel has a different stylish arty design. The garden of this hotel is so beautiful and peaceful while it’s in the middle of the city. Not to forget, there is a swimming pool and spa too!

We had our dinner at the hotel restaurant and the meal was exquisite!

address: 11 Rue Dalpozzo, 06000 Nice
website: www.hotelwindsornice.com

Day 2

— Boulevard —

In the morning I went for a quick walk at the beach. The blue chairs are very recognizable for Nice that you see all along the boulevard walk.

—Project gardens —

In the center at promenade du Paillon, you find four little project gardens, specially set up for the garden festival, representing the bio diversity of the city. The entrance is free.

— La Maison de Marie —

We enjoyed lunch in the garden of La Maison de Marie. It’s a really nice atmosphere and the food was really good!

address: 5 Rue Massena, 06000 Nice
websites: www.lamaisondemarie.com

— E-bike —

Renting an e-bike is such a fun, sportive, and effective way to explore the city. Highly recommended!
You can book a tour or just rent the bikes.

address: 1 Passage Emile Négrin, 06000 Nice
website: www.ebike-riviera.com

— Franciscan Monastery garden—

For the garden lovers, you will love the one behind the Franciscan monastery. This place is really close to the Matisse museum and the Roman ruins. It’s such a romantic garden filled with well maintained flowers, herbs and trees. You can also enjoy an amazing panoramic view from up here.