The summer season is drawing to a close, giving way to a mild Indian summer. Although I can’t really stand summer in the south (hello heatwave!), I have to admit that I had one of my best summers in Nice and the French Riviera: between my incredible weekend in the Gorges du Verdon, the early morning snorkelling sessions, the Nice Jazz Festival, the festive energy in the hilltop villages of the south and the superb food discoveries, coffee shops and ice-cream parlours in Nice… My summer of 2024 was both simple and rich at the same time. So I’ve put together a round-up of the highlights to give you some ideas for the seasons to come.
1. Visit to Gourdon Village
I started the summer with a trip to one of the most beautiful villages on the French Riviera with my British friends. They were discovering the region for the first time and there’s no better place than Gourdon to win them over in a snap. The village may be small, but the panoramic views are just incredible.
Result: they were won over!
2. Lake Sainte-Croix
I’m continuing the summer season in the direction of the Verdon. This is the 11th time I’ve been there and it was without doubt the best! It was the first time I’d been all the way round the lake and I discovered some absolutely PARADISE places (especially on the south-western side).
Result: a special mention for the restaurant La Taverne du LAC, which offers a breathtaking view of Lac Sainte-Croix
3. Paddle at the Gorges du Verdon
It’s impossible to go to the Gorges du Verdon without doing a paddle session on my superb Aquatone board. Although there are some superb paddle spots on the French Riviera, the Gorges du Verdon is without doubt the most beautiful place I’ve ever paddled. You can also do other activities such as kayaking, rafting, climbing, hiking etc..
Bonus: the Gorges du Verdon are reputed to be the most beautiful canyon in Europe!
4. The Village of Moustier Sainte-Marie
Just 12 minutes from the Gorges du Verdon, the village of Moustier Sainte-Marie is a must if you’re in the area. It was in this village that I stayed for 2 nights in a superb Airbnb. This village offers some rather eccentric spots, which undoubtedly add to its charm: a waterfall right in the middle of the village, a chapel perched high up..
Bonus: This village is one of the TOP 10 most beautiful villages in France
5. Snorkelling on the French Riviera
After my escapade in the Verdon, I’m back to my little snorkelling sessions in the early hours of the morning in Nice. It’s an activity that allows me to switch off my brain and let go as I enter the world of Nemo. A real breath of fresh air!
Bonus: the calanque at Saint-Barthélémy is one of the most beautiful spots in the region for exploring the seabed
6. The Port district in Nice
Without doubt, the best district in Nice during the summer!
I stayed there in a superb Airbnb for 1 week and I loved feeling the energy of the district every day at this time of year, with its superb rue Bonaparte and its Place du Pin, which shines with a thousand lights. I also discovered some superb food addresses such as the Pistache patisserie, the Canopee coffee shop, the Prima Volta pizzeria, the Le Pin ice cream parlour and the Jean-Marc Bordonnat bakery!
7. The Nice Jazz Festival
I’m ending the summer season in the best possible way with the incredible Nice Jazz Festival! After a disappointing experience last year, I went again with 0 expectations and hit the jackpot. The headliners announced were just enormous: Thee Sacred Souls, Dabeull, NAS, Omah Lay and Jungle. No last-minute cancellations, all the artists turned up on time and killed it! Can’t wait to come back next year.
8. New FOOD addresses in Nice
This summer has been incredible in terms of new FOOD addresses in Nice. It seemed like there was a new restaurant/glacier/coffee shop opening every week.
Here are my latest discoveries, from left to right:
- Pistachepastry shop in the Port district
- Terre Adélice ice cream parlour 100% organic in Vieux-Nice
- Frisson coffee shop , a blend of coffee, ice cream and culture in Vieux-Nice
- Japanese restaurant Shintaro, a sensation on rue Gubernatis
- Pizza Prima Volta, one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had in Nice, Place des Pins
- La 36ème Chambre, a new brunch restaurant in Nice, rue Delille, serving fluffy pancakes and sandos (Korean sandwiches)
Here are my discoveries during this incredible summer of 2024 in Nice and the French Riviera. Where did you go this summer? Tell me all about it in the comments!
