The Nice Harbour!
I love that in the South of France it can be just as lovely in the winter as in the summer.
In fact, summer in my opinion, with temperatures running well into the 30’s these days, is far too hot to walk around and explore unless you get up at 6 am and finish your day around noon.
At this time of year, temperatures in Nice range from 13 to 16 degrees celsius, that’s 55 to 60 degrees fahrenheit, perfect weather for a jacket or sweater.
The sunshine is a constant, and everything looks better in the sunshine doesn’t it?
(Especially now as I look out at the grey skies which have been relentless this January.)
Since I am not there now, let me take you back to last June when I was in Nice and went to visit its Vieux Port.
The Nice Port facing North
The Old Port of Nice
Nice is best known for the Promenade des Anglais, the long boardwalk that curves along the beach, and also for the Cours Saleya the daily flower and produce market in the old town.
Further east is what known as Castle Hill (Le Parc de la Colline du Château), the popular park on the hill.
It offers stunning views of the city and the beaches below and also looks over the Vieux Port of Nice.
Which ever way you arrive, by boat, by tram, or by hiking over the hill (not yet!) the view grabs you.
It is photo heaven with no bad angles.
Who owns this yacht? The west side of the Old Port below the hill
My partner Pat meets a friend. No scubba diving for him that day though!
The harbour is relatively small and protected bordered on either side by colourful pastel buildings, cozy bistros and colourful small private fishing boat, as well as one enormous luxury yacht. It has a helicopter pad!
Next time I go (April!), I want to check out the fishermen’s stall on Lunel Jetty, 6 Quai Amiral Infernet, to purchase fresh fish.
Professional fishermen, of which only about 10 remain, come along every day from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, offering their catch of the day.
Here are three types of fish you can find from the Mediterranean.
Rouget (red snapper) Le loup au fenouil (sea bass) Daurade (sea bream)
You can see why the famous artists loved to paint in this light!
After a peaceful stroll along the Quai, we decided to sample the seafood menu at Le Barque Bleu, one of the trendy seaside restaurants.
Always busy for lunch al fresco!
Here is what I had.
Marmite du pêcheur : poissons et coquillages frais 26,00 €. Whole dish with fresh fish and seafood.
It was probably the most delicious meal I tasted all last year.
Shrimp, clams, mussels, fresh white fish and a sauce made in heaven!
Moules et frites cooked in white wine, garlic and parsley!
Pat had the mussels with frites. He is Belgian remember. I stole a piping hot French fry or two!
Next visit, I am going to explore the ferry service and boat cruises to Corsica, Cannes and St. Tropez, all of which leave from this port several times a day.
I will also find out who owns that yacht!
Comments Please!
How about you? Have you been to the old port in Nice? Have you travelled to or stayed in this part of the world in winter?
As always, I love to hear from you and know that you are out there.
You know what to do.
Comment down below where it says “Leave a comment.”
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Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Canadian artist Lisa Hannaford is in Nice as I read your wonderful blog. She goes there on a regular basis and paints those lovely cafes and shops, which sell as scarves in Collingwood. So much fun.
I still have not reached out to her. So silly as we live in the same town. I forgot that you told me that she does to Nice in the winter.
I think it would be splendid place to spend the winter. Diana
Hi Diana,
What a WONDERFUL letter!
Your photographs were glorious. It was so nice to see your amour.
I stayed at Chateau Le Cagnard, overlooking Nice and the sea. I understand it was the original Rainier castle from about the 1200’s. The exterior is medieval and the interior is classic and a bit of heaven. Terraces with views in all directions. The next best thing to having an apartment there such as you and Pat. So happy for you both!
Bonnie — The Chateau de Cagnard!!! Wow! It is gorgeous. I have heard about it but have not seen it. What memories you must have of that! I would love to visit the hotel just to see the views. On my list. Thank you for taking the time to comment. I do love hearing from you. Diana
Diana,
Yes to having a visit!
The dining room feels regal. The food is excellent. And the cobblestone street on the back side of the hotel is perfect for a winding stroll. So narrow from being hundreds of centuries old, that the tiniest European car needs to do a three-point turn to make a left turn at the end of the lane. A beloved memory of the trip.
In the early 1960s, I enjoyed a day in Nice, on my way to Spain and ultimately Paris!! It was a beautiful sunny day, much like you described when you were there! Friendly people, and the scenery was magnificent!
Oh the memories Gretchen! It is so nice to wake up there every day and know that the sum will likely be shining.
Lifts the spirits. And oh the colours. A feast for the eyes always.
Hope you are doing well this January and thank you as always for sending me this comment, Diana
i remember being on the beach in Nice when I was 17 and hitchhiking through Europe with my boyfriend at the time… it was the family scandal (it was 1960) and the women were sunbathing TOPLESS!!! on the beach…..I bought my first bikini but could not get up the nerve to remove the top!!
Pegi–wow! In 1960, that would indeed be a scandal And I too remember women going topless on the beaches
long the Riviera. No way I could have done that. But interestingly you don’t see that much anymore.
That does not seem to be a thing for young French women. Sounds like that might make a good blog non?
Thank you Pegi for the comment. I really appreciate when people take the time to send me their thoughts.
Hope you are doing well! Diana
I would love to paint some of the scenes in Nice! Doubt I’ll ever get there, but who knows?
Dream about it and it will happen!