When France comes to mind, many people’s first thought is of the romance and bustle of Paris. However, once I actually set foot on French soil, I discovered a city that left an even more indelible impression on me than Paris. It lacks the teeming crowds of the capital and the luxury boutiques lining every street, yet it boasts France’s most enchanting sunshine, its bluest waters, and its most leisurely pace of life. That city is Nice, situated on the Côte d’Azur in the south of France.

The day I arrived in Nice marked the beginning of early summer. As the plane made its gentle descent, I gazed out through the cabin window, and a vast expanse of deep-blue Mediterranean Sea unfolded before my eyes. Sunlight danced upon the water’s surface, shimmering in layers of golden light—it looked just like a vibrant, richly colored oil painting. From that very moment, I knew this would be an unforgettable journey.

Encountering the Most Beautiful Coastline on the Promenade des Anglais

After arriving at my hotel and taking a brief rest, I couldn’t wait to head to Nice’s most famous landmark: the Promenade des Anglais.

This seaside boulevard, stretching for several kilometers, winds gracefully along the Mediterranean coast and stands as Nice’s most iconic scenic attraction. Standing there for the first time, I was deeply awestruck by the scene unfolding before me.

The sky was a flawless, crystal-clear blue, while the sea displayed a mesmerizing gradient of color, shifting from a pale azure to a deep, profound blue. In the distance, white yachts drifted serenely upon the water; closer to shore, tourists basked in the sun while locals strolled by with unhurried ease.

I walked slowly along the coast, the sea breeze—carrying a faint hint of salt—gently caressing my cheek. Tall palm trees lined the roadside, creating a striking contrast against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds. Occasionally, a cyclist would whiz past, or someone would amble by with a pet on a leash; the entire scene was imbued with that unique sense of languor and contentment so characteristic of the Mediterranean.

What impressed me most, however, was the beach itself. Unlike many beaches composed of fine sand, the shores of Nice consist primarily of smooth pebbles. While this meant sacrificing the soft sensation of sand beneath my feet, it lent the water an extraordinary clarity and transparency. I took off my shoes, sat down on the pebbled shore, and watched as the waves broke against the land, time and time again. In that moment, free from the pressures of work and the worries of daily life, the only sounds reaching my ears were the rhythmic crashing of waves and the cries of seagulls.

As the sun began its descent, the entire coastline was bathed in a golden-yellow glow. Many people paused to capture the moment with their cameras, but I simply sat there in quiet contemplation, watching the sun slowly sink beneath the horizon. That sense of tranquility and beauty remains vividly etched in my memory to this day.

Wandering Through the Old Town: Experiencing the Real Nice

Early the next morning, I made my way to Nice’s Old Town (Vieux Nice).

In stark contrast to the modern Promenade des Anglais, this place felt like an entirely different world.

Narrow cobblestone lanes crisscrossed one another, flanked by colorful historic buildings. Walls painted in shades of orange, yellow, and red glowed with a particular warmth under the sunlight. Balconies overflowed with vibrant flowers, and street corners were adorned with an array of unique souvenirs and artworks; every few steps brought a new delightful discovery.

I loved wandering aimlessly through these winding alleys.

Sometimes I would stumble upon a bakery that had been in business for decades, the air thick with the aroma of freshly baked croissants; other times, it was an unassuming café where elderly locals sat chatting by the entrance; there were also small art galleries showcasing the works of local artists.

Around noon, I arrived at the famous Cours Saleya Market. The stalls here were piled high with fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and a wide variety of Mediterranean delicacies.

The cherries at the stalls were a luscious, glistening red; the variety of olives seemed endless; and the scent of lavender filled the air. I bought a traditional Niçoise salad—a local specialty—and found a spot to sit down just off the square. Sunlight dappled the cobblestones, while the sounds of French conversation and street musicians drifted in from all around; this vibrant atmosphere, brimming with the essence of daily life, allowed me to experience the most authentic side of Nice.

Compared to bustling tourist hotspots, I much prefer places like this—for here, one can not only admire the scenery but also truly feel the soul of the city.

A Romantic Afternoon at the Port of Nice

After leaving the Old Town, I took a stroll over to the Port of Nice (Port Lympia).

Compared to the lively Promenade des Anglais, the atmosphere here felt far more serene and elegant.

The harbor was filled with an array of moored yachts and sailboats, while the crystal-clear water mirrored the colors of the sky and the surrounding architecture. The area surrounding the harbor is dotted with numerous restaurants and cafes; many locals enjoy sitting at the outdoor tables, sipping their coffee while admiring the sea view.

I found a small seaside bistro, took a seat, and ordered a plate of seafood pasta and a glass of chilled white wine.

A gentle breeze was blowing, and the sunlight was warm but not scorching. Before my eyes, masts swayed gently and pleasure boats slowly glided out of the harbor, while the melody of a French song drifted pleasantly into my ears. In that moment, I felt as though I had completely immersed myself in the rhythm of life in Nice.

After my meal, I took a leisurely stroll along the harbor.

Most of the buildings surrounding the harbor district feature an Italian architectural style, characterized by soft, elegant colors. Viewed from a distance, the entire harbor resembles a tranquil seaside tableau.

I sat there for a long time, watching the crowds come and go—tourists snapping photos to capture memories, and local residents leisurely walking their dogs. Although the scenery lacked dramatic, spectacular vistas, it possessed a uniquely relaxing charm.

The true meaning of travel lies not always in how many sights one visits, but rather in those ordinary afternoons when one simply experiences the inherent beauty of life itself.

Step into the Matisse Museum and Experience the Magic of Art

When visiting France, art is, naturally, an inescapable topic of conversation.

On my third day, I made a special trip to the Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse).

The museum is perched on a hillside in the northern part of Nice; surrounded by lush greenery, it offers an exceptionally peaceful setting. It houses a vast collection of precious works by the renowned French painter, Henri Matisse.

Upon stepping into the exhibition halls, I felt as though I had entered a world bursting with color.

Vibrant reds, brilliant yellows, and pure blues—all imbued with a unique vitality under Matisse’s brush. Although I am not a professional art connoisseur, I could still deeply sense the joy and freedom that these works conveyed.

In particular, the paintings depicting the Nice coastline and the sun-drenched lifestyle of the region gave me a deeper appreciation for this city.

I realized that what had compelled Matisse to make his home here for so long was not merely the enchanting scenery, but rather the region’s unique quality of light and its free-spirited, open atmosphere.

After finishing my tour, I stepped out into the museum’s garden.

In the distance, the hills rolled gently, and the sky was a pristine, azure blue. Sitting on a bench and reflecting on my travels over the past few days, I suddenly understood why so many people fall in love with Nice. It lacks the dazzling glamour of Paris, yet it possesses a magic that invites you to simply unwind.

A City You Won’t Want to Leave

On my final day in Nice, I returned once more to the Promenade des Anglais.

The seaside was even quieter than usual in the early morning light. Joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers began to appear one by one; a new day was dawning.

I sat on a seaside bench, watching the sun slowly rise above the horizon.

In just a few short days, I had already grown accustomed to the city’s unhurried, comfortable pace.

Nice is free of rushing crowds and the oppressive sensation of towering skyscrapers. The people here know how to savor the sunshine, the sea breeze, and every ordinary moment of daily life.

As I departed, I cast one last glance back at that azure sea.

I knew that this city had quietly taken root deep within my memories.

If anyone were to ask me—aside from Paris—where in France is most worth visiting, I would recommend Nice without a moment’s hesitation.

For this place offers not only enchanting scenery but also a power that makes you fall in love with life all over again.

And that sun-drenched Azure Coast will forever remain one of the most cherished memories of my travels.