Mums-time breaks are becoming increasingly popular as busy mums make time to enjoy a holiday with friends away from the daily stresses of life.
Whether it’s to have a bit of me-time, recharge your batteries, re-energise, relax or explore somewhere you love – or have never been to before, a bit of time out can do wonders.
We think Nice, France is one of the most fun places to go for a mini-break or longer with friends – easy to get to with short flights from all over the UK to Nice airport.
What to see and do in Nice
Relax on the beach: There is a beach in Nice, though its stony; you can have sand or a sun bed though (paid). Swimming in the sea is a joy here, those lovely turquoise waters truly beckon. Take the bus to Villefranche or Beaulieu-sur-Mer for free to access golden sands galore.
Culture vulture: There are plenty of art galleries and museums to peruse including the Matisse Museum with its fascinating collection and Palais Lascaris, a hidden 17th century gem with a collection of musical instruments and furnishings.
Promenade: Nice is great for walking, along the sea front, the great wide avenues lined with shops offering fabulous French fashion and in the old town… If you like a run or even a gentle jog, the city has plenty of enjoyable routes.
The Old town: One of the jewels of Nice, a warren of tiny streets filled with boutiques, bars and bistros – it’s an intoxicating mix of ancient and very old. Sitting in a shady square, sipping a chilled glass of rosé at sunset enjoying the good life with your friends – there’s nothing quite like it. Tip: Splash out on a cocktail at the Hotel Negresco for a true taste of luxury – beloved by royals and celebs who adore the décor and the famous mojitos!
Stop off at the market: The Cours Saleya market is famous – for its colourful produce, bonhomie amongst the stall holder and sheer beauty, not to forget perfect for picking up some oranges for your breakfast juice!
Dine out in Nice
You might not feel like cooking and if that’s the case, you’re spoiled for choice here with hundreds of places to choose from. Eat out in the sun on a terrace at Cours Saleya, grab a socca street food snack (the local speciality), aperitifs at dusk in the old town, fresh seafood, seasonal produce, authentic Mediterranean cuisine – take your pick. Tip: At A Buteghinna, 11 rue du marché, run by three friends (Sophie, Marcelle and Evelyne) is where you’ll get true Nicoise cooking – just like maman used to make, and they feed you like your family!
Holiday Accommodation in Nice
Where to stay: Villa Les Anthemis, perfect for chilling out. You’ll need to hire a car if you stay here as its about 7km from the town and the sea and the shops are around 3-4km away. Set on a hill above Nice you have stunning, inspirational views over the city and the coast and a sun trap terrace – perfect to catch some rays and for aperitifs under a starry sky. There’s a pool, boules pitch, garden and barbeque.
Where to stay: Nice Centre Ville: Stay in this apartment and you won’t have to walk far to the restaurants and attractions of Nice. Spacious with air conditioning and a lift, the apartment (sleeps 6) is in a stunning old building right in the centre and a short walk to the beach. If you don’t want to drive, this is just about perfect as the transport options for getting around by train, bus and tram are superb.
