Couples are drawn to Nice for unique experiences on the French Riviera, from sunset cruises across blue Mediterranean waters to exploring hilltop castles together. France is known as the most romantic country on earth, and Nice is no exception with its beautiful pebbled beaches, old-world architecture, fantastic local cuisine and unforgettable scenic views. Adventure-seeking couples will find everything from mountaintop hikes to Roman ruins and helicopter tours. Couples looking for relaxation can enjoy experiences from open-air markets to rooftop cocktails and strolling through exotic gardens. Here are the 10 best things for couples to do in Nice.

  • 1

    Molinard Perfume Workshop

    Blend your own unique scent, guided by a perfume specialist

    Molinard Perfume Workshop
    • Couples
    • Shoppers

    Molinard’s perfume workshops offer you the opportunity to create your own scents with the guidance of a Molinard expert. You’ll learn how to blend a signature perfume for you or your partner, choosing from a variety of different aromas and ingredients to create a scent that's unique to you. Different workshop packages are available at Molinard, from a romantic date for 2 with champagne to lively group crafting experiences. Each workshop offers the opportunity to take home a bottle of your handcrafted signature scent, ensuring you have a perfume that no one else will be wearing. Molinard is located just off the beach on the southern shore of Nice.

    Location: 20 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice, France

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +33 (0)493 629050

    Map
  • 2

    Èze

    Step back in time in a mountaintop medieval village

    Èze
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    Èze offers unparalleled views of the blue Mediterranean waters below from this medieval village’s mountaintop perch. Located between Nice and Monaco, Èze can be easily reached by automobile or bus line. You may feel like you’ve stepped into an old-world fairy tale as you explore the ancient cobblestone streets and charming buildings covered with colorful flora. You can take a romantic stroll through Èze’s 14th-century castle and gardens, and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in the town’s quaint restaurants. Art galleries, shops and boutiques offer goods ranging from French silks and intricate tapestries to handmade perfumes and porcelain.

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  • 3

    La Réserve de Nice

    Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, an elegant rooftop bar and a cozy beach

    La Réserve de Nice
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    La Réserve de Nice is a luxury gastronomic restaurant and trendy rooftop champagne bar offering multiple spaces with panoramic seafront views including a quaint pebbled beach. Located just off the port of Nice, here you can savor some of the restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes for lunch or dinner while overlooking the blue waters of the Bay of Angels below. The romantic roof terrace of La Réserve de Nice is open from May to October and features lounges and ocean views along with a selection of beverages and tapas. La Réserve beach is a cozy spot to relax and watch the ferries sail past or snorkel in the beautifully clear water.

    Location: 60 Boulevard Franck Pilatte, 06300 Nice, France

    Open: Restaurant open Tuesday–Saturday from 12.15 pm to 2 pm and 7.15 pm to 10 pm (closed Sunday–Monday).

    Phone: +33 (0)497 081480

    Map

    photo by French Ant 2 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 4

    Sunset cruise

    Unwind with sunset views as you sail the blue waters of the Mediterranean

    Sunset cruise
    • Couples

    A sunset cruise on the French Riviera takes you past stunning Nice landmarks and offers a memorable way to spend an intimate evening together. You can relax over wine and a warm breeze as your craft glides through the Mediterranean and the sun dips toward the horizon. As your skipper navigates, they will offer information and stories about the coastal neighborhoods you pass on your cruise. Your skipper will also know great spots to anchor if you fancy an evening swim or just want to dip your toes in the water.

    Location: 6 Quai Amiral Infernet, 06300 Nice, France

    Open: Hours vary seasonally

    Phone: +33 (0)6 74 31 92 53

    Map
  • 5

    Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

    Explore an eclectic French villa and elaborate gardens overlooking the sea

    Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is an estate housing an early-20th-century villa and elaborate gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The villa is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, housing an eclectic mix of masterful artwork and original furnishings. Themed gardens outside offer a tranquil blend of exotic plants and statues along with fountains that dance to classical music. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is located at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and easily accessed by bus or automobile, and free parking is available. Your entrance fee includes an audio tour to guide your stroll through the villa, and guidebooks are available in several languages. A cafe is located on the terrace where you can enjoy refreshments along with sea views.

    Location: 1 Avenue Ephrussi de Rothschild, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Phone: +33 (0)493 013309

    Map
  • 6

    Cours Saleya Flower Market

    Shop in an open-air French market full of local goods

    Cours Saleya Flower Market
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    The Cours Saleya Flower Market is a long-running outdoor marketplace located just off the Promenade des Anglais. You can explore rows of rustic stalls selling a variety of food items, from local delicacies to homegrown produce, honey, jelly and farm-fresh cheese and meats. Other available goods range from artisanal soaps to handcrafted artwork and fragrant blooms from colorful flower carts. You’ll want to carry some small bills to pay the friendly local vendors, and remember to bring a bag to carry your purchases in. This is a great place to buy treats to enjoy later at a picnic for 2 at one of Nice’s many romantic seaside locations.

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    Location: Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice, France

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 6 am to 5.30 pm, Sunday from 6.30 am to 1.30 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Map
  • 7

    Helicopter Tours

    Travel like a celebrity with a helicopter tour of the French Riviera

    Helicopter Tours
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Luxury

    Helicopter tours are a unique way for couples to capture incredible views of the French Riviera together. Your 20-minute helicopter tour will lift off from the Nice airport, then ascend toward the skies overlooking the vibrant turquoise water of the Mediterranean. You’ll soar over the winding Promenade des Anglais, historic Old Town and other beautiful locations as you follow the coast below. Your friendly pilot will guide your journey in the sky, offering information and commentary about your surroundings. At the end of your unforgettable tour together, you will return to the Nice airport by sea or by land, depending on weather conditions.

    Location: Rue Costes et Bellonte, 06206 Nice, France

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Phone: +33 (0)8 20 42 33 33

    Map
  • 8

    Castle Hill

    Enjoy incredible views overlooking the city of Nice and the Mediterranean

    Castle Hill
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    Castle Hill encompasses the ruins of an ancient castle and cathedral along with a park and waterfall perched high above the Bay of Angels. The panoramic viewpoints from the top of Castle Hill are spectacular, spanning the blue sea from the Promenade des Anglais in the west all the way to Port de Nice in the east. Watching the sunset from this location is especially romantic. You can reach the peak of Castle Hill several ways, including by automobile or the Petit Train de Nice. Alternately, you can travel on foot from Old Town via either the Castle Hill elevator or staircases if you’re game for a workout. A hilltop cafe and gift shop are also available.

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    Location: Montee du Chateau, Vieux Nice, 06300, Nice, France

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Map
  • 9

    Cimiez Roman ruins

    Explore the ruins of an ancient Roman town

    Cimiez Roman ruins
    • Couples
    • History

    The Cimiez Roman ruins comprise an important archeological site containing what remains of the ancient town of Cemenelum. You can explore the historic ruins of a Roman arena and amphitheater as well as thermal baths and a paleochristian basilica. The adjacent archeological museum exhibits artifacts from the site where you can examine sarcophagi, statues and other objects, some dating back as far as the 1st century BC. The Cimiez Roman ruins are located just over a mile north of central Nice and are easily reached by bus or automobile.

    Location: 184 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice, France

    Open: Hours vary seasonally

    Phone: +33 (0)493 815957

    Map
  • 10

    Promenade des Arts

    View sculptures and modern art installations

    Promenade des Arts
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    The Promenade des Arts is located just north of Old Town Nice and provides a great space to stroll among modern sculptural works and local art installations. It runs between the National Theater of Nice and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Many cultural events are hosted in this location throughout the year. The Promenade des Arts is close to lots of local restaurants, cafes and shops, making it easy for you to reach as you explore the city of Nice.

    Location: Promenade des Arts, Nice, France

    Map