Nice, France, turned out to be the perfect destination for both street photography and relaxation. I spent five days soaking in the sun, savoring delicious food, and capturing the beauty of the city on camera. While it might sound like a bit of an exaggeration to say I was in “heaven,” I certainly fell in love with the city’s charm.

Nice offered sunny weather even in November, making it the perfect escape. A sweater was usually enough, and at times, a simple T-shirt did the job. The city’s food scene was outstanding, and the locals? Well, they lived up to the name: Nice.

Day 1: Arriving in Nice After a long day of travel, I finally reached Nice from Antwerp, with stops in Brussels and at the Nice Airport. Once I dropped off my bags at the hotel, I grabbed my camera and began exploring the city. My first stroll took me through the vibrant streets of Nice, and I got momentarily lost at the Colline du Château. The day ended with dinner at Lavomatique, which was a great spot to relax and reflect on the day.

Day 2: Exploring Through the Lens I woke up refreshed after a good night’s sleep at Le Petit Trianon Hotel. After a light breakfast at Maison Kayser, I ventured along the iconic Promenade des Anglais and then explored the local neighborhoods, including Les Baumettes, Gambetta, and Thiers. I continued my walk towards Jean-Médecin, where I visited the Museum of Photography Charles Nègre, which was hosting an exhibition by Vivian Maier. It was a delight to see her works in large format again.

After a much-needed break, I grabbed lunch at the Garden Cafe in the Gambetta neighborhood, then returned to my hotel for some rest before heading out again. I ended the evening with a quick burger at Smash Me, a casual yet satisfying spot near my hotel.

Day 3: A Day Trip to Monaco A short and affordable train ride took me from Nice to Monaco. After grabbing a coffee and a cookie at the Le Country Store, I hopped on the train to Monaco, eager to explore. I started by visiting the Old Town and the stunning cathedral, followed by the Prince’s Palace, where I accidentally caught the changing of the guards at 11:55 am.

For lunch, I stopped by Le Pinocchio, where I had a delicious carbonara and pistachio tiramisu. After a bit more exploration, I treated myself to a scoop of fantastic ice cream at Rossi La Botega before heading back to Nice. My final stop in Nice was the Musée Massena, which was the perfect end to a busy day.

Day 4: Rainy Days are for Museums The weather took a turn on Day 4, with clouds covering the sun. Luckily, I only needed a sweater as I walked through various neighborhoods towards the Henri Matisse Museum. While public transport is quick, I prefer to walk so I can take in the city’s vibe.

I spent some time at the Matisse Museum and then made my way back to the city center, stopping for lunch at the market at Chez Thérésa. As the rain started pouring, I ducked into the Terra Amata museum and La Claque for a coffee break. Despite the weather, I continued my artistic journey with a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice, where I spent some time admiring Monet’s work. By then, the rain had set in, so I decided to practice some ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) street photography before heading back to the hotel for a relaxing night.

Day 5: The Last Day in Nice On my last day in Nice, the sun made a return. I started the day with coffee and madeleines at Maison Karlie before heading out for a sunny photo walk. After collecting my things from the hotel, I made my way to the airport, reflecting on a wonderful trip.

5 Street Photography Lessons Learned in Nice

1. Talent Isn’t Enough
   Even the best photographers need to promote their work. Vivian Maier’s photos didn’t reach the world until her negatives were found by someone who believed they were worth sharing. It’s not enough to take great photos—you need to show them to people.
2. “I Can’t YET”
   I often saw other photographers’ work and thought, “I can’t do this.” But with recent progress, I now think, “I can’t do it yet.” It’s about pushing through the doubts and knowing that growth takes time.
3. Don’t Push Too Hard
   While I was on holiday to make street photos, I also needed to relax. There’s no need to chase every shot—sometimes slowing down and enjoying the process leads to better results.
4. Take Breaks
   I used to think photographers had to go non-stop, but breaks are essential. Whether it’s a coffee stop or a museum visit, taking time to rest will help you recharge and stay inspired.
5. Stay Central
   While it might seem cheaper to stay outside the city center, a centrally located hotel is worth the extra cost. You’re closer to everything, so you can rest whenever you need to and be ready for your next adventure.

Food and Dining in Nice

Nice isn’t just beautiful for photography—it’s also a food lover’s paradise. Here are a few of my favorite spots:

For Dinner:

• Lavomatique: A food-sharing spot with great local dishes.
• Smash Me: A casual burger place near my hotel.
• Mamma Roma Gioffredo: A charming spot with delicious pizza and tiramisu.

For Lunch/Breakfast:

• Garden Cafe: A great all-day brunch place.
• Edmond Cafe: A place with delicious food and a cozy vibe.

For Coffee:

• Le Country Store: A small cafe with fantastic coffee and cookies.
• La Claque: A cozy coffee shop nestled in the charming streets of Nice.
• Maison Karlie: Enjoy madeleines and great coffee in this sunny spot.

Museums to Visit in Nice

If you’re looking for artistic inspiration, Nice has plenty of museums worth visiting:

• Museum of Photography Charles Nègre: A small but well-curated museum, currently showcasing Vivian Maier’s exhibition.
• Musée Henri Matisse: A showcase of Matisse’s life and work.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice: A beautiful museum with some stunning paintings.

Overall, Nice provided the perfect blend of street photography opportunities, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. Let me know your favorite spots in Nice in the comments below!