Nestor&Jeeves wanted to show you the essential activities in the port of Nice in 5 steps.
Between these magnificent yellow and ochre facades discover the pretty port of Nice. Animated and festive, it’s the flagship area of the city. Its beauty and its multiple activities make this area more and more lively and appreciated by the inhabitants of Nice and the tourists.
On the Quai Des Deux Emmanuels side of the waterfront, you will find several gourmet restaurants along the harbor. The location is sublime, you will be in front of the many yachts and small pleasure boats moored in the port, all in a very sunny environment. It is ideal in low season!
On the other side of the shore, on the Quai Papacino, there are specialized grocery stores, the antique market and the castle hill. Emblematic places of the city of Nice. To visit without further delay!
But how to get to the port? By tramway/metro with line 2. Directly on the Quai Napoléon 1er, stop at the Port Lympia station which is one of the most beautiful stations in France with its view on the whole port.
Step 1 : Take a walk around the marina
Go to the Quai Papacino. If you come by car, there is a large parking lot at the beginning of the port (parking of the lighthouse). If you come by tramway, you will have to stop at the tramway terminal in Port Lympia. Or don’t hesitate to come by bike, a large bicycle path will take you there.
You can start the walk directly at the water’s edge. A very pleasant ride where you can go to meet beautiful boats, yachts, sailboats and pointus confused, there is for all tastes! Then, while going up the quay, we advise you to stop at the Trans Côte d’Azur store which offers cruises and coastal boat trips at a reasonable price. Just next door is the Rent My Boat store for boat rentals with or without a license.
Step 2 : Visit the Church Notre-Dame du Port
In the continuity of your ride, go to the Place Ile de Beauté to visit the church Notre-Dame du Port. Built in the 1830s by the architect Joseph Garnier. This magnificent building is registered as a historical monument since 1991. Its majestic neoclassical style facade is characterized by its 4 beautiful columns, which were added after its construction, a few years later. Do not hesitate to enter to admire the impressive ceilings and statues.
Step 3: Cross the harbor with a pointu!
For a few minutes, get on board a “pointu” and dive into history! These boats are part of Nice’s heritage and were historically used by fishermen. It is the unusual and unmissable activity of the port of Nice.
During the summer, every day of the week, a “Lou Passagin” boat is waiting for you on the quay to cross the port from the Charles Félix dock on the west side (Quai Lunel) to the Entrecasteaux quay (on the east side) and back. A pleasant and free crossing that lasts only a few minutes and allows you to save 800m of walking to go around the Lympia basin.
Step 4 : Explore the “village” of antique dealers
Take a trip back in time and explore the antique dealers’ area, one of the largest groupings of antique dealers in France. Period furniture, carpets, vintage clothes, atypical decorations and art galleries are waiting for you. You may even come away with a real historical treasure! Open every day except Sunday.
Close to the antique shops and installed in the old fishermen’s sheds, you will find Les Puces de Nice and its numerous second-hand dealers. But also, ephemeral exhibitions. The market is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Step 5 : Discover the Confiserie Florian
At 14 quai Papacino, see the mythical Confiserie Florian. Inside you will be able to taste chocolates, artisanal candies and many other sweets. But also, visit the workshop! A very greedy and atypical place which is worth the detour. This confectionery opened its doors in 1974. Its own creations are made on the spot with regional products. It is open every day from 9am to 7pm and offers free guided tours.
Rent an apartment on the Port!
To live the experience to the fullest we recommend renting an apartment in the heart of the port of Nice. The Port Lympia apartment is ideal. It is located on the Papacino quay, it is nicely decorated and offers a nice view on the port and its boats. We have several apartments in this area, take a look at our site, you will find your happiness for sure!