Issues To Do in Good, France
Breezy sunny Good, France, is the principle metropolis on the French Riviera. There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Good you may simply keep per week. (Or 37 years, just like the artist Matisse did.)
It’s a South of France metropolis I’ve returned to many times since spending one heady summer season there once I was 16, so learn on for my high tips about what see and do.
About Good
Located on the light-filled French Riviera, this fashionable metropolis within the South of France makes an ideal base for touring the attractive cities of the Côte d’Azur, nevertheless it additionally has many charms of its personal.
With a wonderful Mediterranean location on the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels), Good has ‘glamorous summer season resort’ written throughout it – however with out the pretension you may discover in Monaco and Cannes.
Its inhabitants of 350,000 means it’s the precise dimension for travellers who need loads of life, however don’t need to be overwhelmed by an enormous metropolis.
Quick on time? From Good you’ll be able to Tour the French Riviera in One Day. From USD $83. Verify availability right here.
When Is the Finest Time To Go to the South of France?
If you wish to benefit from the seashores and sit in outside cafes, Could to September is the very best time to journey to France.
Right this moment Good is named a summer season vacation spot, however surprisingly, the town’s rise to vacationer fame started as a winter vacation spot within the nineteenth century. It was a super getaway for winter-weary Brits who got here to benefit from the milder local weather of the French Riviera.
Getting Round
It’s straightforward to get round Good on public transportation and lots of vacationers use it as a base for doing day journeys to legendary French Riviera locations like Cannes, Monaco and Eze.
Learn Finest Day Journeys from Good for some superb locations to go to.
Moving into Good From the Airport
Flying into Good-Cote d’Azur Airport? Listed below are the very best methods to get from the Good airport to metropolis centre places.
In style Good France Actions
1. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais
The primary place to take a look at in Good is the palm-tree lined Promenade des Anglais.
This 7 km (5-mile) oceanside promenade curves gently alongside the Bay of Angels, and is a focus for strollers, cyclists, joggers and sightseers.
Stretching from the Good Airport within the west to the Quai des Etats Unis close to the Port of Good, the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais is the very best place to breathe within the metropolis’s sea-scented environment.
On one facet you’ve got parks, grand lodges, and and infinite string of condos (many which have vacation leases). On the waterfront facet is a string of personal seashores, seaside eating places, and the silvery Mediterranean.
The preferred stretch of the Promenade Anglais to wander is between Fort Hill and the Lodge Negressco.
In search of a straightforward method to see the sights in Good? Attempt the Hop on Hop Off Bus – You may get a 1-day or a 2-day cross from US $26.
2. Hike Up Fort Hill
In terms of outdoorsy issues to do in Good, strive strolling up the (seemingly infinite) steps of Fort Hill, additionally known as the Colline du Château or the Parc du Château.
If you need a traditional panoramic view of the Bay of Angels, it’s your home.
Conveniently, Fort Hill is correct on the fringe of the Outdated City, Vieux Good, so it’s straightforward to get to.
Most individuals take the steps up Fort Hill off the Promenade des Anglais, although I discover when you go the again approach, from the facet of the Port, it’s a extra tranquil stroll.
Simply don’t count on a fortress to be a part of the view. The medieval citadel was destroyed by Louis XIV in 1706.
When you’re up right here be aware that this hill-with-a-view, which is now a pleasing park, has been occupied for hundreds of years. Archeologists have discovered Celtic, Greek and Roman stays.
Accessibility: In the event you’re mobility challenged you’ll be able to take the elevator.
3. Lounge on the Seaside
The concept of mendacity on a seashore in Good is bliss.
The truth is that Good seashores will not be mushy and sandy, however pebbly. Ah, effectively. It’s nonetheless the French Riviera and it’s nonetheless be blissful.
You’ll be able to go upscale and splash out (see what I did there?) for a chaise lounge at a personal seashore with change rooms, waiters to cater to your each want and even – relying on the seashore – a DJ.
Or, keep on with a public seashore which is free.
What are the Finest Seashores in Good?
Ruhl Plage, a family-owned non-public seashore membership since 1920, wins for the cutest seashore umbrellas. It has a central location towards the jap finish of the Baie des Anges.
The place Are the Free Seashores in Good?
There are upwards of 20 public seashore areas in Good which can be free. La Plage Publique de Beau Rivage is a well-liked place to catch some solar.
When on the lookout for a free seashore, I often head right down to the Promenade des Anglais, and park my towel on no matter strip of sand isn’t taken up by a personal seashore membership.
How have you learnt if it’s a personal seashore membership or a public seashore?
Simple. If there are seashore umbrellas, lounge beds, tables and servers, it’s a personal membership and you have to to pay. If there are individuals sprawled out on seashore blankets or towels mendacity on the sand, it’s free.
Seashores Close to Good
I just like the look of the family-friendly seashore in close by Villefranche sur Mer, a sleepy coastal city simply to the east of Good. To get to Villefranche sur Mer from Good, you’ll be able to take the 100 Bus or the practice.
Whereas there is no such thing as a greatest time to go to France, if you need a seashore vacation, bear in mind Good just isn’t sizzling 12 months spherical, so that you received’t be sunbathing in December.
4. Discover Good Outdated City – Vieux Good
Winding lanes filled with creaky yellow-ochre buildings are what you’ll discover in Good Outdated City, also referred to as Vieux Good.
Located between the Quai des Etats Unis and Place Massena, it’s an atmospheric place to buy Provencal specialties similar to lavender cleaning soap and olive oil.
While you’re bored with procuring take an ice cream break at Fenocchio at 2 Place Rossetti. Dive into enjoyable flavours like Lavender and Flower of Orange Tree or the intriguing-sounding Pie of Overripe.
Or, be like my husband and go for (boring) vanilla. The opposite day I had a double scoop of coconut and apricot. So creamy!
The very best ice cream store in Good is a hotly debated subject. Some choose Azzurro on Rossetti Sq..
I’m a fan of Fenocchio as a result of they’ve a couple of outdoors tables and a bathroom – however wherever you indulge, consuming ice cream is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Good.
When to Go to the Outdated City
Go to Vieux Good within the morning when the market on the Cours Saleya is bursting with contemporary flowers, or straggle in through the night when the cafes and cocktail bars are full of life.
Get extra meals data on a Cultural and Gourmand Strolling Tour of Outdated Good. From $76. Study extra right here.
Want an knowledgeable information to see the Vieux Good? Try a Non-public Strolling Tour of Good Outdated City. Worth from $180. Study extra right here.
5. Verify Out the Baroque Structure
While you’re visiting Good Outdated City, preserve an eye fixed out for some prime examples of the town’s Baroque structure.
Baroque, a splendidly extreme fashion, dates from the tip of the sixteenth century to the early 18th century, and is a quintessential a part of Outdated Metropolis Good.
Listed below are three Baroque buildings to identify:
The Chapelle de la Miséricorde
With its surprising round partitions and home windows and fresco-filled inside, the Chapelle de la Miséricorde is outwardly thought-about one of many high Baroque church buildings on the earth.
You’ll discover it at 2 Place Pierre-Gautier on the north facet of the Cours Saleya.
Full confession: The final two occasions I’ve tried to go to it was closed.
Eglise de Gésu
One other Baroque masterpiece is the small Eglise de Gésu at 12 Rue Droite.
Constructed within the 1600s, its pale blue and yellow facade is a delight and its inside will fulfill all of your wishes for cherubs, gilt and marble.
The Palais Lascaris
The Palais Lascaris is each a museum and historic monument. In-built 1648 for the aristocratic Lascaris-Ventimiglia household, it was restored within the Nineteen Sixties and opened as a civic museum.
Salivate over the frilly staircase, frescos and luxe salons as you see how the opposite half lived (no less than till the French Revolution).
The tackle is 15 rue Droite. Closed Tuesdays.
6. Go to Place Massena
It will be laborious to tour Good and never come across the grand Place Massena.
Good’s spectacular (and busy) essential sq. sits majestically between the New and the Outdated City. With its placing pink buildings and checkerboard floor, it’s eye-catching certainly.
7. Study in regards to the Scandal of the Solar Fountain
Smack in the midst of the Place Massena is the Solar Fountain, the the Fontaine du Soleil.
Amongst high Good vacationer points of interest it could be probably the most scandalous: When it was unveiled in 1956 onlookers gasped in shock.
The seven-metre (23-foot) marble statue of Apollo within the centre of the fountain drew second, third (and probably) fourth horrified seems to be.
Not solely did Apollo have a crown of 4 horses on his head, however the seven-ton god additionally had, er, a moderately giant member.
The Rebirth of the Solar Fountain
The poor sculptor, Alfred Janniot, needed to chisel it right down to dimension. Solely maybe he took his job an excessive amount of to coronary heart as a result of Apollo went from being a significantly giant Greek god to being ridiculed as ‘The Virgin.’
Even so, the Catholic League of Female Advantage (I’m not making this up) gathered sufficient help within the 70s to get the offensively nude statue eliminated, and the as soon as mighty Apollo was banished to a brand new residence outdoors a sports activities stadium.
Don’t despair. In 2011, with nice aplomb, Apollo regained his rightful residence within the Place Massena, the place you’ll be able to nonetheless get a gander at his chiselled-down privvies right now.
8. Don’t Miss the Musée Marc Chagall
Painters and sculptors have lengthy discovered the South of France irresistible, attracted by its luminous mild, fulfilling local weather and sensual life-style, so it’s no shock the town is a treasure trove for artwork followers.
In terms of the very best cultural points of interest in Good, the Chagall Museum is my best choice, even when the Matisse Museum will get extra buzz.
Glowing like illuminated gems, Chagall’s 17 main Biblical Message tableaux line the partitions and conjure up a vibrant world the place magic, people artwork and inventive sophistication meet.
The Musée Nationwide Marc Chagall is at Avenue Docteur Ménard. Closed Tuesdays.
8. Go to the Musée d’Artwork Moderne et d’Artwork Contemporain
The very city Museum of Trendy and Up to date Artwork (MAMAC) covers main artwork actions from the Nineteen Sixties on. You’ll discover massive names similar to Niki de Saint-Phalle, Andy Warhol and Fluxus.
Talking of Fluxus, I noticed these conceptual artwork stars at a efficiency in Seoul, Korea, years in the past, and can always remember them placing a rose in a blender and ingesting it. To this present day I’m wondering what a rose smoothie tastes like.
MAMAC is at Place Yves Klein. Closed Mondays.
9. Go to the Musée Matisse
To see the famend Matisse Museum head to the very posh Cimiez district, the most effective neighbourhoods in Good and properly off the principle vacationer monitor.
The nice grasp Henri Matisse initially got here to Good to attempt to remedy his bronchitis, however ended up staying on and off for the remainder of his life.
The Matisse Museum, housed in a beautiful red-ochre villa, has one of many largest collections of his work on the earth.
Right here you’ll be capable of get a way of the big selection of his expertise that features sculptures, monumental work and cutouts.
The Musee Matisse is positioned at 164 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez. Closed Tuesdays.
Take a Half Day Tour with the Matisse Museum Included
In the event you choose exploring high sights in Good with a well-informed information, take a look at this half-day tour tour that features the Matisse Museum.
10. Tour the Cimiez District
In the event you’re already in Cimiez to go to the Matisse Museum, take the chance to take a look at extra Good points of interest on this trendy ‘hood.
Surrounding the Matisse Museum, you’ll discover the stays of a Roman settlement.
Close by you’ll discover the Franciscan Monastery and Museum (closed Sundays) that dates again to 1546. It’s a preferred cease for its gardens and Fifteenth-century masterpieces by the well-known Niçoise artist Ludovic Bréa.
Throughout from the Matisse Museum, you’ll be able to see the imposing Regina constructing the place Matisse as soon as lived. Now a swanky residence constructing, it was initially constructed as a grand resort.
Good’s most venerable fan, Queen Victoria, would keep right here for as much as six weeks at a time. In actual fact, it was constructed together with her in thoughts.
(As an irrelevant facet be aware, I attempted to get a trip rental within the Regina final time I used to be in Good however somebody snatched it earlier than me. Rats.)
11. Eat in a High Good Restaurant
Consuming effectively is a part of each trip in France, and Good is not any completely different. Listed below are a couple of advisable eating places in Good.
Seafood at Peixes
For contemporary seafood in an off-the-cuff environment with a maritime theme, strive Peixes Restaurant at 4, rue de l’Opéra Good, France 06300.
Well being Meals at Badaboom
Want a fennel repair, some gluten-free eating or a contemporary smoothie? Attempt the health-focused Badaboom Bistro at 11, rue François Guisol.
Wonderful Eating at Le Chantecler
This 2-star Michelin restaurant within the Lodge Le Negresco affords a gastronomic exploration of Provencal-inspired meals.
Have a Meal With a View at La Terrace
Situated within the rooftop of Le Meridian Lodge, La Terrace is among the highest factors on the Promenade des Anglais.
Attempt the Native Delicacies at La Merenda
Run by pedigreed chef Dominique Le Stanc, La Merenda is a small restaurant within the Outdated City that serves regional dishes similar to fried zucchini flowers, tomato pie and stuffed sardines. You’ll be able to’t make reservations forward of time. It’s a part of the appeal.
Rue Raoul Basio, 06300 Good, France.
12. Eat a Salade Nicoise
Since we’re on the subject of native delicacies, it’s laborious to disregard the town’s namesake salad.
There are raging debates in regards to the correct method to make this humble dish, which, when it was developed within the nineteenth century was described as “easy meals for poor individuals.”
What’s a Salade Nicoise?
Historically, a Nicoise Salad consists of anchovies or tuna, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives and olive oil.
Whether or not you think about boiled potatoes a second-rated Parisian addition, or the inclusion of any cooked greens in any respect an unforgivable sin relies on when you’re a purist or not.
Don’t be stunned to search out corn, inexperienced beans or potatoes in your plate. If you need a nouvelle model with swordfish or shrimp, yow will discover that too.
Simply know, while you order this well-known dish there’s a massive historical past behind it.
13. Take a Day Journey from Good
One of the very best issues to do in Good is to go away it – no less than for a day.
Day journeys from Good are easy by practice, low-cost (however sluggish) by bus, and there are such a lot of nice locations within the South of France area you’ll be spoiled for selection.
My high picks are Cannes, Biot, Grasse, Antibes, Eze, Vence and St-Paul de Vence – and, in fact, we are able to’t overlook Monaco.
You possibly can even take a ferry over to Sainte-Marguerite Island for the day. Learn my article on the 15 greatest day journeys in Good for extra concepts.
Planning a day journey from Good to Monaco? Try my at some point in Monaco information.
Guided Day Excursions from Good
In the event you’re on the lookout for organized day excursions from Good, you may strive an inexpensive 5-hour tour of Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Tour. From $60 US. Test it out right here.
Another choice is a full day French Riviera In One Day driving tour from $83. Get data right here.
You can even lease a bike to get round – however to see what I take into consideration that learn renting a bike in France.
14. Take a Boat Cruise
In the event you’re staying on the Mediterranean, it could be a disgrace to not get on the glittering Mediterranean itself.
For a romantic factor to do from Good you may do a 2-hour sundown cruise of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat from $65. Study extra right here.
It’s a 2.5 hour lengthy ferry trip, however what’s extra swish than a day journey to Saint Tropez?
15. Cycle Good on a Velo Bleu
The final time I rented an residence in Good, I turned obsessive about the bike share program Velo Bleu. It wasn’t a lot the comfort of getting from level A to B – though that was useful – however as leisure in its personal proper.
What might be extra fulfilling than peddling on the well-maintained bike lanes alongside the Promenade des Anglais or alongside one of many metropolis’s many bike lanes to one in every of its high museums?
With 175 Velo Bleu bike stations within the better Good Côte d’Azur space, and 125 km of motorbike lanes altogether, it’s a good way to journey. It’s additionally low-cost.
Tips on how to Use the Velo Bleu
In fact, I discover it complicated to determine these bike share packages. When you do determine it out, you should utilize it every single day. The way in which it’s supposed to work is that you simply register on-line on the Velo Bleu web site and get a code. You’ll be able to then enter the code into any Velo Bleu bike station across the metropolis and seize a motorcycle.
The way in which it labored for me was that I screwed up and needed to go to the Velo Bleu workplace at 17 Avenue Thiers throughout from the practice station and get them to kind it out.
You want a cellphone to enroll in this system. In the event you don’t have an area quantity it’s best to go to the Velo Bleu workplace and beg for a badge (they don’t like giving it for a brief time period), which you’ll be able to merely faucet to get a motorcycle.
Desire a biking tour as a substitute? You’ll be able to join a Good: Panoramic French Riviera E-Bike Tour right here.
16. Peek into the Lodge Negresco
So far as glamorous locations to go to in Good go, the Belle Époque Lodge Negresco must be in your record. To my thoughts, it’s the aristocratic coronary heart of Good.
Proper throughout from the seashore at 37 Promenade des Anglais, the 5-star luxurious Negresco Lodge is a wacky art-filled luxurious resort constructed within the early twentieth century.
The dome within the Royal Salon was designed by Gustave Eiffel and the chandelier was created for a Russian Tsar.
Probably the most romantic issues to do in Good is to cease in at Le Negresco’s bar for a glass of champagne (the Seventeenth-century tapestry makes it very atmospheric) earlier than heading out for a night stroll on the Promenade des Anglais.
You don’t even have to go inside to see one of many Negresco’s high items in its artwork assortment. Perched by the doorway is the unforgettable pop artwork sculpture of Miles Davis by famous person artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
17. Go to the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
Constructed through the reign of Czar Nicholas II, the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, Good’s Russian Orthodox Church, has dazzled guests with its sensible domes and spires since 1912.
After a two-year restoration, the cathedral is an eye catching attraction in Good, France, and is positioned on Avenue Nicolas-II.
Is Good Value Visiting?
Sure! Personally, I’d wish to spend no less than three months of the 12 months right here. Good is among the high locations to go to in France for sightseeing , and whether or not you’re after a luxurious trip in France or on a strict price range, you’ll discover loads to do.
Inns in Good France
Good 5-Star Inns
There are solely three 5-star lodges in Good, France. We will’t all afford the luxurious Lodge Negresco, however Good has extra lodges than you’ll be able to shake a stick at (when you like shaking sticks) and also you’re certain to search out one thing to fit your price range.
Often I like to remain close to the waterfront, however I’ve lately come again from a keep on the frothy-looking 5-star Lodge Boscolo Exedra Good.
Less expensive than the Lodge Negresco or the one different 5-star resort in Good, the Hyatt Regency Good Palais de la Méditerranée on the Promenade des Anglais, the Boscolo Lodge is ready in an exquisite Belle Epoque constructing simply off Jean Medecin.
It has an exuberant Italian decor, a small rooftop pool and a spa with a pool and sauna downstairs.
The one problem I had was that it was unattainable to get a deck chair on the pool throughout peak occasions.
Verify costs for the Boscolo Lodge right here. Verify costs for the Hyatt Regency Good right here.
Waterfront Inns
Good Waterfront lodges embody a trio of lodges that harken again to the previous, the 3-star Lodge Le Royal Promenade des Anglais, the Westminster Lodge & Spa and the Lodge West Finish Promenade.
The situation is fabulous however I didn’t get to see the rooms.
Extra in direction of Vieux Good (the Outdated City) you’ll discover the extra fashionable Lodge Beau Rivage.
For views, the luxurious Hôtel Suisse is positioned on a rocky bit overlooking the Promenade des Anglais. However, getting higher critiques is the adjoining Hôtel La Pérouse Good Baie des Anges, which has a beautiful courtyard pool. I attempted to remain right here nevertheless it was full so I simply snooped round.
Verify costs for the Lodge La Perouse Good Baie Des Anges right here.
Trip Leases
Alternatively, you may take into consideration renting an residence. (Learn extra in regards to the in’s and out’s of trip leases in France.)
Go to my Issues to do within the South of France journey article to get some extra concepts on what you’ll be able to see across the French Riviera, and which cities make nice day journeys from Good.
