Sunrise to Sunset in Nice: Where to See the City's Dazzling Coastline

Searching for the best sunset in the world? You may just find it in Nice. But this glamorous hangout on the Côte d’Azur in France isn’t just a place to appreciate golden hour – from dawn to dusk, the coastal city is sure to impress, whether you’re visiting in the height of summer, or on quieter, cooler days over winter. So how do you really appreciate its beauty? Look no further than our guide to Nice’s showstopping seafront.

Early birds will be rewarded for that pre-dawn alarm call in Nice. Seeing the city come to life in the early hours is a serene experience and one of the most relaxed ways to ease into the day. You could simply settle for the balcony of your hotel, overlooking the sea, listening to the hypnotic rhythm of the waves, or if you’re a natural early riser, you may prefer to venture out and about to other sites in the city. Here are just a few favourite ways to enjoy the sky’s transformation from dark to light.

For a peaceful setting and panoramic view, look no further than Colline du Château, a beautiful historic site located between the Old Town and port. It’s a simple walk up, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Bay of Angels, where you can watch the first glints of sun on the Mediterranean, the rooftops of Old Nice and the castle ruins. Listen to the bird song and the breeze in the trees, and prepare to take a lot of pictures.

• Getting there: Take tram 1 to Cathédrale-Vieille Ville, it’s a 15-minute stroll from there.

Promenade des Anglais is a hive of activity in the day and night, but in the morning? Utterly peaceful. Pounding the pavement here is an invigorating way to start the day, when there are barely any crowds and cars are few and far between. 

• Getting there: Numerous buses and trams head to Promenade des Anglais, try bus 8 or tram 1. It’s a 20-minute walk from the city centre.

You’ll find plenty of places to grab a strong black coffee or cafe au lait in Nice – from any number of cafés on Promenade des Anglais. Café de Paris is a seafront classic, or if you’re prepared to sacrifice the view for epic brunches, try Edmond Café, which is a couple of streets back from the water.

• Address: 11 bis Rue du Congrès, 06000 Nice, France
• Getting there: Take tram 1 to the seafront, or it’s a 10-minute walk from central Nice.

Whether you decide to book onto a pre-arranged class, or simply lay a towel out on the beach, even just a few minutes of yoga or meditation onto the beach will make sure the rest of your day is serene and stress-free. Take your pick from the city’s 25 stretches of sand and appreciate the sunrise in the most peaceful of ways.

The day is in full swing and Nice is thrumming with energy. Restaurants are full, the beach is a hive of activity and rooftop pools are calling. Whether you’re seeking full-on sunshine or some quiet shade, here’s where to head.

Where better to make the most of the glittering Mediterranean sea than at Coco Beach? You could opt for the beaches that line Promenade des Anglais, or if you’re after a more rugged and local spot with plenty of natural beauty, try Coco Beach instead. This is a rocky beach, which means you’ll see incredible marine life in the crystal-clear water and you’ll need to be happy sunbathing on rocks. You may want to pack your sea shoes and choose a different beach if you’re travelling with children.

• Getting there: The beach is a short walk from the port, or you can take tram 1 to Garibaldi before swapping to tram 15. It’s a 15-minute drive from the train station, so a taxi is the fastest option.

If you didn’t make it there for sunrise then Parc de la Colline du Château is a lovely spot to escape the midday heat and enjoy a more serene side of Nice during the day. You can wander shaded paths, see tumbling waterfalls and appreciate the views of Nice one a gloriously sunny day, when the sea turns a bright shade of blue. 

Great views and delicious views come hand-in-hand at Babel Babel, a trendy lunch spot and beachside restaurant near the old town. You could sit inside and make the most of the pretty interiors, but the sunny terrace is the real star – as is the menu of natural wines, seafood dishes and unforgettable desserts, all served up with a side of excellent people-watching. Settle in and enjoy… 

• Getting there: Take tram 1 to Opéra - Vieille Ville, it’s a few minutes from there.
• Address: 2 Cr Jacques Chirac, 06300 Nice, France

If your idea of appreciating the midday sun means not venturing too far from your hotel, then consider a stay at Mercure Villeneuve-Loubet Plage, located just a short train or taxi ride out of Nice. Along with an outdoor bar with a view (perfect for sunset), the hotel has a rooftop pool surrounded by striped loungers and sofas, and interiors are just as cool – with fresh and modern rooms featuring abstract rugs and royal blue statement walls. 

• Getting there: It’s a 20-minute train ride to Villeneuve-Loubet from Nice, followed by a five-minute taxi. 
• Address: 215 Bd Eric Tabarly, 06270 Villeneuve-Loubet, France

Few cities in the world dazzle as much as Nice at golden hour. It’s worth sticking around on the beach just that bit longer to appreciate the views, when the sun is low in the sky and the stretches of sand are far less busy. Then comes sunset, when the sky turns a vivid shade of pink and a buzz builds across the city’s bars as visitors and locals relax at the end of the day. Here are the best spots to enjoy.

Head up high in Nice and you’ll quickly be rewarded with some of the city’s best views. Mont Boron is just one excellent option, where you’ll get views far out to the Cap Ferrat peninsula and beyond. Spot dozens of superyachts and cruise ships on the water, enjoy the lush and peaceful forest and take some of the best pictures of your trip. 

• Getting there: It’s a 14-minute taxi ride from central Nice to the Mont Boron park entrance. 

If you’re looking for a romantic sunset stroll, look no further than Cap de Nice and Quai Rauba Capeu. The former is a pretty and easy-to-access coastal path with unobstructed sea views, while the latter is a 300m-long extension of the Promenade des Anglais. Grab a seat just inches from the water and watch the sky transform from blue to pink.

• Getting there: For Quai Rauba Capeu, take tram 1 to Cathédrale - Vieille Ville, it’s a short stroll from there. It’s a 30-minute walk along the coast to Cap de Nice.

You’ll notice hundreds of boats out on the water in Nice, from small sailing yachts to multi-million-euro super yachts. Keen to join them? A sunset cruise is one of the best ways to soak up the horizon, from inexpensive two-hour-long trips to full-day sailing excursions with lunch, champagne and swimming.

Nice is a city of glitz and glamour, and sipping cocktails or wine at sunset – with a glorious sea view and sunset – is a must-do during your visit. There are numerous rooftop bars in the old town, but for sea views at sunset, the Mercure Villeneuve-Loubet Plage hotel is hard to beat. Or you may prefer a bistro-table at the port, or any number of outdoor bars that line the city’s beaches. If you’re feeling peckish after a day of sunbathing, swimming or exploring, you could catch the sunset in Nice in a restaurant, close to the port or on the promenade, instead. With views this good, you really can’t go wrong. 

From sunrise to sunset, there are dozens of activities to keep you occupied in this beautiful city on the French Riviera. Feeling inspired? If you're also heading to the French capital, check out our insider guide to the best walking tours in Paris.