Coup de Foudre in Nice: A Spontaneous Solo Trip on the Côte d’Azur
Imagine this:
beginning of April, late afternoon, flying over the Mediterranean at sunset. Pink skies, the Alpes-Maritimes in the background, the softest shades of blue. And as we approached, I realised that yes, this place was gorgeous already from the runway.
Welcome to Nice, France!
What a warm welcome I had:
the breeze, the palm trees, the friendly Brazilian I sat next to on the plane, my wide smile, the anticipation! I had this warm, fuzzy feeling in my gut when I arrived, and I mean it when I say coup de foudre.
A short tram ride later, I checked into my Airbnb and went for a well-deserved dinner and a long walk on the promenade. The city was buzzing (Friday night, long Easter weekend) and full of people, but not in a crowded, annoying way. It felt lively, energetic and friendly.
A fish in water
To be honest, I felt like a fish in water during this trip, for one simple reason: spontaneity. I decided to go and booked it just 10 days in advance. Other than that, I didn’t plan a single activity, and still I managed to explore so many beautiful places in such a short time. I lived in the present and let my intuition guide me. I think it’s the best way to travel: allowing yourself to just be, and to do whatever you feel like doing.
I hopped on a bike and rode to Èze, stopping in Villefranche-sur-Mer because the view was spectacular. I couldn’t believe how happy it made me to just be there. I even got fined by the bike app for parking too long, but I couldn’t be bothered! I ended up staying at the beach for 2 more hours 😀
In Èze, I walked the Chemin de Nietzsche and visited the Jardin Exotique. You can also simply walk around when you’re at the top, but I highly recommend the Exotic Garden. It’s very well maintained, and there’s art tucked between all the plants. And yes, I know I keep repeating myself, but the views from up there? Spectacular!
Cannes, Grasse and Antibes
On another day, I went to Cannes. Next up: Grasse, the world capital of perfumery. I couldn’t resist creating my own perfume at Maison Molinard. What happened there deserves its own post, so consider this a little teaser 😉
On my way back, I spontaneously stopped in Antibes for a walk around the marina. It was a bit windy, and somehow I loved that, too. Then it was back to Nice, where I had dinner plans at Maison F in the harbour with another solo traveller. Did I mention how natural it felt to strike up conversations with strangers there?
Not everything is pink
I did feel lonely on one of my evenings, and I stayed with that feeling, too. Loneliness and I are good friends by now; it creeps in every now and then, and I give it all the space it needs 🙂
Final thoughts
This trip really had it all: sea, sun, hiking, perfumery, shopping and creativity. I felt safe, ate amazing food (and the best mango ever), felt fabulous, observed people, and even gave directions! I loved it when people approached me and I replied, in my sweetest French voice: je ne parle pas français!
À bientôt! 🇫🇷
