As you wander through Nice’s city center, you are sure to come across Rue de France or as the locals know it, Rue Pietonne, meaning pedestrian street. If you are looking for restaurants, cafes, bars and even some shopping then this is the area for you.
How to Get There
Located off Place Massena is a bustling pedestrian only street. Across from Galleries Lafayette, you will find “Zara Home” and on the wall there, you will see a street sign that says Rue Massena which marks the start of this pedestrian only street; a little confusing I know. From here you can wander straight and discover everything this busy street has to offer.
As you explore be sure to check out the side streets for other great eateries. Conveniently located a block up from the Promenade des Anglais means you can pick up lunch on Rue de France and eat on the beach or enjoy dinner in the area after a day in the sun. Regardless of the time of day, you are sure to find plenty of food options available.
Although the pedestrian only portion of the street ends at Rue de Congres; the restaurants and shopping continue much further! You can wander, eat and shop all the way to Boulevard Gambetta which in total is about a 20-minute walk without stops, of course. You can continue further, however, you won’t find as many places to check out.
Restaurants
Rue de France offers a good mix between places to shop and places to eat. The first half of the street is mainly French and Italian cuisine and largely caters to tourists. If you are looking to try French dishes like frogs’ legs, escargots, and onion soup then this is the area to check out. However if you are wanting a change then head a little further for more international cuisines.
Having been living in Nice for a while, I have yet to try all the restaurants on Rue de France mainly because I love returning to my favorites like Poco Loco for Mexican food. They serve large portions of authentic Mexican cuisine and have the cheapest and most delicious margaritas that I have had in Nice. Across the street is Teta Marie, a great choice for Lebanese cuisine at an affordable price.
In the area you can also find restaurants serving everything from Cuban and Brazilian cuisine to Georgian and Indian; whatever you are craving you are likely to find it in this area. As you wander you will also find great places to enjoy a wine, cocktail or coffee. Usually if you go between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00p.m., you are likely to find great happy hour prices for drinks and snacks.
If you wander Rue de France and go a little further than Boulevard Gambetta then you will reach the AC Marriott Hotel. Located between Promenade des Anglais and Rue de France is this massive hotel which can be recognized by the massive female sculpture built into the side of the building. At the top of this hotel is a beautiful rooftop, one of my favorites, with incredible views of the sea and delicious cocktails.
Shopping
Rue de France isn’t just for eating, it is also a great area to do some shopping. Here you will find a lot of independent boutiques that you probably won’t find in other parts of the city. That being said Cotes et Lin from the Old Town has recently opened another location here. A great shop for those looking for fashionable and affordable linen clothes which are perfect for the hot summer weather in Nice.
If you are looking for, designer shops then head to Rue Paradis, just off Magenta Square. Whether you are looking for high quality fashion or famous designers like Chanel and Louis Vuitton this area is a great place to shop. From here you can also check out Rue de la Liberte and Avenue de Verdun for other great designers.
With Paris having such a major role in the fashion industry, many people hope to find vintage designer items for a more “affordable” price when they visit France. One of the best places for this is Mademoiselle Nice on Rue de France. Here you will find a wide range for shoes, purses, jewelry and clothing from a variety of designers. Another great place to check out is ReShop located in Nice Etoile on Jean Medecin.
Other Attractions
Rue de France has more to offer than just restaurants and shopping. This is also the area where you can find the Massena Museum and The Negresco Hotel, two highlights of the city. Check out the top 20 highlights of Nice to discover other great places.
Massena Museum is perfect for those looking to learn more about the art and history of the French Riviera. During the late 19th century, the building was the winter estate to Prince Victor d’Essling. After his death in 1919, the villa was donated to the city of Nice and later made into the impressive museum it is today. Filled with stunning architecture, artwork and furniture you can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture.
Another highlight is the Negresco Hotel. Since it opened its doors in 1913 the hotel has attracted royalty, socialites, artists and politicians from all over the world. Throughout the hotel you will find carefully selected artwork and furniture from various styles and eras. The entire hotel is a work of art in itself with its extravagant guest rooms and restaurants to the rich history it has created over the years.
Whether you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a meal or just to explore the city Rue de France is a great place to check out. With its very central location, you can easily access it on foot from other attractions like the Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena.