Welcome to Nice 🇫🇷
Panoramic view of Nice’s coastline, turquoise sea, and terracotta rooftops under a clear summer sky.
Introduction
View of Nice’s vibrant port with turquoise water, moored yachts, and colorful buildings framed by trees
There’s a certain magic in arriving somewhere you’ve only ever imagined. As my plane descended over the French Riviera, the city of Nice unfolded beneath me like a watercolor painting brought to life — the gentle curve of the Baie des Anges, rooftops in warm shades of sun-baked terracotta, and the kind of Mediterranean light that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and simply soak it in.
Stepping out into the city, I was greeted by a mix of scents and sounds — fresh espresso drifting from a café, the rhythmic roll of waves against the shore, and the lively chatter of locals mingling in the streets. Nice doesn’t just welcome you; it immerses you.
This trip wasn’t just about relaxing by the sea. For me, travel has always been one of the most powerful ways to fuel creativity. Every corner of Nice held something worth noticing — the texture of a weathered stucco wall, the exact shade of blue in a centuries-old shutter, the way a small bistro arranged its tables to catch the afternoon light. These aren’t just pretty details; they’re sources of inspiration.
As a renovation professional, I often draw on these impressions when creating spaces back home in Canada. A balcony railing here might influence a custom staircase design. A marketplace color palette could inspire a kitchen backsplash. Travel opens your eyes to new ideas — and Nice offered them in abundance.
First Impressions of Nice
Outdoor café in Nice’s Place Masséna, with red and yellow neoclassical buildings and a black-and-white tiled square
Nice is a city that wears its history with pride. Even the most ordinary building feels like it has a story to tell. The streets hum with life — scooters whizzing by, vendors calling out at the markets, and the smell of fresh bread drifting from boulangeries.
One thing that stood out immediately was the balance between elegance and casualness. Buildings are grand yet approachable. Public spaces are designed to be lived in, not just admired. That philosophy — beauty that’s meant to be enjoyed — is something I believe every home should have.
Design takeaway: Don’t be afraid to mix elegance with comfort. A living room can have a chandelier and still feel inviting if you balance it with warm textures and lived-in details.
Place Masséna in Nice, with a red taxi bike on the checkered ground in front of the red and yellow buildings
A night market in Nice, with a stall selling hats and scarves in front of a palm tree and a lit-up historic building
Exploring Vieux Nice (The Old Town)
Old town Nice: clock tower with hillside and colorful buildings
If Nice has a heart, it’s in the Old Town. The streets are narrow, shaded by tall buildings painted in shades of burnt orange, mustard yellow, and faded rose. Shutters in dusty greens and blues frame open windows, and wrought-iron balconies overflow with flowers.
I wandered into Cours Saleya, the main market square, where rows of striped awnings sheltered stalls full of fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and jars of local honey. The colors here are almost too perfect — bright tomatoes, purple lavender, sunny lemons.
Design takeaway: Look for inspiration in natural, everyday color combinations. The red of ripe tomatoes against a soft blue shutter is the kind of palette that feels effortless yet timeless.
Travel tip: Visit the market early in the morning before the crowds arrive. The light is softer, and the locals are still lingering over their first coffee.
Colorful flower market in Nice with a person looking at bouquets
A fruit stall in Nice with fresh almonds, peaches, cherries, and other fruits on display
The Coastline & Promenade des Anglais
The beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the pebble beach in Nice
The Promenade des Anglais is the city’s front porch — a wide, palm-lined path stretching along the sea. On one side, the Mediterranean sparkles in every shade of blue you can imagine; on the other, Belle Époque buildings stand tall, their ornate façades catching the light.
I found myself drawn to the way the sea changes color throughout the day — from deep navy in the early morning to vibrant turquoise in the afternoon. It reminded me that color in a home isn’t static either; it shifts depending on light and surroundings.
Design takeaway: When choosing paint colors, always test them at different times of day. Just like the sea, they’ll change with the light.
Travel tip: Rent a bike and ride the promenade at sunset. The golden light on the buildings is unforgettable.
An elevated view of the Promenade des Anglais and the beach in Nice, with the city's red rooftops stretching along the coast
A sunny day on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, with palm trees lining the wide walkway and people strolling in the distance
Cafés, Courtyards, and the Slow Living Lifestyle
Nice taught me something about pace. Life here moves at a rhythm that invites you to pause — to sit in a courtyard café, sip a cappuccino, and watch the world go by. Tables are small and close together, encouraging conversation. Interiors are simple yet charming, often with mismatched chairs, worn wooden floors, and an open door to let in the breeze.
Design takeaway: Create spaces in your home that encourage slowing down. A breakfast nook by a sunny window or a small reading corner with a comfortable chair can make daily life feel richer.
Travel tip: Skip the tourist-filled spots along the main streets and duck into side alleys. You’ll find cafés filled with locals — and better coffee.
A table at a cafe in Nice with a delicious breakfast spread, including avocado toast with a poached egg and a separate plate of smoked salmon and fried eggs
A lively street scene in Nice, with people dining at outdoor cafes. The street features a distinctive blue-painted walkway
Architectural Details Worth Noticing
The more I looked, the more I realized Nice’s charm is in the details. Stone doorframes with hand-carved flourishes. Mosaic tile patterns leading into entryways. Decorative railings that serve both form and function.
These aren’t just pretty accents — they tell you something about the people who built them. They cared about craftsmanship, even in the smallest things. That’s something I carry into my own work: the belief that details matter because they’re what people remember.
The Opéra de Nice at night, with its grand facade beautifully lit up, and people walking by on the street
A view of the Nice-Ville train station on a sunny day, with a striking pink vintage Volkswagen van parked outside
Design takeaway: Pay attention to the little things — the hardware on a cabinet, the finish on a light switch, the curve of a stair railing. They might not be the first thing someone notices, but they’ll be what stays in their mind.
A view of the Monument aux Morts de Nice, an impressive war memorial carved into the hillside at night
The Église Notre-Dame-du-Port at night, with its neoclassical facade illuminated, and a person sitting on the steps
Design Inspiration from Nice
A mosaic on the ground in Nice with a quote, "qui comme Ulysse a fait un beau voyage" ("who, like Ulysses, has made a fine journey")
Nice offers a masterclass in blending color, texture, and proportion. The façades, in shades of sun-baked terracotta, soft yellows, and pastel blues, echo the Mediterranean landscape — warm, inviting, and timeless. It’s a palette that could brighten any Canadian home, especially during the colder months.
Architectural details stood out everywhere: tall, narrow windows pulling in light while offering privacy, wrought-iron balconies adding elegance without feeling fussy, and patterned tiles in public squares subtly defining spaces. These elements show that design can be both practical and beautiful.
Then there’s the layering of textures — smooth café tabletops, weathered stone steps, airy fabrics swaying in the breeze. Combining different finishes like this adds depth and character, making a home feel lived-in and welcoming. Nice isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a reminder that thoughtful design can shape how we feel in a space.
An elevated view of the Port of Nice, showing the marina filled with boats and the deep blue Mediterranean Sea
A lively street in Nice at night, with people dining at outdoor restaurants and the beautiful buildings lit up on both sides
Final Thoughts
Travel changes more than just your photo album — it changes how you see the spaces you live in. My time in Nice reminded me that a home should be more than just walls and furniture; it should tell a story.
Whether it’s the curve of a balcony, the colors of a marketplace, or the way a street feels at sunset, inspiration is everywhere. And for me, blending these influences into my renovation work is the best way to create homes that feel truly alive.
If you’ve ever been to Nice, I’d love to know what details caught your eye. Was it the colorful facades? The light? The energy of the streets? Share your thoughts
