Memory Lane: Nice – A Quiet Stroll

In February 2020, just before the world changed, we spent two days exploring the charming city of Nice. The Mediterranean air was fresh, the sunlight gentle, and the streets carried a peaceful calm.

We wandered through the Old Town, its narrow lanes bursting with colour and character. The Cours Saleya Market buzzed quietly with locals selling fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and street food stalls where I couldn’t resist grabbing a crispy, smoky socca — a classic chickpea pancake and true taste of Nice.

Nearby, we found the tranquil Cimetière du Château, its weathered stones quietly telling the city’s stories.

One afternoon, we climbed the steep path to Colline du Château, the Castle Hill, and every step opened up wider views. From the top, Nice stretched beneath us, the deep blue sea meeting the horizon in a perfect line.

Later, we strolled through Place Masséna, where the black-and-white tiles gleamed underfoot as crews prepared for the Carnival celebrations. The air buzzed with quiet excitement, a festive promise hanging over the square.

We finished along the famous Promenade des Anglais, the sea breeze cool on our faces. We passed the iconic Hotel Negresco, its pink dome standing proud against the sky — a timeless symbol of Nice’s elegance.

Every corner held something new — pastel buildings, cosy cafés, and hidden squares where time seemed to slow. Those two days felt like a precious snapshot of normal, a brief pause before everything shifted. The calm and beauty still linger in my memory — a reminder why travel means so much, especially when the world turns upside down.