Riviera Pebbles Blog: My Secret Nice Part 4: Carré d'Or

Posted on 13th Aug 2015 in Art

Grimaldi's sunny living room, with views over the neighbourhood rooftops

My Secret Nice Part 4: Nick Barber and Ann Jacklin, owners of Apartment Grimaldi in Nice's Carre d’Or district.

The French Riviera is perennially popular. But what about when you’re ready to lose the crowds?

Part of the pleasure of travelling is to sample living like a local, from shopping neighbourhood markets to savouring a glass of rosé in a delightfully out-of-the-way café.

This week Nick Barber and Ann Jacklin, owners of Apartment Grimaldi in Nice's prestigious Carre d’Or area, share what it’s like to be a local as well as plenty of insider tips.

“We visited Nice periodically over the last two decades, always enjoying our time here, before purchasing our apartment three years ago. It’s so easy to get here from London. When we arrive at the airport, we love boarding the 98 bus and being driven into town along the seafront. Bliss!

“Visiting friends say we are living in 'Mayfair on Sea'... a perfect description for the Carre d’Or area! We wake up every morning and our most difficult decision is which way to walk.

“We could wind through the local markets, stroll down avenue Jean Médecin with its high street shops and tram, wander through the bustlingly pedestrianised shopping avenues, stop in a pavement café or simply saunter along the seafront.

“As the Carre d’Or is dotted with wonderful designer shops, we often amble down rue Alphonse Karr for a peek at the beautiful things on display. Our afternoons are regularly punctuated with a coffee break and a spot of people watching at the cours Saleya’s Marché aux Fleurs (flower market, daily except Monday). And as our street is largely residential, we also savour the peace and quiet that descends at night as we stroll back from an evening out.

“Le Café Sejour and its younger sister restaurant Le Petit Café are located in the building adjacent to ours and on our building’s ground floor respectively. These two restaurants are our favourite local places to dine.

“Hospitable and welcoming, the venues are family-run, by a mother, daughter and father team. Their delicious menu changes daily, and there’s a great selection of wine. In fact, both spots have become so popular that we now need to remember to book before we leave the UK if we come for just a weekend!”