Want to take a little altitude to contemplate the Baie des Anges during your vacation, or to escape the urban chaos after work? Stop your search, here are six rooftops for lazing around by a swimming pool, having dinner or brunch, or just enjoying a drink with friends.
The most chic: Bclub Rooftop
Want to live la dolce vita? The Boscolo Nice comes out with its big-hitting success this summer and welcomes you in a splendid setting; Mediterranean blue benches, striped cushions, marble tables and white parasols, all enhanced by a touch of wood and lanterns to enhance the atmosphere of the setting sun.
It is also the only 5-star hotel in Nice to offer both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool with a breathtaking view of the city and the hills. On the terrace, you can taste a selection of very good cocktails prepared before your eyes.
If you are not yet completely convinced, the dishes cooked on the barbecue will eventually seduce you; vegetables, fish, and grilled meats are served directly from the fire to the plate.
The whole operation is smoothly led by the chef and his team who are committed to celebrating Mediterranean cuisine with French and Italian recipes.
Besides the pleasure to your taste buds, the Bclub rooftop is also a pleasure to your ears; lounge music – neither too soft nor too loud – perfectly accompanies this timeless moment. We approve!
The little extra: The drinks are accompanied by little delicacies to nibble on, such as an aperitif formula; chips, foccacia, olives, goats cheese in honey…
Where? 12 boulevard Victor Hugo, 06000 Nice
When? Every day from 12:00 to 00:00
Transport? Tramway, Masséna
The most exotic: Bocca Nissa
With its atypical and exotic decor, this new address in Old Nice plays with Mediterranean excess. It has an incredible vegetated rooftop, in the middle of which are large wooden tables, and at the back a large counter around which we will gladly gather to taste the many cocktails.
Here Mediterranean cuisine is in the spotlight via small plates or even giant sharing dishes; revisited tzatziki, frito misto hummus spiced according to the inspiration of the cooks, sesame beef tataki and their roasted broccoli, a filet of scorpion fish and its parsnip and quinoa cream, always with a veggie proposition.
Another specialty of the house which is also worth ordering is a dish of grilled rice, Balearics style, with langoustines and saffron mussels.
A pure moment of escape; this is the promise kept by Bocca.
The little extra: The bar is open every day from 22:30 for those who just want to drink a cocktail.
Where? 3 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice
When? Every day from 12:00 to 14:00 and 19:00 to 00:30
How much? Tortilla €9 € / Riz safrané €22 per person / Glass of wine €6-€9 / Tarte au citron €9
Transport? Tram, Opéra – Vieille Ville
The most festive: Roof Top Monsigny
An out-of-sight tan and jacuzzi break – what do you think? In the Libé district, the rooftop of the Hotel Monsigny welcomes you seven days a week. The view of the hills, the city, and the sea in the distance is simply breathtaking.
You will be greeted by smiling and friendly staff who will find you a table and serve you quickly. However it is preferable to reserve beforehand because tables and benches – especially those in the middle of plants – are in great demand.
In the middle of the terrace, a large jacuzzi invites you to cool off from 4 to 6 p.m. The reservation package includes towel, splash, and spritz or smoothie. A cloakroom and shower area allows you to change, and a second mezzanine terrace offers a solarium area.
As for drinks, Mickaël – the head barman – concocts a new menu of beverages each season; traditional cocktails along with “Signature” such as the super hot “Unconfinated” (vodka, raspberry, chili and black pepper), the gourmet “Québécois” and delicate (rum, watermelon, maple syrup) without forgetting the exotic “Regina” (gin, cinnamon, fever tree tonic, pear).
Drinking on an empty stomach would not be reasonable so the menu with Mediterranean and Asian flavours is there to make this moment of sharing with friends a success; Lebanese mezze platter, fritto misto and tartar sauce, cold cuts and cheese is on the menu.
On the music side, guest DJs follow one another with choice playlists.
Le Petit Plus: The Roof Top Monsigny often postpones its closure to October for more beautiful sunny days and evenings in the seventh heaven.
Where? 17 Avenue Malaussena 06000 Nice
When? 29 April > 30 September 7/7 from 16:00 to 00:00
How much? Fritto misto €8 / Cocktail €12 / Verre de vin €7 / Forfait Spritz-Jacuzzi €15
Transport? Tram 1, Libération / parking, Gare du Sud
The most trendy: Farago on the roof (AC hotel)
Since 2018, the rooftop of the AC Hotel by Marriott in Nice has set the Nice nights on fire with its panoramic sea and city views.
It offers small tapas-style dishes which are perfect for an evening with friends; sheep’s cheese from the Basque Country and quince & fig chutney, Misto fritto of seasonal vegetables, caramelised pork ribs, duck breast sliced with honey and thyme to share (or not!), riso venere with grilled prawns… a culinary world map with Mediterranean and Basque touches, where a few discreet but tasty specialties from Nice are to be found (fritters of courgette flowers).
The lounge – a modern setting complete with a superb heated swimming pool – invites you to relax. You don’t need to bring your swimsuit however as – unfortunately – only hotel residents are allowed to dip. You can make up for this (small) disappointment by consoling yourself at the Gin Bar which offers various delicious gin-based creations.
The little extra: The Sunday brunch, served from 11:00 to 14:30, overlooking the sea. On the menu are pancakes, viennoiseries, fresh fruit smoothies, avacado-salmon bagels and citron confit, truffe scrambled eggs…
Where? 59 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice
When? Every day from 11:00 to 23:00 (by reservation)
How much? Assiette Ibérique €21 / Croquetas €12 / Spritz €13 / Dish of the day (Monday to Friday) €15
Transport? Tramway, Alsace-Lorraine
The most urban: Skylounge
Ideally located in the heart of Nice, next to the Notre-Dame Basilica, the SkyLounge offers an exceptional view over the rooftops of Nice. Nestled on the 8th floor of the Mercure hotel it is the ideal place to unwind, have a quick lunch, or have an aperitif with friends.
Completely redecorated, the rooftop is equipped with everything you need to relax; numerous comfortable lounges (indoor and outdoor), a bar, as well as a rooftop swimming pool with surrounding sun loungers.
As for drinks, the rooftop bar serves a wide selection of refreshing and well-prepared cocktails. Signature cocktails are the Skylounge (Rum, pineapple, curacao and coconut) or the Candy Crush (iced tea, raspberry and strawberry tagada).
Finally, we particularly appreciate this rooftop for its musical afterworks where you can sip a drink while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Notre-Dame basilica.
Note the rather low prices (for a rooftop) with for example a mixed cheese / charcuterie slate and two glasses of white wine for €23.
The little extra: The DJs Set (Chill, House and Deep-House music) every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Ideal to decompress after a week of work!
Where? 28 avenue notre dame, 06000 Nice
When? Tous les jours de 09.00 à 23.30
How much? Starters to share €15-€25 / glass of wine €6-€10
Transport? Tramway, Jean Médecin
The most intimate: l’Hôtel Amour
We already knew its patio, its incredible decor, and its concerts on the beach, but we were yet to discovert its superb rooftop. On the 7th floor of Hotel Amour the swimming pool sends you to 7th heaven with its 360 ° view of the city. But beware, only the lucky ones will be able to access it for a drink or a splash in the swimming pool – in other words, only the hotel guests.
However for all those in need of love the hotel team has made a small change; from 7 pm – and by reservation only – the rooftop turns into a Greek restaurant and welcomes you for a romantic dinner under the stars. Corentin will take care of your table and prepare keftas, souvlakis and other delicious grills. So, who do we thank?
The little extra: The secretive nature of this little visited terrace
Where? 3 avenue des fleurs, 06000 Nice
When? Restaurant 19:00 to 00:30 (by reservation: 04 65 27 10 10)
How much? €42 menu (4 mezzés + dish of your choice + dessert)
Transport? Tramway, Alsace-Lorraine
By Louise Ballongue / Photos: rooftop de l’AC hotel Nice, Skylounge (Alexandre Macchia) Bclub Rooftop, Hôtel Amour.
