Villa St Exupery Gardens

The first time I stayed in Nice, I was lucky enough to stay at Villa St Exupery Gardens. Set in the north of the city, near the stadium, the hostel is regularly voted among the best in Europe. It is great value, in a gorgeous setting, with decent rooms and internet access in the lounge/bar and great views over Nice.
I loved having a coffee in the gardens each morning and reading my book. Even though the hostel was busy when we stayed there, the gardens have enough nooks and crannies for it to feel private and calm.

As it's a little out of the way, the hostel has a couple of mini buses that come and pick you up outside the Casino supermarket at the Comte de Falicon tram stop. While you wait you can check out the gorgeous flower and grocery stalls at the market. I loved these sunflowers and courgettes.


For travellers on a budget, the breakfast at Villa St Exupery, included in the price of the room, is great value. You can fill up on cereals and breads before setting out for a day of sight-seeing.
The staff are really knowledgeable about Nice and the surrounding area and there is a great atmosphere in the bar. It can be quite a party hostel, so if that isn't your thing, beware, but if you're looking to make new friends and enjoy some of the cheapest drinks in the city, get stuck in.
I see the owners have opened another hostel now, closer to the beach and city centre, which I'd love to try one day. (The picture I've posted at the top is the view from my window at Villa St Exupery Gardens.)