My five-year-old’s Nice

Walking through Nice’s old town (Vieux Nice), it’s not hard to spot five things my five-year-old would love about this place:

1. Gelato: Nice offers some of the best gelato flavors found on the planet. Everything from the classic nutella to questionable flavors like black olive or beer (the latter is not for my five-year-old).
2. Pastries: When Christ teaches us in the New Testament that we should become as little children, I think one of the requirements not specifically outlined was eat more pastries. Vieux Nice offers my five-year-old countless opportunities to indulge alongside his gourmand father.
3. Dogs: Nice has got to be one of the most dog-friendly places on earth. From grocery stores to fancy-schmancy restaurants, it’s canine time. Nothing pleases my five-year-old more than seeing a Shitzu enjoying Socca or Pug pounding a Pizza alla Niçoise.
4. Pigeons: People don’t bring pigeons here on vacation. Like most decent-sized Western cities, Nice is bobbing with them. And what five-year-old boy doesn’t enjoy some quality pigeon chasing?
5. Nice Plage: Two words: rocks and water. Nice Plage is a gorgeous black rock beach that stretches the length of the city’s Promenade. I’m pretty certain that the endorphins kicks into high gear the minute my five-year-old sees acres of smooth black rocks flanked by an endless supply of water.