Summer has finally arrived on the French Riviera! Even though the heat and sunshine have been here for quite some time, the full lifting of lockdown restrictions marks a return to freedom—and thus the start of vacation.
Nevertheless, we must remain cautious and strictly follow safety precautions; that’s why ice cream is a treat we can safely enjoy.
Eat it in or take it to go, in a cup or a cone, topped with sauce or whipped cream—any time of day—there’s nothing better than a delicious ice cream in the summer!
There are many excellent ice cream shops in our area—well-known and highly regarded—but I’ve decided to list here only my favorites, the ones I visit regularly:
In Cannes: at Niva:
Niva, how can I explain it to you? It’s a moment of intense, wonderful happiness. These ice creams are absolutely delicious! Made with exceptional fresh ingredients and Italian craftsmanship (from Turin), with no artificial colors or additives—you’re sure to enjoy them. The fresh whipped cream served by the spoonful is to die for. Whether you eat in (on the beautiful terrace on a street that’s just been completely renovated) or take it to go, if you’re in Cannes, you absolutely must try it.
75 Félix Faure Street, 06400 Cannes. Tel: 09 51 13 87 34.
In Antibes: Gelateria del Porto:
Don’t be surprised to see a line several meters long outside this Antibes institution. Renowned for making exceptional ice cream, we were a little worried when the owner left… We were wrong: the team that took over had worked alongside him for a year, so they’ve managed to preserve the expertise and quality that have made this place famous. Takeout only (there’s a small bench, but I recommend enjoying your ice cream in Old Antibes or at the beautiful harbor).
4 Rue Aubernon, 06600 Antibes. Tel: 07 66 32 08 74.
In Nice: at Néron’s:
Louis Dubois takes us on a sweet and icy culinary journey with his subtle and delicious creations. A former pastry chef at the Ritz, Fauchon, and Pierre Gagnaire’s restaurant in London, he works with exceptional ingredients—as locally sourced as possible: local lemons, pistachios from Iran, and vanilla from Tahiti—all free of artificial colors and additives. The sorbets contain 70% fruit, and the cones are homemade… pure bliss! Enjoy them on the small terrace or take them to go.
15 Place Saint François, 06000 Nice. Tel: 06 56 88 03 76.
In Beaulieu: at Giampi, the ice cream shop at the harbor:
Everything here is handmade, with no artificial colors or additives. The creations are as delicious as they are surprising, and there’s a lounge terrace overlooking the pretty port of Beaulieu—the perfect spot to relax while enjoying an ice cream. It’s paradise. I love the coconut sorbet and the rum-raisin flavor.
Port de Plaisance, 06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
In Monaco: at Santo Gelato:
Since 2007, Roberto and Nicoletta have been offering us ice cream they make themselves, using only fresh, natural, seasonal ingredients and no artificial colors. They prioritize local producers as well as exceptional ingredients such as Alba hazelnuts, Bronte pistachios, and Cervia’s mild sea salt for the caramel. The result: delicious ice cream with an incomparable flavor. Whether you eat it in the shop or take it to go, in a cone (made in Monaco) or in a cup, you’re in for a treat.
3 Place d’Armes, 98000, Monaco. Tel: +377 99 90 87 03.
In Saint-Paul-de-Vence: at Dolce Italia:
This little ice cream shop, with a few tables out front, takes us back to a time when stone, nature, and artisanal products took center stage. There aren’t many flavors here, but they’re all delicious and homemade, with no artificial colors or additives. Italian craftsmanship and the charm of Saint Paul… I love it! If you’re craving it, you’ll be served a real Italian coffee with a smile.
13 Place de la Mairie, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Tel: 06 18 35 53 57.
“When I eat ice cream, it makes me think.” Louis Auguste Commerson
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