👋 The Journey Begins
Every journey starts with a single step, and for me, it was from the familiar streets of London to the sun-drenched coastline of Nice, France. After months of planning, filming, and prepping for this long-awaited road trip through the South of France and Monaco, it was finally time to take off.
But this isn’t just a travel post — it’s the first chapter of many. I’ll be creating individual blogs for every village and town I visit, embedding videos and pictures I’ve captured, and linking everything to my YouTube channel Hustle & Triumph where you can follow the entire visual journey.
🧳 Things You Must Carry (Checklist)
Before we dive into the travel nitty-gritty, here are some absolute essentials you must carry for a smooth road trip in France:
- ✅ Passport & ID
- ✅ Driving License (UK or International Permit)
- ✅ Travel Insurance
- ✅ Credit/Debit Cards (and a bit of cash in Euros)
- ✅ Power Bank & EU Plug Adapter
- ✅ Portable WiFi or Local SIM
- ✅ Sunglasses, Sunscreen & Comfortable Footwear
- ✅ Travel Apps (Google Maps, Waze, Rome2Rio, Google Translate)
- ✅ Emergency contacts & car rental agreement (digitally & printed)
- ✅ Camera or GoPro if you’re planning to film your journey
🚆 How to Get to Heathrow Terminal 5 from London (Without a Taxi)
If you’re travelling from Central London to Heathrow Airport using public transport, here’s the exact route I took:
- Start at Farringdon Station (you can also board from Liverpool Street or Tottenham Court Road)
- Take the Elizabeth Line toward Heathrow
- Disembark at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3
- Then take the FREE shuttle train to Terminal 5
The signage is clear, and trains run frequently. This is not just budget-friendly but also reliable — perfect if you’re travelling solo or with light luggage.
If you’re taking a taxi or ride-sharing (Uber/Bolt), it’s more straightforward — just input “Heathrow Terminal 5 Departures”, and you’re good to go.
🛫 Flight Experience: British Airways from Heathrow T5 to Nice T1
I flew with British Airways from Terminal 5, Heathrow, which is their main hub. The check-in process was quick, and I highly recommend checking in online 24 hours before departure to select your seat.
The flight duration was just under 2 hours, and the descent over the French Riviera was absolutely stunning. You’ll land at Terminal 1 at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is relatively small but efficient.
📹 I’ve created a short vlog on the entire airport-to-airport experience, including terminal transitions, which you’ll find on my YouTube channel.
🚗 Renting a Car in Nice – What You Need to Know
I hired my car through OK Mobility, and I’ve got a separate blog + video explaining how to:
- Pick up the car from their station
- What documents to carry
- Things to double-check before driving off
Here’s a quick breakdown:
✅ Pros:
- Affordable daily rates
- Convenient pickup location near Terminal 1
- Digital booking and check-in process was smooth
⚠️ Cons:
- GPS and insurance add-ons can get pricey
- Limited availability if you don’t book early
📍Tip: If you’re booking with them, use a credit card for deposit — debit cards may cause delays or require additional documentation.
👉 [Read full car rental blog here (coming soon)]
📍 First Impressions of Nice
Stepping out of the airport, you’re instantly welcomed by Mediterranean warmth, palm-lined boulevards, and clear blue skies. Nice isn’t just a gateway — it’s a destination in itself.
💡 Must-Visit Spots in Nice:
- Promenade des Anglais – a 7km beachfront promenade
- Vieux Nice (Old Town) – colourful alleyways filled with art, wine, and charm
- Castle Hill – perfect for panoramic views and drone shots
- Cours Saleya Market – great for fresh flowers, food, and antiques
🍴 Try the local dish Socca, a chickpea pancake, from Chez Pipo.
🗺️ What’s Next: South of France Road Trip Itinerary
After exploring Nice, I’ll be hitting the road across some of the most breathtaking spots on the French Riviera. Each of these destinations will have its own dedicated blog post, complete with photos, videos, and things you shouldn’t miss.
Here’s a preview of what’s coming up:
- 🏰 Èze Village – medieval hilltop town with exotic gardens
- 🎨 Saint-Paul-de-Vence – art, charm, and cobbled streets
- 🎥 Cannes – more than just the film festival
- 🎰 Monaco – where royalty meets luxury
- 🐚 Antibes – Picasso, beaches, and local markets
- 🌺 Villefranche-sur-Mer – colourful coastal town
- 🌸 Grasse – the perfume capital of the world
Each of these will be hyperlinked as blogs go live.
🎥 Watch My First Travel Vlog
👉 Landing in Nice + Car Pickup + Day 1 Vlog
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to follow the journey across Southern France, one beautiful village at a time.
📲 Follow me on Instagram for real-time stories and reels and Highlights.
📌 Save this blog if you’re planning a similar trip!
📝 Final Thoughts
From London’s urban chaos to Nice’s coastal calm, this trip has already begun to show me a different rhythm of life. And this is just the beginning.
So whether you’re planning a visit or just looking to explore virtually — I invite you to join me on this beautiful ride.