La Part des Anges

La Part des Anges is the place in Nice for anyone curious about natural wine. Its name, the angels' share, refers to the wine that evaporates as it ages, and the business began as a wine cellar before becoming a wine bar as well. It stands on Rue Gubernatis in the city centre, close to Avenue Jean Médecin and a few minutes' walk from Place Masséna.

The tourism board describes it as a wine bar and cellar specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, with more than 850 references on the shelves. Gault&Millau, which lists it in its directory of artisans, adds that the selection covers wines from the region and further afield, grower Champagnes, craft beers and spirits. Decanter magazine has listed it among the best wine bars in Nice, noting more than 300 natural wines from independent producers and a rotating selection by the glass.

At lunchtime a small bistro serves dishes designed to go with the wines, and the bar serves tastings into the early evening. Ask which wines are currently open by the glass, as the selection rotates. It is a good way to discover wines from independent producers that you are unlikely to find in supermarkets. If you find a bottle you like, you can buy it to take away, and the shop also offers click and collect and delivery.

The tourism board lists opening hours from Monday to Saturday, closing at 20:00, with the bar closed on Sundays and public holidays, but hours are not guaranteed, so check before you go. This is an early-evening venue rather than a late-night bar: come for an aperitif before dinner. Animals are not accepted. Cards, including American Express, and cash are accepted, and English and Italian are spoken.

La Part des Anges suits wine lovers, couples and small groups who want to taste something different, as well as anyone looking for a well-chosen bottle to take back to their accommodation or home.

Rue Gubernatis is also home to Flaveur, the two-Michelin-star restaurant, a few doors away, so a glass here makes a natural prelude to a special dinner. Place Masséna and the old town are a short walk south.