The Mediterranean jewel of 1001 colours
Located between Cannes and the Italian border, the famous Mediterranean city of Nice is ideally situated between the sea and the mountains. A city of contrasts, it oscillates between tradition and glamour. No wonder it is one of the most popular tourist cities in France. Long elegant avenues, romantic cobbled streets, a pleasant climate... The capital of the French Riviera has everything to seduce visitors.
A colourful city centre, a festive carnival and a picturesque seafront... UNESCO appreciated this jewel of the Côte d'Azur so much that it named the entire city a heritage site! Located in the Alpes-Maritimes, between the waters of the Mediterranean and the peaks of the Alps, Nice is a destination full of options! Its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful beaches and magnificent architecture attract tourists from all over the world every year.
Nice, the most Italian of the Côte d'Azur cities, is proud of its Mediterranean roots. This rich little town, which enjoys a high standard of living, is a veritable treasure trove for walkers. Nice is not only a legendary seaside resort (quite romantic at the end of the afternoon, it must be said), but also a historic centre, the Vieux-Nice, where it is good to stroll through its small medieval streets, enlivened by the festive spirit of the students who frequent it.
Known as the ‘French Florida’ because of the large number of elderly people who have chosen to settle there to take advantage of its sunny climate, Nice is in fact sparkling and youthful. Not far from the sea, Old Nice, whose scent can only be smelled on windy days, is a maze of cobbled streets, old buildings and small craft shops or ultra-modern design. The city's wealth is also reflected in the wide choice of restaurants and hotels, some of them very luxurious.
Like the dazzling palettes of Matisse, who stayed there around 1917, the whole of Nice is a firework of images. From the facades of Old Nice, where yellow ochre turns red in a few metres and the 17th century left its taste for ornamentation by covering the walls with colourful friezes and other sculptures, to the many markets (flowers, fish, fruit and vegetables) where colours mix with aromas, to Carnival and its explosions of orange and yellow, colour is everywhere!
In Nice you’ll also find the baroque cathedral of Sainte Réparate or the Place Masséna, the nerve centre of the city, accentuated by the red facades that surround it. Outside this area there’s of course the Promenade des Anglais, which stretches along the Baie des Anges, offering its panoramic views and commanding all attention. With its 19 museums and galleries, Nice boasts the largest number of museums in France after Paris.
Regional dishes such as pan bagnat, socca, pissaladière, salad niçoise, but also olives, anchovies or stew are in themselves colourful masterpieces that make the eyes of the guests sparkle. These specialities are always prepared in the traditional way, whether at the Cours Saleya market or in the famous establishments such as René Socca, Chez Pipo or Chez Theresa.
True, the city's most famous artery is called the Promenade des Anglais, but rest assured, the climate there is very un-British! As the gateway to the Côte d'Azur, Nice has sunny days all year round despite the first snow-capped peaks of the Alps in the distance! Don't forget your sunglasses as you head to the South East of France.
Last articles
Discover beautiful Nice along the French Riviera
Jean Cocteau's legendary dreamhouse is reopening to the public this Autumn and you simply can't miss it.
Less than 30 minutes from Nice: this Côte d'Azur village is one of the most beautiful perched villages in France.
Attention locals and tourists alike: this legendary hotel is preparing a major surprise for December.
Where do the locals go for a drink in Old Nice?
Leave the car in the garage! 5 picturesque villages accessible by train or bus from Nice
"It's too touristy! 3 walks in Nice that don't involve the Promenade des Anglais.
3 Michelin-starred restaurants in Nice for €20, €30 or €40 a menu
The must-sees
How to get there?
Flights to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport are available from London Gatwick (easyJet, British Airways), London Heathrow (Air France), Luton (easyJet), and London City (British Airways). Connecting journeys also fly out of Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and other major UK cities. Flights usually take around 2 hours 10 minutes.
✈️ Book your plane ticket to Nice
Nice airport is ideally located on the seafront, in the heart of the city and a stone's throw from all public transport services.Where to stay?
Between palaces, hotels, bed and breakfasts, youth hostels and other unusual establishments, Nice has something for everyone. Passing tourists appreciate the view of the azure blue from their windows, while the wealthy combine this comfort with almost excessive luxury.
Practical information
Visit Pass
For 1, 2 or 3 days, the French Riviera Pass allows tourists to visit the main attractions in the city of Nice at a very reduced price. With or without the option of unlimited use of public transport, the pass gives free access to many museums, gardens, buildings, guided tours... For certain other activities, the pass allows you to benefit from significant reductions and discounts. exclusive advantages. Prices range from 25 to 28 pounds for 24 hours, 35 to 42 pounds for 48 hours and 52 to 61 pounds for 72 hours. The French Riviera Pass is ideal for planning your visits in advance.
For more information on the French Riviera Pass: https: Click here
Public transport
To get around Nice, residents and visitors can choose from more than 160 bus lines. Three tram lines also cover much of the city, especially lines 1 and 3 in the centre. The best option for tourists is to buy a multi-day pass. Depending on the length of your stay, you can choose between a 1-day and a 7-day pass, which cost between £4 and £13.
For more information on the public transport network: Click here
Ideal period
Temperatures in Nice are mild all year round, even in winter. The city's Mediterranean climate means that summers are hot and dry, ideal for enjoying the sea. Despite the humidity of winter, rain is a rare visitor to the sunny skies. Tourists flock to the Bay of Angels from April to October to enjoy its pleasures. A stream of visitors also goes to Nice in February, during the celebrations of the famous Carnival.
Safety
As in most French cities, there is no obvious danger on the streets of Nice, but you must still be vigilant. Pickpockets are common in tourist areas, such as the beach, where it is better not to carry valuables. Avoid the Ariane and Moulins districts, especially at night.
What to bring back?
There are many essential products to bring back from Nice to give as gifts or to keep as souvenirs. For the cook in training, herbs from Provence and all olive-related products are sold all over the city: olive oil, tapenade, flavoured olives... To decorate your home, lavender is the flagship product of the south, without forgetting the typical embroideries to be found in Old Nice: tablecloths, placemats, dresses, etc.
Excursions from Nice
Nice is only a few kilometres from Italy. A regional train connects Nice and the main towns of the Côte d'Azur to Ventimiglia. The journey is a trip in itself, offering some pretty panoramic views of this part of the French coast. This TER excursion takes about 50 minutes and costs at least €8. Depending on the timetable of your excursion, there are many return trips, approximately every 30 minutes.
In Nice, one-way streets are king; add to this the many pedestrianised or restricted traffic areas in the historic centre and you will understand why it is better to leave your car at home and get around on foot. Besides, the distances really aren't that great.
explore Try out our comparators
It is Easy to travel