Wedged between the mountains and the sea, the city of Nice cultivates paradoxes, oscillating between glitter, clichés and the centuries-old traditions that it proudly maintains. When the Promenade des Anglais or luxury shopping rub shoulders with traditional restaurants and a historic district: welcome to Nice.
A dream destination for a long time
The fifth largest city in France is no longer just the tourist hub that made its reputation at the end of the 19th century. Popularized at the time by the English Lords and the Russian Tsars, Nice has transformed into a large dynamic metropolis. Benefiting from its international airport with flights from all over the world.
A weekend by the sea
Nice has several unmissable sites. Lovers of sunny holidays will therefore start with the inevitable Promenade des Anglais, a delightful promenade with the Baie des Anges, on one side, and the prestigious establishments on the seafront, on the other. The highlight is the Negresco, the city's most famous hotel - and incidentally one of the last that does not belong to a large chain - will delight lovers of Art Deco buildings.
Place Massena
Everything for shopping ...
Part of the stay can very easily be combined with shopping mode in Nice. From local crafts to large luxury brands, shops and markets are flourishing, multiplying the opportunities to buy. The Place du Palais, for example, hosts 3 different markets, including that of paintings and craftsmen. On the occasion of a stroll in the old town of Nice - another unmissable place - you will come across many stalls where you get regional products: olive oil, wines and pasta.
... and for culture
Matisse Museum, Contemporary Art Museum… There is no shortage of cultural activities in Nice. In addition to these two museums, a visit to the garden of Albert I, or a stroll on the hill where the castle is located are also very informative. A cultural weekend can also be synonymous with gastronomy. Good restaurants are legion in the Mediterranean city. Alongside a few large starred restaurants, you will find many good places to dine at affordable prices, in the Old Nice district for example.
February: the month of carnival
The flagship event of the Niçois calendar is of course the carnival (one of the most famous in the world). It takes place every year for two weeks, in February, and welcomes more than a million visitors. More than 800 years old (!), The carnival makes Nice vibrate to the rhythm of the famous flower battles and the prestigious parade of floats. A procession led each year by the King, the Queen, Carnavallon and the Soufflerie. Planetary event requires, it is more than not recommended to book your hotel at the last minute!
Nice carnival
A destination for night owls
Nice is also a destination for night owls. Bars, nightclubs, clubs of all kinds are easily found in the most touristic areas of the city. It is of course the seaside that hosts the trendiest bars.
Find a hotel? Easy !
Finding a hotel in Nice does not represent a great difficulty. The offer is abundant and all categories of accommodation are well represented. However, sleeping in a hotel with a view of the famous Baie des Anges comes at a price. Despite the very high prices, it is still possible to find reasonably priced rooms, by booking at the last minute for example. More affordable solutions also exist in the old town. At the same time, this will be a good starting point for visits.
Nice in the evening
Practical information for visiting Nice
Saint-Martin Tourist Office
Three branches of the Nice tourist office welcome the public all year round:
- 5 Promenade des Anglais
- Nice Côte d'Azur Airport - Terminal 1
- Avenue Thiers (SNCF station)
You can also visit the website of the Nice tourist office.
WHEN TO GO TO NICE?
Practical, consult our climate forecasts month by month to find out when is the best time to go to Nice.
Discount card
The French Riviera Pass is a reduction card that offers you many good deals in Nice, but also in the surrounding regions, Antibes or Monaco. For example, it offers free access to the double-decker bus that crisscrosses the city, and allows you to benefit from an entrance ticket to several museums. The French Riviera Pass can be purchased for 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours.
Transports
Getting to Nice: Nice airport receives flights from all major French cities and many foreign cities. Easy to reach from the city center, the airport is served by regular buses and taxis.
Compare flight prices to get the best rates.
Getting around Nice: around forty bus lines and one tramway allow you to get around the city of Nice. A night bus service, the Noctambus, has also been set up by the town hall.
