The capital and first reference point of the famous French Riviera, Nice is best known for its hotels and beaches, although it holds many other treasures to be discovered. A sunny city, rich in greenery and ancient monuments, it is the “vacation” par excellence and not only for lovers of the sea and luxury… even history and art enthusiasts will find what they are looking for.
Best period to visit Nice
All year round is ideal for going to Nice. Spring and autumn are the seasons with the best climate and less crowds, in summer there are more crowds but also more events. And even in winter there are plenty of opportunities to appreciate the beauty of the old town with its Christmas decorations. Feel free to choose the season that best suits you!
Travel documents
Nice is in southern France, and France is of course a nation member of the Schengen Agreement Area. This means that when you book a holiday in Nice, you shall only show a ID paper if you also belong to a Schengen nation. If you belong to non-Schengen nations, though, you shall show your passport as soon as you arrive at the local airport.
What to pack for your trip to Nice
For a holiday in Nice, pack plenty of comfortable and sporty clothes, of course your swimsuits and all the equipment you need to take nice photos. Don’t forget sunscreen, comfortable sandals (even for going to the pebble beaches) and jackets – because in the evenings there is always a cold breeze blowing from the sea. Nice is a worldly city, there is no shortage of events. Also pack elegant clothes and shoes!
How to get to Nice
Nice is easily accessible by motorway from all parts of France and Italy. You will have no trouble getting there with your own car, but also with the many direct buses.
Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport is located 6 km west of Nice. It is a small but modern facility, with fully equipped terminals and well connected by a shuttle service. Also trains connect the airport to the territory. Nice’s main station, Gare Nice Ville on avenue Thiers is very close to both the old town and the beach. It receives TGV (fast trains) that connect it to the coastal cities, from St-Raphaël to Ventimiglia (over the Italian border) with important stops in Cannes, Menton, Monaco.
The fastest and least expensive SNCM ferries connecting France to Corsica leave from Nice. Tickets can be purchased at the SNCM office (tel: 04 93 13 66 66; ferry terminal, quai du Commerce).
How to move through Nice
With a single cumulative ticket you can travel on both the city buses and the tram lines. Ligne d’Azur is the company that manages the efficient network of overland connections, which also includes night and inter-provincial buses.
For the rest, Nice can be easily explored both on foot, very calmly and with all the time you want, or by bicycle or electric scooter, which can be rented almost everywhere. Cars can also be rented from the various agencies in the city.
Taxis are always available everywhere, but beware of the arrogance of some taxi drivers who tend to inflate the fares on purpose. The main taxi ranks are located just outside Gare Nice Ville and on ave Félix Faure, near place Masséna.
What to see
Lively heart of the French Riviera, the city of Nice is the fifth – in importance and size – in France. Famous for its beaches, tree-lined seafront, nightlife but also for art expressions of rare beauty, Nice is not only a beautiful place to visit but also an excellent “base” for reaching other dream locations.
From the historic center full of churches and palaces you can easily reach the Principality of Monaco, the Italian Ligurian Riviera, the most beautiful beaches in southern France and some Alpine natural parks. Whether you’re arriving via airport or cruising into the port, elevate your experience with Nice’s well organized transfer services, ensuring a stylish and comfortable journey to the heart of this Mediterranean gem. Nice marries the allure of the French Riviera with its vibrant street life, superb art, and an ambiance that can only be described as uniquely Niçois.
Go explore all that Nice has to offer with utmost ease and comfort. Walk or ride your bike through the lovely streets, admiring Promenade des Anglais, Viewpoint “Colline du Château”, Saint-Nicolas Cathedral, Nice Opera and Basilica Notre Dame, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Botanical Garden. Or try a trip a little bit further away, visiting Cannes, Mentone, Préalpes d’Azur Regional Park, Principality of Monaco, Saint-Tropez. Liguria, beyond the border line with Italy, is also a very close itinerary.
What to do and NOT to do in Nice
Come to Nice to enjoy sun, sea, good food and a little bit of a “VIP” life. You shall only have fun, in Nice, and learn about its secret corners where also art and history have their precious role!
When in Nice, you better do NOT: go to the Casino – unless you have a lot of money you can risk; show your jewels and cash money when you walk through the streets of Le Piol, Gambetta, Ariane, Pasteur and Roquebillière.