Are you dreaming of a holiday in sunny Nice? Here’s a guide to Nice and its highlights.
Whether in summer or winter, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the capital of the Côte d’Azur. A visit to Nice means strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, enjoying an Italian-style ice cream or admiring the floats of the mythical Nice carnival. As you explore the treasures of this beautiful city, your trip to the south of France will leave you with a head full of beautiful memories.
Just 30 kilometers from the Franco-Italian border, divided between sea and hills, Nice is a fascinating city, rich in history and heritage. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the city’s wonders, here are the 10 must-do things to do in Nice.
1. The Promenade des Anglais
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A visit to Nice via this avenue, which runs for almost 7 km along the Baie des Anges, is a must. The name dates back to the 18th century, when many European aristocrats took up residence here. Although all nationalities crossed paths, the English were relatively numerous. Indeed, it is said that the Prom’ was financed by one of them: the Reverend Lewis Way.
Today, the Promenade des Anglais is one of the most famous avenues in the world, lined with palm trees and its mythical blue chairs, stretching from the Colline du Château to Nice airport, passing by luxury hotels. It has become an emblematic meeting place for joggers, rollerbladers and Segway enthusiasts!
2. Old Nice
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Let the colorful, shady alleyways gradually reveal themselves to you. While the airs of Provence and Italy mingle, the countless small shops and restaurants will delight you for chic, local shopping. Enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in these narrow, pastel-colored cobbled streets.
Certain spots are must-sees in Nice. These include the Place du Palais de Justice and the Place Rossetti, one of Nice’s liveliest squares, home to the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate. But getting lost in this labyrinth is one of the best ways to visit Nice and its old town.
3. Cours Saleya market
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In the middle of old Nice, you’ll find this lively pedestrian street. Perhaps it’s the scent of flowers that drew you here. This is where the early produce and flower market is held. It’s a true Mediterranean market, where local produce and colorful bouquets form a perfect harmony.
Warm and lively, the Cours Saleya market is classified as one of France’s exceptional markets, making it one of Nice’s must-sees. Florists and greengrocers welcome you every day except Monday, when they give way to second-hand goods and antique furniture.
4. Nice specialities
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Of course, visiting Nice and its warm architecture is a must, but sampling its gastronomy is also a must in Nice. Typically Mediterranean, Nice cuisine combines vegetables, flavors and scents.
The « Cuisine Nissarde » label is awarded to restaurateurs who are committed to preserving and respecting the region’s traditional recipes. Quality products and a warm welcome guaranteed, so don’t leave without tasting them! Here’s a sample.
- You can start with panisses. This Niçoise recipe, based on chickpea flour, generally takes the form of rolls that are fried: could it be a kind of Niçoise fry?
- Also made with chickpea flour and olive oil, socca is a tender, crispy patty. This recipe comes straight from Liguria, which proves that proximity to Italy can also be found on our plates.
- Pissaladière is to Nice cuisine what pizza is to Italian cuisine. It takes its name from pissalat (peis salat in Nicoise), which means salted fish. It’s a tart with candied onions, anchovies and black olives.
- A little lighter, salade niçoise is, as its name suggests, a mainstay of the region’s gastronomy. There are many variations, but according to the traditional recipe, salade niçoise is composed of lettuce and tomatoes, topped with hard-boiled eggs, tuna and black olives. Gourmets can accompany it with a pain bagnat.
5. The Matisse Museum
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Are you an art lover visiting Nice? If so, there’s nothing better than a visit to Nice from up high in the Villa des Arènes, on the archeological site of Cimiez. You’ll discover one of the world’s most important collections by the French painter. This cultural site has been awarded the « Musée de France » label. Here, art and nature come together to retraceHenri Matisse‘s life, development and career.
Having ended his life in Nice in 1954, the artist himself contributed to the enrichment of this collection. Paintings, sculptures, engravings, drawings and other personal objects. What better way to enter into the intimacy of the creative work of this artist of undeniable genius?
6. The beaches of Nice
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There’s nothing more pleasant than visiting Nice by the sea. The Mediterranean and its beaches are never far away, and in summer, when the sun is hot, the water temperature is ideal for swimming. The more courageous can take a dip as early as mid-season, while the more chilly can dip their feet in.
But whatever the time of year, an Italian-style ice cream or sunbathing will always be welcome. And if pebble beaches seem too uncomfortable, you can turn to a private beach in Nice.
7. A boat trip
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Once you’ve toured the beaches of Nice, there’s another must: a boat trip! Renting a boat in Nice gives you the chance to admire » Nissa la bella » from the sea. You can also set sail for a coastal trip to discover marine mammals, or to Monaco, Saint-Tropez, the Iles de Lérins and even Corsica!
8. Nautical activities
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Water activities are also a great way to visit Nice. If you’re a thrill-seeker, there’s plenty to do in Nice. Parasailing, scuba diving, towed buoys, jet skiing, canoeing and paddling. For the more sporty, visiting Nice also means spending an active vacation in the great outdoors.
9. Nice Carnival
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Every year, for two weeks in February, Nice organizes the biggest carnival in France, and one of the biggest in the world. The streets are brought to life by over 1,000 musicians and dancers, and hundreds of thousands of spectators from all over the world. During this period, a traditional battle of flowers takes place on the Promenade des Anglais, and giant, colorful floats roam the city, day and night.
This authentic event will leave you with unforgettable memories and will show you a different side of the city. The Nice carnival and the Côte d’Azur sunshine will make you forget winter.
10. Castle Hill Park
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At the top of this rocky hill, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Baie des Anges, the old town and the port. As you stroll through the gardens, you’re sure to come across the château’s waterfall. Artificial, of course, but much appreciated for the freshness it brings.
You can climb up to the castle on foot. A staircase leads up to the Bellanda Tower, which offers a magnificent view. Alternatively, you can take the elevator or the Nice tourist train.
11. Saint-Nicolas Cathedral
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Just a stone’s throw from the station, the contrast between the Mediterranean vegetation and the architecture of Saint-Nicolas Cathedral will astonish you. Listed as a historic monument, this is the first Russian-Orthodox church built in France and one of the largest outside Russia.
If you follow certain rules, you can visit the interior of this richly decorated place of worship. Even if it’s not necessarily what you’d expect to do in Nice, this surprisingly Moscow-style church is well worth a visit.
Our Nice workshop
Are you nearing the end of your stay in Nice under the southern sun and the song of the cicadas? Take advantage of the opportunity to take part in a workshop to make a case for your pétanque boules, and leave with a unique souvenir of your own making!
Under Estelle’s expert guidance, you’ll work step by step to create your future must-have accessory! You can even personalize your creation by choosing from striking letters, laser engraving or hot stamping. You’ll be the only one to stand out at your next game of pétanque!
Don’t hesitate and let yourself be tempted by this 2-hour workshop in Nice, priced at €60 per person!
How to get to Nice
Getting around Nice is easy, thanks to the city’s multitude of transport options. Nice Côte d’Azur airport is one of the largest in France. It is served by numerous airlines, including low-cost carriers. To find the flight best suited to your needs, a flight comparator will help you. Nice airport is 6 km from the city center, and shuttle buses will take you there.
Trains and buses are also efficient ways to visit Nice. Once in the city center, most trips can be made on foot, by bike or by tourist train. Nice is also a good gateway to the region. You’ll find yourself about 2 hours’ drive from Marseille and Toulon, and 1 hour from the Italian border.
Where to stay in Nice?
You’ll find all kinds of accommodation for visiting Nice. It’s true that a hotel stay is a dream, but in Nice it can quickly become expensive. An alternative would be to rent an apartment via Airbnb. To find the accommodation best suited to your desires, a hotel comparator will show you all the options available.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Nice,fr