Nice guide 

Welcome to Nice, the pearl of the French Riviera, where the sun shines for over 300 days a year and life is so sweet you could make jam out of it! This city has it all – from the turquoise sea and the iconic Promenade des Anglais to the narrow streets of the old town of Vieux Nice, where it smells of lavender, fresh baguettes and a bit of history. And if someone tells you that Nice is all about the beaches, feel free to send them on a trip to Castle Hill – the views of the city and the Alps will take your breath away.

Sights and attractions - What you should not miss in Nice. Tips for the most famous museums, promenades and squares.

Accommodation - Tips for pleasant and popular accommodation from a hostel to a luxury hotel on the main promenade. Where to stay with children and which accommodation is for adults only.

Typical food and drink - What you should definitely try in Nice - local salad, rosé wine,...

Practical tips - Here you can learn about local transport, customs and the like.

Weather - When is the best time to visit this seaside resort? When does it rain the most and when do you have the best chance of sunny weather?

Celebrities - What famous personalities lived and worked in Nice?

Nice, a picturesque city on the French Riviera, can be found in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Côte d'Azur) region in the south of France. It has a rich history, fascinating architecture, cultural heritage and a beautiful Mediterranean coastline. France's 5th largest city is surrounded by hills and mountains that give it breathtaking panoramic views and protect it from the wind. The climate is pleasant Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters.

Rich historical heritage in the city includes the Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its narrow medieval streets, squares and historic buildings. Among the most famous sights are the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, the Palais Lascaris, the Place Masséna and the ruins of the Colline du Château, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the coast.

One of the most iconic parts of Nice, the Promenade des Anglais offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. This popular spot for walking, cycling, inline skating and relaxing on the beach is almost 7 km long.

Nice lives by culture - they organize cultural events here, such as the carnival or the Nice Jazz Festival. Local museums such as the Musée Matisse, the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC) and the Musée Marc Chagall feature works by famous artists.

You can also enjoy Nice's great gastronomic scene, which offers a wide range of local specialties, including salade niçoise, ratatouille, socca (a local chickpea dish), seafood and other delicacies.

Nice is one of the most beautiful and lively cities on the French Riviera, luring visitors with its charm, culture and beautiful surroundings.

Sights and attractions

Promenade des Anglais - The iconic 7km long seaside promenade in Nice offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. Tourists and locals alike come here to walk, cycle, inline skate or simply relax and unwind. In 2016, 80 people were sadly killed in a terrorist attack during a national holiday. The promenade was created thanks to English generosity and winter boredom. In the 19th century, the English spent their winters here because Nice was warmer than at home. When the bitter winter of 1820 arrived, the city saw an increase in beggars. A local English Reverend Lewis Way suggested that instead of begging, the beggars could work on building a beautiful coastal path. Thus the promenade was born.
Address: Promenade des Anglais, Nice.

Old Town (Vieux Nice) - Want to experience a true Mediterranean labyrinth where even GPS devices sometimes panic? Welcome to the Old Town of Nice, or Vieux Nice. Here, among the pastel houses, fragrant bakeries and markets full of flowers, you can get lost… and you won’t mind at all. Who would be in a hurry when a piece of history or a plate of socca, the famous chickpea pancake, is waiting on every corner?
Address: Old Town, Nice.

Sainte-Réparate Cathedral - One of the most famous monuments in Nice is located in the historic center, in the Old Town (Vieux Nice). This cathedral is dedicated to Saint Reparate, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. According to legend, the girl was only fifteen years old when she was executed in Palestine. Her body was placed in a boat that miraculously sailed to the coast of Nice - and this is where the cathedral stands today. Construction of the Baroque cathedral began in the 17th century, but due to various interruptions in construction, it was not completed until the 19th century.
Address: 3 Place Rossetti, Nice.

Colline du Château (Castle Hill) - A hill with a park, an artificial waterfall and the remains of an old fortress offers panoramic views of the city and the coast. The original castle once protected the city from invaders until Louis XIV had it razed to the ground in 1706 – supposedly so that Nice would never be so resistant again. The stones of the castle were later used to pave the Promenade des Anglais, among other things.
Address: Rue des Ponchettes – Rue de Foresta – Montée Montfort, Nice.

Cours Saleya – The famous flower market. A market and square where, in addition to admiring the colorful variations of various flowers, you can also taste local specialties such as socca (chickpeas), fresh fruit and other delicacies. In the 17th century, salt and fish were sold here in the port area. In the 19th century, carnival parades took place here before moving to the Promenade des Anglais. The flower market was officially established here in 1897 – and Nice thus became the first wholesale flower market in the world!
Address: Cours Saleya, Nice.

Musée Matisse - An art museum that showcases the works of the famous French painter Henri Matisse. He not only worked in Nice, but also left many of his works here. The museum owns almost all of his sculptures, his first painting from 1890, hundreds of drawings, prints and even personal objects that Matisse used as inspiration – so when you look at his still lifes, you might even find the actual bowl or vase that appears in the painting. You can rarely get this close to the artist’s soul!
Address: 164, avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, Nice.

Musée Marc Chagall - Another art museum that exhibits the works of a famous French painter, this time Marc Chagall. Here, colors dance, stained glass sings, and angels fly. The museum includes a garden full of olive trees, where you can have a picnic after your artistic experience. The Chagall Museum also offers programs for children.
Address: Avenue du Docteur Ménard 36, Nice.

Promenade du Paillon - Are you looking for a place in Nice where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, admire exotic plants, let the kids run wild on a wooden whale and even dip your feet in a fountain with impunity? Welcome to the Promenade du Paillon, the green artery of the city. In the middle of the park you will find the famous “Miroir d’Eau” – a giant water mirror with 128 jets that spray, mist and shine in the summer. Children and adults alike run between the water geysers.
Address: Promenade du Paillon, Nice.

Place Masséna - The largest square in the city center is surrounded by colorful Baroque buildings and adorned with the Fountain Du Soleil with Apollo. Seven modern sculptures by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa sit on tall columns. These figures symbolize the continents and the dialogue between cultures – so if you see someone “floating” above the crowd in the square, it’s not a tourist lost in a map, but art in action. ;)
Address: Place Masséna, Nice.

Accommodations

In Nice, the second most visited city in France, you can choose from more than 3,000 accommodation capacities, from cheaper options such as hostels, apartments, guest houses to luxurious 5* options. As in other cities, the rule is that the closer to the center, the higher the prices - in Nice this area is considered the Promenade des Anglais. Most of the hotels and apartments in this location also offer a stunning view of the Bay of Angels.

Hotel Le Negresco certainly belongs to the top hotels here. From this 5* hotel you can enjoy views of the Promenade des Anglais. They furnished the rooms in a period style, so in some rooms you will feel like you are in a castle. They also offer disabled accommodation. The local restaurant boasts a Michelin star.

4* apartment accommodation in the city center is offered by Maison Lamartine – Nice. The apartments and studios are located a short distance from the train station, the tram stop and the main promenade. Ideal for those who arrive by train and like to have their own kitchen. You can order breakfast in your room or babysitting.

If you prefer to stay outside the city center in a quiet environment with a garden, check out Villa Kilauea B&B. From the heated outdoor pool you can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. All rooms have a terrace. Attention - only adults can stay in this guesthouse.

On the contrary, Centrum Nice offers pleasant accommodation near the city center suitable for families with children. This hostel offers private rooms, a shared kitchen and a lounge. They will arrange a transfer from the airport for an additional fee. You can also stay here with your pet.

Cheap accommodation in the city center is offered by La Maïoun Guesthouse hostel. You can stay here in a shared room or in a private double room. The hostel has an interesting history because it was set up in an old Protestant church. In the common room, guests have free coffee and tea and basic kitchen utensils for preparing their own meals.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Nice, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.

Typical foods and drinks

In Nice and throughout the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, you will find a rich variety of traditional foods and drinks that reflect the local gastronomic culture and use fresh ingredients from the Mediterranean region. Typical foods and drinks include:

Salad Niçoise - This traditional salad contains fresh lettuce, black olives, tomatoes, tuna or anchovies, eggs, onions and capers, usually seasoned with olive oil and herbs. It is a popular and refreshing treat, perfect for warm summer days.

Socca - A crispy and spicy flatbread made from chickpeas. This simple but delicious dish is often served as an appetizer or street snack.

Ratatouille - A classic Provençal dish, a mixture of roasted vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, onions and herbs. This popular vegetarian dish, full of flavor and aroma, is served either on its own, with bread or as a filling for pancakes.

Bouillabaisse - The traditional fish dish comes from Marseille, but they also liked it in Nice. It is an aromatic soup made from various types of fish, seafood, tomatoes, onions, garlic and herbs. It is usually served with toasted bread and garlic aioli.

Pissaladière - A savory pie from the Nice region, similar to a French pizza. The dough is thicker than a classic pizza, and the classic pissadediére includes caramelized onions, black olives and anchovies.

Pan Bagnat - A whole wheat bread sandwich filled with Niçoise salad. This is a widespread form of fast food in Nice.

Rosé wine - The Provence region is famous for its quality rosé wines, which are an ideal complement to local dishes.

Practical tips

Although Nice has a pleasant Mediterranean climate, the weather can change quickly. We recommend bringing both light clothing for warm days and warmer layers for the evening or colder days.

Forget about high heels, Nice is a city of cobblestones and hills. Put on your comfortable shoes and come explore.

Nice is best enjoyed on foot – the Old Town, Promenade des Anglais and parks are all within walking distance. But if you want to save your legs, use the local tram – it’s cheap and reliable. And beware, there are often a lot of tourists in the centre, so watch your bags – thieves love crowds.

Respect local culture and customs. Learn the basics of French. Although most locals understand English, they only want to speak French.

Don't forget to try local specialties and dishes such as Niçoise salad, socca and local wines. Enjoy the atmosphere of local restaurants, cafes and markets.

Weather

Thanks to its pleasant Mediterranean climate, Nice is a popular tourist destination for most of the year. The summer months are ideal for beach relaxation and sunbathing, while the winter months offer the opportunity to walk and explore the city without major temperature fluctuations.

In summer, temperatures rise to 25-30°C. The winter months (December to February) are mild, with average daily temperatures around 10-15°C. At night, the temperature can drop to 5°C.

It is one of the sunniest places in France, especially during the summer months. It rains the most here in spring and autumn.

During the summer, sea winds blow over the city, bringing cooling. In winter, the influence of cold winds from the Alps can be felt.

Celebrities

Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954) - Famous French painter and sculptor. Henri Matisse spent part of his life in and around Nice. The city and its surroundings inspired many of his works.

Marc Chagall (1887 – 1985) - Another important artist. Marc Chagall lived in Nice and had his studio here. His works are connected with the local landscape and culture.

Émile Zola (1840 – 1902) - Famous French writer. Émile Zola often stayed in Nice and created some of his works there.

Jacques Médecin (1928 – 1998) - Prominent French politician. He was born in Nice, where he held the office of mayor from 1966 to 1990.

Albert Calmette (1863 – 1933) - French physician and bacteriologist. Albert Calmette, along with Camille Guérin, developed the tuberculosis vaccine known as BCG. Calmette spent part of his life in Nice.

Michel Simon (1895 – 1975) - Famous French actor. Michel Simon lived in Nice and acted in many films of French cinema.

Roger Martin du Gard (1881 – 1958) - French writer. Roger Martin du Gard, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, spent some time in Nice and a street was named in his honor.