Nice

Enjoy Nice, with its beautiful beaches, cozy town center with restaurants and terraces.

Practical and tourist information Nice

Nice is the fifth most popular city in France, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department, which is reflected in the fact that it has almost 1,000,000 inhabitants. Many people know it only from the airport, where they land and pick up a rental car to travel to one of the popular coastal towns such as Sainte-Maxime, Les Issambres and Grimaud in the Côte d’Azur region. But is that really justified? Nice has 35 beaches, of which 20 are public, as well as several museums, including the Musée Marc Chagall, the Musée Matisse and the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain. The city also boasts a beautiful boulevard, the Promenade des Anglais, dating back to the 19th century, and a charming city centre with numerous boutiques, restaurants and branches of major retail chains, including Galeries Lafayette. There is certainly plenty to do in Nice itself, but if you are considering a day trip, the city is centrally located between Cannes (33 kilometres), Monte Carlo (21 kilometres) and even Ventimiglia (40 kilometres), all three well worth a visit. The beautiful village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is just 18 kilometres away.

PROPERTIES

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Beautiful local sights and attractions

Discover a selection of the most beautiful places and attractions in Nice

History

Nice was probably founded in 350 BC by Greeks from what is now Marseille, who called the city Nicaea. In the 7th century, Nice joined the Genoese Leag...

Population

The number of permanent residents in Nice stood at 353,701 in 2022....

Climate

Nice enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with the following average monthly temperatures: January 10 February 10 March 12 April 14 May 17 June 21 J...

WONDERFUL NICE!

With its wonderfully sunny climate throughout the year, the beautiful blue waters of the Baie des Anges, its soft daylight that has attracted artists for generations, its white sandy beaches and promenade for strolling, Nice is a favourite destination that holidaymakers visit and return to time and again. Nice is the fifth-largest city in France and the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department, with a metropolitan population of around one million residents. The city is tucked into the south-eastern corner of France at the foot of the Alps, just 13 kilometres west of the Principality of Monaco. It is also surprisingly close to northern Italy. Elegant, sunny, iconic and lively, Nice attracts around four million visitors each year. Interestingly, it was little known until the late 18th century. It was founded in 350 BC by Greeks from Marseille, who established a settlement called “Nikaia” after Nike, the goddess of victory. They chose the location because it offered a natural harbour and favourable trade routes. Over the centuries that followed, Nice alternated between French and Italian rule before becoming definitively French in 1860. It was in the 19th century that Nice was discovered by the English aristocracy, who were particularly drawn to its mild winter climate. Many built mansions overlooking the Baie des Anges. A sweeping promenade along the coastline was constructed and aptly named La Promenade des Anglais. Today, it remains as popular as ever for a leisurely stroll at any time of day or evening. In 1930, Nice hosted its first car rally, the Formula Libre, a precursor to modern Formula One racing. Early in the Second World War, the city became a refuge for people fleeing from many different countries.

Beaches

Later, when the Germans controlled much of France, Nice was initially defended by Italian forces. However, after Italy’s surrender in 1943, German troops took control of the city until it was liberated by American paratroopers on 30 August 1944. Today, Nice has the second-highest number of hotels in France, including famous establishments such as the Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais, as well as many smaller, family-run hotels tucked away in the backstreets. There is also a wide range of self-catering accommodation, including villas and holiday homes. In addition to being a premier holiday destination, Nice is a centre for science and technology and features a large Palais des Congrès, which hosts conferences and conventions throughout the year. The city offers numerous cultural events, beginning each February with La Bataille des Fleurs (The Battle of the Flowers). There are several music festivals, as well as the popular Prom’Party in July and August. Festivities continue into the winter season, when Christmas brings a special atmosphere to Nice, highlighted by its Christmas market. There is plenty to do in Nice, including enjoying its attractive private and public beaches with their azure-blue waters. Castel Plage, located close to the Promenade des Anglais, is often considered one of the best beaches, thanks to its fine white pebbles and beautiful setting. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available, and there is a charming restaurant at the back of the beach for those who prefer not to interrupt their time in the sun. Nice is best explored on foot, and a good starting point is the Colline du Château (Castle Hill), which rises 93 metres above sea level. As the highest point in the city, it offers impressive views over the Bay of Nice and the Mediterranean.

Gardens

The castle once served to defend the city but was destroyed by Louis XIV, the “Sun King”. Today, the castle gardens are among the finest in Nice and are perfect for a leisurely wander. The Palais Lascaris is another fascinating place to visit, admired for its elegant architecture and richly decorated interiors. It houses an impressive collection of historic musical instruments and, surprisingly, offers free admission. Located in the old quarter of the city, La Vieille Ville, Nice Cathedral may appear rather modest from the outside, but this should not deter visitors, as the interior is remarkably beautiful, featuring intricate decorations and lavish use of gold leaf and gilding. It remains an active cathedral, and it is worth checking the noticeboard for service times. The city also offers other delightful green spaces in which to relax, including Parc Chambrun and Espace Masséna. At the eastern end of Nice lies Parc du Mont Boron, where a climb to the summit rewards visitors with splendid panoramic views. For the more energetic, Mont Alban is another worthwhile ascent, crowned by an old military fort. Parc du Mont Boron is ideal for walkers, offering a variety of scenic nature trails, the shortest of which takes about an hour to complete. Parc Phoenix is also well worth a visit, as it features one of the largest greenhouse complexes in Europe. The exhibits are arranged into themed areas showcasing diverse plants, flowers and trees, along with iguanas, turtles, otters and elegant pink flamingos. Nice is best explored on foot, and for those who appreciate art and culture, the city offers a wealth of museums and exhibitions, including works by artists who were inspired by Nice, such as Matisse, Arman and Chagall.

Lovely streets

Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a French-Russian painter and one of the most celebrated Jewish artists of the 20th century, renowned for his vast modernist canvases. Amusingly, when his museum was created in Nice, he personally decided where each of his works should be displayed. It is a pleasure to sit at an outdoor table in one of the street cafés, soak up the atmosphere and listen to the Niçois chatting in their distinctive local dialect. As you wander through the city, you will discover charming streets lined with ochre-coloured buildings, impressive Baroque façades and a rich mix of architectural styles shaped by centuries of outside influences. Place Masséna is one of the main squares, surrounded by elegant buildings and filled with lively energy. With its attractive gardens and striking fountains, it is an ideal spot to pause with a glass of wine. Nearby, Avenue Jean Médecin offers a range of designer shops, while many smaller streets are home to delightful boutiques where you can find unique souvenirs. Sampling local specialities is always part of the pleasure of travelling, and Nice offers many tempting dishes to try, including pissaladière, a savoury tart topped with anchovies, onions and olives, and pan bagnat, a delicious sandwich filled with tuna, vegetables and olive oil. The classic salade niçoise and the vegetable dish ratatouille, prepared with local tomatoes, courgettes and aubergines, are equally emblematic. Olive oil is a cornerstone of Niçoise cuisine, as are locally grown olives known as caillettes, both of which make excellent culinary souvenirs. Each district of the city, known as a quartier, hosts its own morning market, the perfect place to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, charcuterie and freshly caught fish.

The Negresco hotel

The central flower market is particularly charming and, alongside a colourful display of seasonal blooms, there are also stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables. Nice boasts a wealth of restaurants, many of which are located along the Promenade des Anglais. One of these is Le Mesclun, whose large panoramic windows overlook the promenade. The menu offers a delightful selection of Provençal dishes, with seared scallops in butter among the most popular choices. The Hôtel Negresco is the most prestigious hotel on the promenade and is home to the well-known brasserie La Rotonde. In the evenings, guests can enjoy regular jazz and Latino bands, and the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Royal Negresco—made with Champagne, Kirsch and raspberry juice—can be savoured in its dramatically decorated bar. Place Rossetti in the old town is a favourite meeting spot for the Niçois, thanks to its lively atmosphere and colourful array of restaurants with tables spreading out across the square. There are also many delightful small restaurants tucked away in side streets, including Badaboom in Rue François Guisol, which specialises in vegetarian and gluten-free cuisine. Another hidden gem is Peixes, located near the Opera House, an excellent fish restaurant offering sea bream, scallops and salmon, all prepared with contemporary sauces that delight the palate. Nice also offers plenty of evening entertainment. One of the city’s newer wine bars is L’Autre Part in Rue Lascaris, featuring an impressive wine list that includes French biodynamic and artisan wines. Guests can order delicious platters of pâté, saucisson, goat’s cheese and olives to accompany their drinks.

Live music

Nightclubs and live music bars can be discovered by venturing into the various backstreets. Two excellent music venues stand side by side: Le Shapko, known for its lively jazz and R&B sessions, and next door Ooh Roo Pah Doo, a favourite for enthusiasts of 1960s music. Both venues come alive late in the evening, so it is wise to plan for a leisurely breakfast the following morning. The Opera House in the Old Town offers an extensive programme of ballet, opera and theatrical performances and is a magnificent place to visit, with its historic grandeur and deep red upholstered seats that invite you to sit back and enjoy the performance. For lovers of classical music, the Conservatoire de Nice presents a wide range of classical and experimental concerts featuring both orchestras and soloists. Located in the Cimiez district, it provides an added attraction in that most performances offer free admission. For those who prefer a quieter rhythm, Nice is ideal for an evening stroll, as many of its monuments, such as the Cathedral and the fountains on Place Masséna, are beautifully illuminated after dark. Needless to say, a walk along the Promenade des Anglais is a perfectly fitting conclusion to a memorable day in Nice.