Nice is the quintessential Riviera town. Join the locals on the famous Promenade Des Anglais, the waterside boardwalk with its stunning views. From the shore, the azure sea glistens as mega-yachts cut through its surface. Sun-tanned Europeans sip coffee at pastel-hued cafes or stretch out on plastic lounge chairs on the beach below.
The picturesque landscape of Nice and the surrounding Provence region has long attracted both aristocratic and artistic types.
Nice’s Old Town has a quaint French village feel with winding alleyways, pavement cafes, candy pink townhouses and lots of old churches and cathedrals to explore.The Promenade Des Anglais is another popular spot for visitors, as it runs along the beach and is the centre of nightlife. Further up the hill you’ll find better value apartments that often have great views and are still only a 15 minute walk to the beach. These areas are also more popular with locals than tourists and you’ll find shopping is less expensive than at the waterfront. If you’re travelling as a group or with family, you might prefer villa accommodation. If you want more space, a more tranquil location or a swimming pool then considering booking accommodation outside the town itself - though bear in mind that car rental will be needed to get around.
Nice offers plenty of attractions aside from the famous beach, especially for art and history lovers.Take a tour of the Palais Lascaris, a Baroque 17th century palace with gilded 18th century interiors. The Chagall Museum in town houses the biggest collection of works by the painter Marc Chagall, including his religious-themed pieces. High up in the hills behind Nice you’ll find the Matisse Museum in a gorgeous red 17th century Genoese villa. Matisse fans will also love the Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence, a nearby church designed by the artist. Back in town, there is plenty of shopping to be done - local designers rub shoulders with luxury brands from Paris on the Avenue Jean Médecin. A short drive from Nice are some of the other delights of the Riviera - Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Monaco are all worth a visit for more sun, sea and style.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional French family meal in one of the pretty cafes down the side streets of the Old Town, or a lavish, chic dining experience, Nice can accommodate. As you would expect from a popular and well-heeled holiday resort on the French Riviera, Nice’s cuisine has a reputation for being of a very high quality. For ‘bistro chic’ make a reservation well ahead of time at Le Bistrot d’Antoine, the popular French Brasserie. If you prefer something a little more exotic, Italian restaurant Luna Rossa is the perfect stop off for a Mediterranean feast complete with seafood, baked vegetables and succulent marinated meats. When it comes to nightlife, Nice parties hard - but be prepared for extreme wallet-strain. The harbour is lined with chic bars and clubs, many of which are frequented by wealthy expats and even the odd celebrity if it’s around the time of the Cannes Film Festival.
Nice Airport is one of France’s busiest airports, but it is convenient and easy to get to from the city. The airport is approximately 30 minutes from Nice city centre and the most reliable way to travel from the airport into Nice is by airport express bus. If you are flying to Nice, make sure you admire the spectacular view over the French Riviera as you descend towards the airport. The bus company operating in Nice is Lignes D’Azur and it is the main form of public transportation in the city. For tourists, the inter-urban network, the Transport Alpes-Maritimes, is probably the main form of transport of interest, serving the majority of attractions and beaches in the city. The transport system is reliable and cheap and it is integrated meaning your ticket will cover you on both the bus and new tram system. To explore the French Riviera further, rent a car and hit the road.
Wimdu is Europe's largest marketplace for private accommodation. With over 300,000 lettings in more than 150 countries, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay.