Nice, France

France

Nice

The Côte d'Azur done properly.

76

Places to stay

195

Flight routes

38

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Everything for Nice

From the archivist

What to know before you go

Old Town (Vieux-Nice) is best explored in the morning when the market runs

Monaco is 30 minutes by train — the views justify a half-day

The Promenade des Anglais walk is a morning ritual, not a tourist activity

Nice airport is 7km from the city — tram Line 2 costs €1.70 and takes 30 min

Best for

Mediterranean lifestyleDay trips (Monaco, Èze, Cannes)Food and marketsBeach and sunshineBase for the Côte d'Azur
commute

Getting around Nice

Nice's Old Town and seafront are walkable. The tram network covers the main city. Trains run along the coast to Monaco (30 min, €4) and Cannes (40 min, €8) — far cheaper than taxis. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is 7km from the centre; tram Line 2 costs €1.70 and takes 30 minutes.

TramBusTrain (coast)Vélo Bleu bikes
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Best time to visit

May, June, September and October hit the sweet spot — warm sea, full sun, without August prices and crowds. July and August are crowded and expensive. Winter is mild by northern European standards and very quiet.

May – JunPeak
Sep – OctShoulder
Nov – MarLow

Frequently asked questions about Nice

When is the best time to visit Nice?

May, June, September and October are the sweet spot — warm Mediterranean sun without August crowds or prices. July and August are very hot and the Côte d'Azur is at peak capacity. Winter is mild by northern standards and very quiet, with occasional mimosa blooms from January.

What are the top things to do in Nice?

Walk the Promenade des Anglais early morning — it's a different city before the sunbathers arrive. Explore the Old Town (Vieux-Nice) and the Cours Saleya flower and food market. Castle Hill for panoramic views. Day trips to Monaco (30 min by train), Èze village, and Cannes (40 min) are all excellent.

What food should I try in Nice?

Socca (thin chickpea flour pancake) is the defining Nice street food — try it from Chez Pipo. Salade niçoise with local tuna and vegetables. Pan bagnat (tuna sandwich, the Nice version of the Ploughman's). Ratatouille is also Niçoise in origin. The Cours Saleya market is excellent for fresh produce and olives.

How do I get around Nice?

Nice's Old Town and seafront are entirely walkable. The tram network (Line 1 and 2) covers the main city well. Trains run along the coast to Monaco (30 min, €4) and Cannes (40 min, €8) — far cheaper and more scenic than taxis. The airport is 7km from centre; tram Line 2 costs €1.70.

Is Nice better than other Côte d'Azur destinations?

Nice is the best base for the Côte d'Azur — it has its own Old Town character, good transport links to Monaco and Cannes, a proper city feel beyond the resort strip, and accommodation is cheaper than its glamorous neighbours. It rewards those who explore beyond the Promenade.

From the journal

Worth reading before you book

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