Nice

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline, Promenade des Anglais, vibrant old town, and year-round sunshine. It offers a perfect blend of city culture and beach relaxation.

Altitude: Sea levelBest: May to October43.71°N, 7.26°EAlpes-Maritimes

History

Nice was founded by the Greeks around 350 BCE as Nikaia. It was part of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia until 1860 when it was ceded to France. The city became a winter resort for European aristocracy in the 19th century and later a summer destination for sun-seekers worldwide.

Famous for

Promenade des Anglais (seafront boulevard)Old Town (Vieux Nice) with narrow streets and marketsCours Saleya flower and food marketCastle Hill (Colline du Chateau) panoramic viewsMatisse Museum (the artist lived in Nice for decades)Russian Orthodox Cathedral (largest outside Russia)Beaches (pebble and sand)Modern and contemporary art (MAMAC)Nicoise cuisine (salade nicoise, socca, pissaladiere)Carnival of Nice (February)

How to reach

By air: Nice Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE). By rail: Nice-Ville station with TGV connections. By road: A8 motorway.

Nearby attractions

CannesMonaco and Monte CarloAntibes and Juan-les-PinsSaint-Paul-de-Vence (medieval hilltop village)Eze (perched village)Grasse (perfume capital)

Emergency contacts

Police: 17Ambulance: 15

About

Nice is the gateway to the French Riviera. The Promenade des Anglais stretches 7 kilometers along the Baie des Anges, perfect for walking, cycling, and rollerblading. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets with pastel-colored buildings, offering boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Cours Saleya is the vibrant hub of the Old Town, hosting a famous flower and produce market every morning (except Monday). In the evenings, it transforms into a restaurant terrace. Castle Hill offers the best panoramic views of the city and coastline, accessible by a scenic walk or elevator.

Nice's museums celebrate its artistic heritage, particularly through Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall who lived and worked in the area. The Marc Chagall National Museum houses the largest collection of his works. The cuisine features fresh Mediterranean seafood, olive oil, and local specialties like socca (chickpea pancake) and pan-bagnat.