Nice Holidays and City Breaks

The Cote d’Azur:

Soak in the elegant atmosphere of the French Riveria with a walk long the promenade, admire the views of the Baie des Anges from your deckchair on the pebbly shores or watch the sunset from a chic seafront café. City breaks to Nice are all about the cool, sophisticated lifestyle so relax and go with the flow.

Art:

Once home to Henri Matisse and a favourite holiday destination of some of the worlds greatest painters such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Chagall, Nice is brimming with artistic integrity. Browse the museums dedicated to Matisse and Chagall or visit the nearby artist mecca of Saint Paul de Vence, that is home to hundreds of galleries and workshops.

The Old Town:

Traipse the narrow, cobbled streets of Vieux Nice and admire the pastel-coloured buildings and shops selling local crafts. Sample the fresh produce at the famous Cours Saleya food and flower market on Tuesday through Sunday and discover some vintage gems at its flea market on Mondays.

Day trips:

Make the most of Nice’s perfect location for day tripping. Choose from Villefranche, Eze, Antibes, Menton and the super-rich hotspots of Monaco, Cannes and Monte Carlo. You can even cross the border to Ventimiglia in Italy.

Hiking:

Nature lovers seeking some scenic trails need look no further than Nice. Get your boots on and explore the Mercantour National Park where you’ll find alpine villages and ski resorts as well as Europe’s largest high altitude lake Lac d’Allos. And if that’s not enough, make your way to the Vesubie Valley where rock climbing and canyoning is also on offer.

Promenade des Anglais:

The English Walkway stretches along for coast for seven kilometres and offers uninterrupted views the sea. Built on the instruction of visiting British aristocrats in the 18th Century, the Prom is a popular spot for leisurely walks, cycling and skating. Or simply pass the time people watching from the iconic blue chairs that line the seafront.

Castle Hill:

Enjoy spectacular 360degree views of Nice and the Cote D’Azur from this 92-metre-high hill, which in spite of its name, does not have a Castle perched on top. But what this former defensive fort does offer is a breath taking man-made waterfall and two historic cemeteries. There’s also a lift built into the rockface for those not up for the hike.

La Negresco:

Visit this iconic hotel, built in 1913 to showcase the best of the French Riveria. With over 6,000 pieces of art and antique furniture la Negresco is just as much a museum as it is a working hotel.

Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral:

Built to serve the religious needs of the growing Russian population in Nice in the early 20th Century, Saint Nicholas is considered one of the most important churches outside of Russia. Its stunning domed exterior and gilded interior are a must see. 

Matisse Museum:

Get lost in the creative genius of former Nice resident Henri Matisse at his namesake museum that houses a career spanning collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints, for which he is best known.

Socca:

Start your day the Nice way with a savoury flat pancake prepared with chickpea flour and olive oil baked in wood fired oven. Spice with salt and pepper and enjoy.

Tourte aux blettes:

Don’t let the idea of a vegetable desert put you off, this local tart of chard, rum raisin and pine nuts is a sweet favourite while the savoury version, Salee is more of a standard vegetarian pie.

Pissaladière:

A favourite in Nice bakeries, this is a pizza but not as you know it. Forget the traditional cheese and tomato and instead let the combination of onion, anchovies and black olives tickle your tastebuds.

Pan Bagnat:

If you fancy something a little extra than the local favourite Salad Niçoise, try this version in a bread bun. Easy to eat as you sightsee and a tasty, filling lunch on the go.

Petits farcis:

Grab a plate of this hearty vegetable dish of tomatoes and courgette filled with minced beef and pork.

Tram:

There are three lines that service the airport, city centre and the port of Nice. Grab a Lignes d’Azur contactless card to make your journeys even easier.

Bus:

Nice is served by over 140 bus routes covering its 51 towns and villages so there is not reason not to explore from your city centre base. Get buy a ticket for a couple of euro and let the Cote d’Azur open up for you.

On foot:

Like most places along the Cote d’Azur, Nice is very pedestrian friendly and you can easily spend your time there enjoying the leisurely pace of life on your own steam.