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Introducing Nice, France
All about Nice travel: how to travel to Nice, where to stay, the best things to do in the city, and the best places to visit near Nice on day trips.
Where is Nice in France? What is Nice famous for? Nice is the capital of the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur in French), a bustling city bathed by the Mediterranean Sea with elegant Baroque architecture, colorful markets, great beaches, and delicious food. One of the most beautiful cities in Southern France, Nice is also a city of art and culture, and after Paris, it is the city with the most museums in France.
Located in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Nice is a great destination for a European weekend getaway or longer holidays all year round. If you travel to Nice by train, count on taking 5 hours 45 minutes for Paris-Nice, 2 hours 40 minutes for Marseille-Nice, and 4 hours 40 minutes for Lyon-Nice.
Is Nice Italy? Wondering why Nice has so many Italian influences in its architecture and food? Nice is located 40 km from the Italian border, so exchanges with Italy are easy and frequent. In the past, Nice belonged to Italy, but after changing hands several times, Nice became definitely French in 1860.
Are you planning your Nice trip last minute?
Below are some of the best Nice tours, hotels, and more!
- Book your flight tickets to Nice Airport (NCE); Book your train tickets to Nice.
- Book your transfer from Nice Airport to the city with Welcome Pickups.
Looking to travel around Nice independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Nice.
Top Experiences and Tours in Nice:
Top Places to Stay in Nice:
- Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges (it has the best view of Nice)
- Hotel Négresco (the most iconic, at the Promenade des Anglais)
- Hotel de France (a cute mid-range close to the beach)
- Best hotels in Nice with a pool (for the hottest months in Nice!)
Don’t leave for Nice without travel insurance!
Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.
Nice, France, in a Nutshell
Population: 341,000 (2015)
Department: Alpes-Maritimes
Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, in Southern France
Average temperatures (max /min): January – 13,1C /5,3C; April – 17C / 10,2C; July – 27,3C / 20,3C; October – 21C / 13,7C.
Main attractions: Castle Hill, Promenade des Anglais, Baroque architecture, the port, Matisse Museum, Chagall Museum
Nice Train Station: Gare de Nice-Ville (locally named Gare de Thiers).
Nice Airport: Nice-Côte d’Azur Aiport (NCE).
Check out how to get to Nice from Paris, France, and abroad and how to get from Nice Airport to Nice
What to Do in Nice, France
To help you organize your stay in Nice, we have listed the best things to see and do in Nice and the most popular tours. If you are planning a winter holiday, here are the best things to do in Nice in winter.
More Things to Do in Nice and Day Tours
Winter in Nice: Things to Do and Seasonal Tips
Old Town and Castle Hill: Cultural Walking Tour
Discover Nice with a Segway Tour
From Nice: French Riviera in One Day
Villefranche & Cap Ferrat E-bike Guided Tour
Gorges du Verdon and Lavender Fields Tour (seasonal)
Food in Nice
Among the best things to do in Nice (and on the French Riviera in general) is to try its cuisine, a perfect mix of classic Provençal flavors and original dishes with Mediterranean zest. Actually, some of the best Provençal foods were born and perfected in Nice!
Here’s where to eat in Nice, France, and the best food from Nice that you must try during your next trip. You can also learn more about local produce with this Cultural and Gourmet Walking Tour of Nice, which includes 7 to 10 tasting stops.
On the sweet side, Nice is well known for its delicious artisanal ice cream that you can eat all year round. If you don’t know where to go, here’s my list of top Nice ice cream parlors to sweeten your vacation.
Where to Stay in Nice
The fifth largest city in France and a popular travel destination all year round, Nice has a wide choice of accommodations for all kinds of travel and budgets. If the seafront is always a favorite, the Old Town seduces for its small village atmosphere and its proximity to the beaches. In the summer, hotels with a swimming pool sell out fast!
A Great Stop on Your French Road Trip
The beautiful city of Nice is the starting point or one of the stops of some of our favorite French road trips. If this is your first time in France by car, check out our quick guide to driving in France. If you don’t have a car in France, click here for the best car rentals in Nice and check out our best tips for renting a car in France.