Nice

Nice, the glittering jewel of the French Riviera, effortlessly blends old-world charm with a vibrant contemporary energy. With its pebbly beaches, azure waters, and a historic old town that bursts with colour and aroma, this Mediterranean city seduces travellers with a lifestyle that is both elegant and relaxed. The famous Promenade des Anglais curves along the bay, while the hills above offer panoramic views that capture the essence of the Côte d'Azur.

Highlights & What to See

• Promenade des Anglais – Stroll, cycle, or simply sit on the iconic blue chairs along this 7km seafront promenade, soaking up the sea breeze and watching the world go by.
• Vieux Nice (Old Town) – Lose yourself in a maze of narrow, sun-dappled streets filled with pastel-coloured buildings, bustling markets, and hidden courtyards. Don’t miss the Cours Saleya market for fresh flowers, produce, and antiques.
• Castle Hill (Colline du Château) – Climb (or take the lift) for sweeping views of the Baie des Anges, the port, and the red-tiled rooftops of the old town. The park at the top is perfect for a picnic.
• Marc Chagall National Museum – A stunning collection of the artist’s biblical-themed works, housed in a serene modern building with beautiful gardens.
• Russian Orthodox Cathedral – The largest of its kind outside Russia, with ornate onion domes and a richly decorated interior that transports you to another world.
• Promenade du Paillon – A lush, 12-hectare urban park that stretches from the Old Town to the city centre, featuring water features, play areas, and art installations.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least two full days to soak up Nice’s atmosphere. Spend your first day exploring the Old Town and Castle Hill, then enjoy a lazy afternoon on the beach. On the second day, dive into the museums and gardens, and perhaps take a coastal walk or bus ride to nearby villages. If you can spare a third day, use it for a day trip along the Riviera or into the hills. The city is compact enough to navigate on foot, but the tram and bus network make longer journeys easy.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Villefranche-sur-Mer – A charming fishing village with a deep-water bay, just a short train ride away.
• Èze – A medieval hilltop village with breathtaking views, exotic gardens, and a perfumery.
• Monaco – The glamorous principality, famous for its casino, palace, and Grand Prix circuit, is only 20 minutes by train.
• Antibes & Juan-les-Pins – A lively seaside town with a historic old town, Picasso Museum, and sandy beaches.
• Saint-Paul-de-Vence – One of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Provence, filled with art galleries and cobblestone streets.
• Cannes – The glitzy festival city, with its Boulevard de la Croisette and luxury shopping, is an easy day trip.

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