Nice

Urban Coastal Beaches

Population: 1 million

Best Season to Visit: Spring

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November

Famous For: Promenade des Anglais, Old Town (Vieux Nice), Art museums

Train Access: Yes (TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)

Bus Access: Yes (Lignes d'Azur)

Nestled on the French Riviera, Nice beckons travelers with its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant city life. Visitors can stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, a sweeping waterfront avenue lined with palm trees and pebbled beaches, offering panoramic views of the azure Mediterranean Sea. The heart of Nice, Vieux Nice (Old Town), is a maze of narrow streets filled with colorful buildings, bustling markets, and quaint eateries serving Niçoise specialties like socca and salade niçoise. Art enthusiasts will find a treasure trove in the numerous museums, including the Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall National Museum, which celebrate the city's artistic heritage. Outdoor activities abound, from swimming and sunbathing on the beaches to hiking the surrounding hills for breathtaking vistas. Nice's culinary scene is a highlight, with options ranging from seaside dining on fresh seafood to indulging in gourmet experiences at Michelin-starred restaurants. The city's calendar is dotted with events, such as the world-famous Nice Carnival, which transforms the streets into a spectacle of parades and celebrations. Whether it's exploring the opulent Russian Orthodox Cathedral, enjoying a sunset aperitif, or shopping at the Cours Saleya market, Nice offers a diverse array of experiences that captivate the senses.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
Learn More

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.

VRBO Vacation Rentals

Planning Your Trip to Nice

Weather: The weather in Nice is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

Festivals: The Nice Carnival, with its colorful parades and flower battles, and the Nice Jazz Festival, showcasing international and local jazz talents, are among the city's most popular events.

Best Things for Kids to Do: Children can enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain or spend a fun-filled day at the Parc Phoenix with its large greenhouse and animal enclosures.

Hidden Gem: The Cimiez Monastery Gardens provide a peaceful retreat with stunning views and rich history, away from the city's hustle and bustle.

Accessibility: Nice is relatively accessible for older people, with flat areas along the Promenade des Anglais and many pedestrian zones, though some parts of Old Town may be challenging due to uneven cobblestones.

For the Runner: The Promenade des Anglais offers a long, flat path ideal for running and walking with sea views, while the Parc de la Colline du Château provides trails with panoramic city vistas.

Restaurants in Nice

Nice offers a diverse culinary scene with restaurants like the luxurious Le Chantecler, which boasts a Michelin star and is situated in the Hotel Negresco, offering fine French cuisine. For a mid-range dining experience, visitors can enjoy La Rossettisserie, a cozy restaurant specializing in rotisserie meats in the Old Town. For those on a budget, Chez Pipo provides a casual atmosphere with traditional Socca, a chickpea flour pancake that is a local specialty. Other popular eateries include Jan, a small but elegant restaurant with a South African influence, and Le Safari, known for its Niçoise cuisine.

Where to Stay

Nice has a variety of hotels catering to different budgets and preferences. The Hotel Negresco is an iconic luxury hotel on the Promenade des Anglais, famous for its Belle Epoque architecture and opulent interior. For mid-range options, the Hotel La Perouse offers a charming stay with beautiful sea views, while the Hotel Windsor provides a quirky and artistic ambiance. Budget travelers can consider the Hotel Villa La Tour, a quaint hotel in a former convent located in the heart of the Old Town.

Best Hotels: Hotel Negresco, Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Le Méridien Nice

Dog-Friendly Hotels: Hotel La Pérouse, Hotel West End, Hotel Ellington

Nice

Planning Your Trip to Nice

Restaurants in Nice

Where to Stay

Recommended Reading