Magical Nice !
If you plan to visit the French Riviera, Nice is a must see during your stay. Main town of the region Alpes Maritimes, you can come and visit at any season. Very lively during summer, its mild climate allows a pleasant stay during winter. February is a colorful month on the French Riviera ! Between lemon and oranges with the mild climate, and the carnival of Nice in February, do not miss this winter destination ! It is also perfect for a stay by the sea.
The capital of Nice, Nissa la Bella! is a perfect destination for a break.At the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, at the gateway to the Southern Alps, its location is exceptional.
With a fascinating history and Italian and Provençal influences, Nice will offer you its full range of colors, culture and culinary specialties ! Enjoy a delicious salade niçoise, eat the socca on the go, enjoy fresh gnocchi in the alleys of old Nice, its cuisine is equal to its personality ! Exotic !
Access to the city is easy.
The A8 motorway is really near.Nice city train station is served by a TGV axis.
From Paris to Nice by plane, the flight lasts only 1H10.
If you come by plane, you will have the chance to land almost above the sea!The landing strip is located directly on the coast, with a view of the Alps as a bonus.Nice Airport has access to the city centre in less than 10 minutes!
Finally, let us not neglect the access from the port of Nice, with boat shuttles that offer multiple excursions.
All the places in Nice are in a walking distance.And with the climate, it is always a pleasure to discover the city by foot .For the surrounding area, the Nice bus station also allows you to travel around the city easily.
The promenade des Anglais and the old town
This is the first image you have in mind when talking about Nice ! The famous Promenade des Anglais, lined with palm trees and its breathtaking sea view!
In the 18th century, the English bourgeois chose Nice to enjoy its mild climate during the winter, and therefore heliotropy.
7 km long , this walk allows you to discover mythical hotels (like the Negresco or the West End Hote), the famous blue chairs, pebble beaches and restaurants, but above all, depending on the weather, you can admire the changing colors of the Mediterranean!
Go and see #IloveNice at the very end of the Promenade. This picture was shot at the end of the day. To enjoy a bright light over Nice, go there in the morning.
Nice and the old town, candidate on the UNESCO World Heritage list, will make you enter the hectic life of Niçois ! Louver shutters, coloured facades, narrow alleys, churches, terraces, colourful conversations as well;)
It’s also where you can feast on socca (cake made with chickpea flour, to be enjoyed on the go with pepper!) or buy delicious fresh gnocchi.
Access the interior of Sainte Reparate Cathedral, and admire the Baroque wonders!
Nice has several small churches scattered in the old town
Connect to Nice webcam on the Promenade des Anglais
Market on the Cours Saleya
It is a very pleasant place to walk.The Cours Saleya offers three markets: fruits, vegetables and flowers.The best known of course being the flower market, full of colors and smells
The museum of modern and contemporary art
It’s one of my favorite museums.
Located behind the Promenade du Paillon, the architecture of the building and Calder’s mobiles at the entrance will seduce you even before entering the museum.
You can discover the artists of the Nice school, including Ben, but also a compression of César, and works by Yves Klein.
Whether you are a novice in art or an expert, this is really a visit to make.You will be intrigued, amused, curious, touched,...
The hill of the castle
From the top of this hill, you will have a panoramic view of the bay of Nice.
You can access it on foot or with an elevator.If you climb the steps, you will pass the Belandra Tower, with a breathtaking view of the Bay of Angels.
This walk is a true breath of fresh air, in a park where waterfalls and green species mingle.
The Massena square
It is one of the most photographed places in Nice.The heart of the city, the orange and yellow facades give it a very special atmosphere.Discover the Fountain of the Sun, with the statue of Apollo , discover also "Conversation in Nice", with its seven statues at the top of columns (representing the 7 continents).Instagram spot par excellence, don’t hesitate to use and abuse your camera!
The russian cathedral
Listed as a World Heritage Site, it is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe
Located in the Tzarewitch district, it dates from the 19th century and will be inaugurated in 1912
Every winter, the Russian court rented two villas in this area to enjoy the Azure climate.Following the growing community, the construction of a cathedral was necessary.
You can visit the cathedral freely or with a guided tour.
The park that surrounds it is a sweet exotic stroll.
Nice offers nice other places to discover :
- la coulée verte : la promenade du Paillon with its water jets
- the Garibaldi square
- L'Avenue Jean Medecin (shopping area)
- the Mount Boron parl
- museums (Chagall museum, Matisse museum, Massena museum in a beautiful Belle Epoque house, without forgetting the Renoir museum in Cagnes sur Mer or the Picasso museum in Antibes)
For a discovery around Nice, I recommend the perched villages like Eze or the village Saint Paul de Vence (where the Maeght Foundation is located).It is also very pleasant to crisscross the cornices to reach the bay of Villefranche sur Mer and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, or visit major cities such as Cannes, Menton, Antibes or Monaco.
If you are a fan of nature, the hinterland of Nice is spectacular.Between the hills of the Mercantour, the Vésubie and the Southern Alps, thrill-seekers, mountain bike trails or hikes will find their happiness.
It is quite possible to visit Nice and its surroundings without a car.The city of Nice is well connected.
The region of Nice has a regional TER along the coast and allows quick access (and without traffic jams!)
The bus network is also very large.Please note that Nice has a tramway line.
If you want to visit Nice and its old town with a passionate guide, I highly recommend Céline, Nice by heart. She will explain the fascinating history of Nice, guide you through the alleys and give you all the good tips for your stay !
Le French Riviera Pass
The French Riviera Pass offers discounts to visit the city and its museums. For one or three days, choose the one you need !
WHERE TO SLEEP IN NICE ?
The city offers accommodation for all budgets:
Here are some hotels that I visited in the city center of Nice and that I recommend
Arome Hotel, Boutique Hotel in the centre of Nice.Run by Fabio and Fabrice, you will be very well received
Windsor Hotel, 4 star hotel.If you like to spend an atypical night, push the door and enjoy the atmosphere and the garden and pool in the city center
Hotel de France, 3 star hotel close to the Promenade des Anglais.Recently renovated and also offering a studio for rent, it is a very good address with a friendly welcome
Hotel Villa Victoria, 4 star hotel, nicely decorated, with a large garden that encourages relaxation
The little extra?They are kind enough to offer small extras by booking with Les petits voyages d'Azur!
I have not yet had the opportunity to visit these hotels, but I intend to do something about it!
Hotel Villa Rivoli, 3 star hotel in a villa Belle Epoque
Hotel Amour, boutique hotel
L'Abeille, boutique appartements
If you are looking for bigger hotels : Hotel West End, 4 star hotel on the Promenade des Anglais since 1842 Hotel Negresco, 5 star hotel on the Promenade des Anglais, representing "L'art à la française"
If you want the services of a travel planner to plan your holidays, contact me!