Nice: The city that awakens your emotions

Nice Airport Directory (NCE)
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You'd better stop rubbernecking through the streets, because taking in the beauty of Nice will take days. Thanks to its architecture, history, and natural spaces, Nice has made its way onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most flamboyant destinations in France for all kinds of travellers.

The city has some of the swankiest hotels with sweeping views of the French Riviera, or as the locals say, Côte d’Azur. The outdoor scene of Nice is as luxurious as the hotels, making this European escapade such a magnet. The city has a rapidly growing cultural scene: designer boutiques, pretty outdoor restaurants, world-class galleries, and a yacht-lined marina by the port.

Best Time to Visit: The spring and fall, also known as the shoulder seasons, are the best times to visit Nice. Book flights to Nice between September and October, or mid-March to April.

How to Reach?

By Air: Nice Cote d'Azur Airport is the closest airport, located around 8 km from the city. The airport is serviced by major airlines due to the city’s popularity. The airport has two terminals within walking distance. Shuttle services and car rentals are available from the airport, allowing you to drive to your hotel. Public transportation (bus or train) is also available at the airport.

By Train: As Nice is connected to other parts of the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF) train network, it is one of the best ways to enter the city. The Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) is the country’s intercity high-speed rail service, which runs directly from Paris to Nice. Gare SNCF is the main train station; all trains stop here. From here, you can catch the local train and tram network to take you to your desired destination. The train network also traverses the Cote d'Azur coast and further inland.

By Road: Like the railway network, the country has good road connectivity. The bus station in Nice is called the Gare Vauban, Gare Routière, or Gare St. Jean d'Angely, and it is located at 16 av des Diables Bleus. The buses mostly handle regional or departmental lines. To travel to international destinations, you can catch Eurolines that operate from the airport or train station.

Getting Around

The city has great train and bus connectivity. From the airport in Nice, you can catch the Nice Airport Express Bus, which stops outside both terminals. The buses, numbered 98 and 99, will take separate routes to enter the city. If you are heading towards Old Nice, you can catch the bus 98, which terminates at the Promenade de Arts. It is also possible to take a local bus from the airport. It is located in the parking lot at Terminal 1.

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Places to visit in Nice

  • Promenade des Anglais: This is one of the liveliest streets in Nice. The Promenade des Anglais is a gorgeous pedestrian area that follows the Baie des Anges. Palm trees line the road, and a cycle lane runs alongside a pedestrian-only sidewalk. This part of Nice has several opulent buildings like the Palais de la Méditerranée theatre, the exquisite Villa Masséna palace, and a National Historical Monument called Le Negresco.
  • Parc de la Colline du Château: Located in the Old Town of Nice, Parc de la Colline du Château, or the Castle Hill Park, is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. This Park features many sites to see, and also has cafes with outdoor terraces alongside the road. The leafy oasis at the park will certainly give you a refreshing feeling after exploring the city below. You can easily get here on foot from Place Garibaldi. Another way to reach here is by taking the tourist train (Le Petit Train Electrique de Nice), which departs from Quai des États-Unis.
  • Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas: To admire the 1912-built Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas, you will need to visit the neighbourhood of Le Piol. This beautiful Orthodox church was commissionedby Tsar Nicholas outside Russia. It has a Muscovite-style design with a rich interior. Visitors are allowed inside to witness the spectacular work of art, even though this cathedral is used as a place of worship. Those who enter must remember to follow certain rules. No skirts or shorts are permitted, don’t wear revealing clothes, cover your shoulders, and cover your head.
  • Place Garibaldi: This city square is one of the largest in Nice, and is only a short walk from popular attractions like the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain. Although this square is bordered by late 18thcentury Baroque buildings, it still feels modern thanks to the tramline and outdoor cafes. The square has a statue of a famous Italian freedom fighter, Garibaldi, hence the name. You can also visit its trendy neighbourhood, like Le Petit Marais, located between Place Garibaldi and the port. This area is known for its restaurants and nightlife.
  • Vieille Ville (Old Town): You can make a day out of exploring the old town of Nice. There is so much to see here, from the open-air Provencal market to the stunning neoclassical buildings, cute outdoor cafes, and the historic hilltop park. The picturesque old town has narrow, cobbled stone streets and spacious boulevards; it almost gives a hint of Italy in France. If you walk north from Cr Saleya, you can see a 17thcentury Baroque church, a 17th century Baroque church, and the Le Palais des Rois Sardes. Make it a point to visit the Point de vue Colline du Château, it is a scenic view point from where you can see the old town and the turquoise sea.

Places to eat in Nice

  • Le Lavomatique: This easy-going eatery in Old Town is one of the best places to savour delicious dishes of French cuisine. The restaurant has an open kitchen and a trendy vibe. Here, you will find a seasonally crafted menu based on what you find in the market. Try out the delicious roasted pumpkin with spaghetti, and a glass of organic wine.
  • Le Chantecler: To get the ultimate Nice-experience, visit Le Chantecler which is run by Jean-Denis Rieubland, their in-house local chef. This fine dining restaurant is located at the Hotel Negresco, across the beachfront promenade. They serve traditional French cuisine. The extravagant interior of the restaurant with pink walls, chandeliers, and colourful murals, may transport you to the 18th century.
  • La Roustide: Add this restaurant to your list as it offers a diverse, yet traditional French food. What this place is renowned for is its variety of truffle-based dishes. La Roustide uses all six edible truffles to make several recipes, from sea bream tartare with wasabi and truffles, to baked potatoes with a drizzle of truffle oil. Besides the lip-smacking food, the restaurant features earthy tones that make it feel warm, with beautiful wood and stone furnishings, chandeliers, and lighting that can be dimmed to create an intimate setting.
  • Oliviera: One of the finest restaurants that serves Mediterranean cuisine is Oliviera, located in Vieux Nice, a historic quarter. The restaurant prepares food with hand-picked olive, which enhances the flavours. Some of the must-try dishes here include the tartare with olive oil, from the Alpes de Haute Provence. Aubergine Oliviera, is another popular dish made of eggplant, grilled red peppers, goat’s cheese, and a generous amount of Bouteillan olive oil.

Shopping in Nice

  • Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya: What can be more pretty than the city itself? Flowers. This open-air market with shops covered in awnings is one of the prettiest sights to sigh at in Nice. It has a fresh atmosphere with many varieties of flowers and fragrances. We all know that markets are the heart of a city, so make sure to explore Marché aux Fleurs and Cours Saleya to buy some flowers. The market is closed on Monday and Sunday afternoon.
  • Trésors Publics: To buy souvenirs for your loved ones, head to Trésors Publics. This shop is not only a gift and souvenir shop, but it is also a tourist attraction. It has several French goodies for sale, woollen berets, handmade gift cards, soaps, and more.
  • Carrefour Nice Lingostiere: Visit Carrefour Nice Lingostiere if you want everything in one place. It is the biggest supermarket in Nice and one of the largest chains in France. You can basically find everything here, from grocery stores to gift shops, medical stores, clothing shops, and more. This market is where you get to experience local life, since many people come here for their daily shopping.
  • La Maison Auer: One of the best places to shop for candied fruits and chocolate almonds is at La Maison Auer. This shop off the Cours Saleya is famed for its mouth-watering chocolates. If you have a sweet tooth, this is a must-visit place. La Maison Auer has been selling chocolates for over 200 years, and it also charmed Queen Victoria.

Where to stay in Nice?

  • Le Méridien Nice: Located at the Promenade des Anglais, Le Méridien Nice is a beautiful hotel facing the Mediterranean Sea. The highlight of the hotel is their rooftop terrace, and an outdoor swimming pool that offers a panoramic view of the sea and the city. Apart from offering the finest services a guest can ask for, the hotel provides a fitness centre and spa, among other amenities.
  • Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée: Hyatt is a world-renowned hotel chain, and Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée is eco-certified by Green Globe. Guests may not need to venture outside since the hotel has everything a you can ask for. This hotel has an on-site casino, as well as a hammam and a sauna, an indoor and outdoor pool, restaurants and bars, and a fitness centre.
  • La Malmaison Nice Boutique Hotel: Located in the heart of the city, this hotel is just off the Promenade des Anglais. This boutique hotel has beautiful, large French windows, soundproofed rooms, and activities like local tours and excursions. It is not as glamorous as other hotels around Nice, but it provides a quaint ambience and a cosy atmosphere. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from Old Nice and a few meters from the Nice-Ville Train Station.
  • Hotel Le Negresco: Overlooking the beach at the Promenade des Anglais, the hotel has glamorous and grand interiors and exterior. Every room in the hotel features period furniture, large windows that open to balconies, and other luxury amenities. Hotel Le Negresco has an on-site fitness centre, a British style bar, and La Rotonde restaurant serving delicious gourmet meals. Guests also have access to a private beach.

More reasons to visit Nice

  • Nice Carnival: Every year, for two weeks in February, the city is decorated with flowers and lights. This festival has its origins in the Catholic tradition of merrymaking prior to Lent. This event is very popular, and draws crowds from all over the world. During the carnival, people can rejoice and watch the fabulous parades that showcase different kinds of giant puppets called "grosses têtes."
  • Sightseeing Cruise: One of the reasons to visit Nice is to appreciate the Mediterranean landscape by taking a sightseeing cruise. The area around Nice is surrounded by picturesque scenery, from the stunning coastline of Villefranche-sur-Mer to the cerulean waters of the Baie des Anges. The Coastal Cruise is for an hour and departs from the Port of Nice, travels to Baie des Anges, and sails through the coastline. It is an experience you need to have.

 

Visa and Immigration

There is no such thing as a bad time to travel to Nice, the only thing that matters is getting your France visa on time. So, if you do not want your visa to be rejected and avoid any potential delays, check out our website for detailed information. France is a member of the European Union, and a part of the Schengen Area, so, you need a Schengen visa. This visa allows travellers to enter France for a period of 90 days. Remember to keep your travel documents updated and ready before the date of departure.

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