France travel guide

Nice

The heart of the Côte d’Azur – a sunny Mediterranean city where beach life, culture, elegant boulevards and relaxed Riviera atmosphere come together in one of southern France’s most complete destinations.

Nice is the very heart of the Côte d’Azur – a sunny coastal city where culture and elegance come together. With its famous seaside promenade, turquoise water and pastel-coloured old town, the city is a natural starting point for exploring the French Riviera.

Here you find a rare balance between relaxed holiday feeling, classic French city life and the closeness of the sea that sets the tone for the whole stay. In Nice, Italian and French traditions meet in the architecture, food culture and atmosphere.

Nice also offers world-class art – from the Matisse Museum to Colline du Château. At the same time, Monaco, Cannes and smaller Riviera towns are only a short train ride away. With its combination of beach life, urban energy and culture.

City guide

Experiences

10 things to do

Nice is one of the most atmospheric cities on the French Riviera, where beach life, old lanes, markets, viewpoints and Mediterranean mood blend naturally.

The city works just as well for a long weekend as for a longer stay, and many of the best experiences are within comfortable walking distance.

Stroll along Promenade des Anglais and enjoy the view over Baie des Anges and the iconic shoreline.
Explore the old town with narrow streets, colourful façades, small squares and lively restaurants.
Visit Colline du Château and enjoy panoramic views over the city, sea and harbour.
Take a swim on the city beach and enjoy clear Mediterranean water right by the centre.
Experience the atmosphere of the Cours Saleya market, with flowers, local delicacies and Provençal character.
Visit Musée Matisse and learn more about the artist who had a close connection to the city.
See Place Masséna, one of the city’s best-known meeting places, with fountains and classic Riviera atmosphere.
Take a day trip to Monaco or Cannes by train and experience more of the coast without a long journey.
Walk up to the waterfall in the castle park and enjoy one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area.
Taste local specialities such as socca, pissaladière and other classic dishes from Nice’s kitchen.

Gastronomy

Restaurants

Food experiences

Nice offers a cuisine that combines Mediterranean flavours, Provençal traditions and Italian influences, from gourmet restaurants and classic brasseries to small local addresses.

Whether you want a refined dinner with sea views or an authentic Niçoise lunch in the old town, the restaurant scene is an important part of the experience.

Le Chantecler – Michelin-starred restaurant at Le Negresco with classic elegance and refined gastronomy.
Restaurant JAN – One of Nice’s most distinctive gourmet addresses, with a Michelin star and a personal signature.
Le Safari – Lively restaurant on Cours Saleya, perfect for lunch or dinner in the old town.
Peixes – Modern seafood restaurant with a creative style and informal atmosphere.
Le Plongeoir – Spectacular restaurant above the sea with one of the city’s most unique locations.
La Rossettisserie – Friendly bistro in the old town known for its local dishes.
Boccaccio – Elegant seafood restaurant near Place Masséna with classic Riviera character.
Le Panier – Charming restaurant with a creative menu and personal atmosphere in the old town.
Olive & Artichaut – Modern bistro with seasonal dishes and a clear focus on flavour.
La Merenda – Iconic and authentic address if you want to taste classic Niçoise cooking.

Tip: Try socca, the local chickpea speciality, and also taste a genuine salade niçoise when you want to experience the city’s classic cuisine.

Riviera guide Côte d’Azur and Nice on the French Riviera

Côte d’Azur – timeless Riviera elegance

Côte d’Azur, or the French Riviera, is one of Europe’s most iconic coastlines. With its dazzling Mediterranean light, azure sea, palm-lined promenades and glamorous history, the area has been a refuge for artists, royals, film stars and pleasure-seekers for more than a century, drawn by the climate, scenery and distinctive Riviera lifestyle.

The region stretches along the south-eastern coast of France – from the Italian border to the area around Saint-Tropez – and offers a unique combination of luxury, culture, nature and charm, with elegant resorts, picturesque villages, beaches, coastal walks and scenic viewpoints close at hand.

The French Riviera One-week route Coastal towns and elegance

Wine tasting in Nice

Nice and surroundings Riviera flavours

Wine tasting in Nice is not only about vineyards. The city offers intimate wine bars, guided tastings in old stone cellars and sommelier-led experiences with Provence rosé, Rhône wines and elegant Burgundies.

Read more about wine tasting in Nice →

Ferry

Ferries from Nice to Corsica

Nice – Corsica Flexible travel

Travelling by ferry from Nice to Corsica is an atmospheric way to combine the French Riviera with one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular islands.

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