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Nice with Promenade des Anglais, the old town and the Mediterranean ☀️ Côte d’Azur · City and beach
France travel guide

Nice

Promenade des Anglais, colourful markets, Mediterranean life and some of the Riviera’s best day trips – Nice combines city culture, beaches and southern French atmosphere in one effortless break.

Nice is equally rewarding for a long weekend or a longer stay. Along Baie des Anges, palms, beaches and elegant façades line the waterfront, while Vieux Nice offers narrow lanes, intimate squares, markets and restaurants shaped by both French and Italian influences.

With frequent rail connections to Monaco, Èze, Antibes and Cannes, Nice is also one of the best bases for exploring the Côte d’Azur without a car.

City and beach Food and culture Day trips by train
Best forA city break combined with beaches and excursions
Ideal forLong weekends, couples, friends and families
Easy to exploreMany highlights are within comfortable walking distance
A good base forRail journeys along the entire Côte d’Azur
Highlights

Experience Nice

Begin with the classic sights, but leave time for small squares, local markets and an evening beside the sea.

Find tours and activities
Suggested itinerary

Nice in 1, 3 or 5 days

Choose the length of your stay and follow an easy itinerary combining city life, beaches, food and excursions.

A perfect day in Nice

See the essentials without rushing from place to place. This itinerary balances the old town, panoramic views, the beach and a relaxed evening in the centre.

MorningBegin in the old town and browse the market on Cours Saleya.
Late morningWalk up to Colline du Château for views across the city and harbour.
AfternoonHave lunch, stroll along Promenade des Anglais and go for a swim.
EveningDinner in Vieux Nice followed by a relaxed end to the day on Place Masséna.
Find the right neighbourhood

Where to stay in Nice

Location shapes your stay more than the hotel category. Choose your neighbourhood according to whether you value old-town atmosphere, the beach, tranquillity or easy transport.

Best for atmosphere

Vieux Nice

Narrow lanes, restaurants, bars and easy access to Cours Saleya and the sea.

Choose this area for atmosphere and evening life.
Central and elegant

Carré d’Or

A pleasant area between the city centre, seafront and main shopping streets.

A strong choice for a first visit.
Best for the beach

Promenade des Anglais

Seafront hotels, beach clubs and long walks beside the Mediterranean.

Choose a sea view when the budget allows.
Local and lively

Port Lympia

A harbour district with cafés, restaurants and a more local atmosphere.

Ideal for travellers who prefer to stay away from the busiest streets.
Practical base

Near the railway station

Convenient for day trips to Monaco, Cannes, Antibes and other places along the coast.

Best when excursions are a major part of your stay.
Selected places to stay

Hotels in Nice

Here are all the hotels we have selected in Nice, across categories and price levels. Use the map to compare locations and distances from the city’s main sights.

Hôtel Negresco★★★★★
Promenade des Anglais

Hôtel Negresco

5-star hotel in Nice with spa, restaurant options and beach access and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Boscolo Nice Hôtel & Spa★★★★★
Victor Hugo / centre

Boscolo Nice Hôtel & Spa

5-star hotel in Nice with spa, restaurant options and pool and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Anantara Plaza Nice★★★★★
Avenue de Verdun / centre

Anantara Plaza

5-star hotel in Nice with spa, restaurant options and terrace and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Radisson Blu Hotel Nice★★★★
Promenade des Anglais

Radisson Blu Hotel Nice

4-star hotel in Nice with restaurant options, terrace and pool and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Hôtel Byakko Nice Centre★★★
Nice-Ville

Hôtel Byakko Nice Centre

3-star hotel in Nice with terrace, beach access and old town and a comfortable, well-located feel.

ibis Nice Centre Gare★★★
Nice-Ville

ibis Nice Centre Gare

3-star hotel in Nice with restaurant options, terrace and pool and a comfortable, well-located feel.

Hôtel Esprit d’Azur★★★
Acropolis / Garibaldi

Hôtel Esprit d’Azur

3-star hotel in Nice with harbour access and old town and a comfortable, well-located feel.

easyHotel Nice Palais des Congrès★★★
Palais des Congrès

easyHotel Nice Palais des Congrès

3-star hotel in Nice with old town, parking and family-friendly room options and a comfortable, well-located feel.

The map shows our selected hotels in Nice. Select a marker for a photograph and further information.
Camping and motorhomes

Camping in and around Nice

The map finds campsites around Nice, Antibes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Vence and the wider Côte d’Azur, ordered by distance from central Nice. Select a marker for a photograph, practical details and the campsite’s official website.

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City and seaside

Beaches in Nice

Free

Public beaches

Bring a towel or beach mat and choose one of the public areas along Promenade des Anglais.

Comfort

Private beach clubs

Hire a sunbed and parasol, and combine swimming with lunch or drinks beside the water.

Quieter

Towards the harbour

Explore smaller swimming spots to the east or make the short journey to Villefranche-sur-Mer for a different beach experience.

More of the Côte d’Azur

Four easy day trips from Nice

Nice is one of the best bases on the Riviera, and the railway makes it easy to explore several destinations without a car.

Explore further

More to experience from Nice

Continue with the full city guide, plan a wine tasting or combine your stay with a ferry journey to Corsica.

Nice with the Mediterranean and Riviera atmosphere
Full city guide

Nice – history, sights and activities

Read the in-depth guide with historical background, sights, activities, excursions and ideas for several days in the city.

Read the Nice guide →
Wine tasting in Nice
Wine and flavours

Wine tasting in Nice

Discover wine bars, guided tastings and regional flavours from Provence and the surrounding area.

Read about wine tasting →
Ferry from Nice to Corsica
Continue to Corsica

Ferries from Nice

Let the Mediterranean crossing begin the next stage of your journey, whether travelling with a car or as a foot passenger.

View ferry information →
Read more

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