Nice la Belle (Nice the Beautiful), or Nice as it is most commonly known, certainly lives up to its name. The beautiful view on the Promenade des Anglais which runs along its famous waterfront is known worldwide as a distinct highlight of this ethnically diverse port city. An equally beautiful sight, the curve round the Bay of Angels is something that sticks in the minds of visitors for life. Despite its reputation for glamour, Nice is a city that offers something for everyone. Come to this fantastic city to enjoy walks through streets lined with beautiful buildings and plenty of shopping options by day, and a fresh seafood dinner by night seated in a restaurant set against a backdrop of blue skies, sparkling sea and sub-tropical greenery.
Where to stay
Has the culture, sun and riches of this wonderful Mediterranean city grabbed your attention? Then choose it as your next holiday destination! HomeToGo allows you to live on the French Riviera as if you were a local. The site offers a variety of rentals corresponding to your desires. Whether you're looking with accommodation type, neighborhood or price in mind, HomeToGo will make it very easy to find a studio, loft apartment or holiday home that meets your expectations. Book an apartment close to Place Massena so you don’t have to swag your shopping bags too far along. Or how about a bed and breakfast next to the famous Promenade des Anglais where a nice stroll can be enjoyed following a delicious breakfast prepared by the host. Plenty of holiday homes next to the beach are also on offer!
Fun Facts
- Nice is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Evidence of habitation there dates back 400,000 years!
- Nice’s coat of arms contains a red eagle on white background, placed on three mountains!
- Nice is the most popular city in France after Paris!
- The Port of Nice is the first port cement manufacturer in France!
- Since 1860, a cannon is shot in Nice at twelve o'clock sharp. This tradition dates back to Sir Thomas Coventry whose intention was to remind the citizens of having lunch on time!
Things to see and do in Nice
Upon arriving in the beautiful city, pick up a rental bike from Blue Bicycle and head to the famous Promenade des Anglais. Cycle along the promenade for a bit and soak up the sun. Stop after a bit to refresh with a drink on the roof of the Hotel Negresco where one can enjoy a stunning view over the Baie des Anges, the emblem of the French Riviera. Continue along to Cours Saleya which is the main pedestrian street of the old town. This area is best known for housing the famous flower market where a wide selection of local products and crafts can be found. Those looking to consume a home cooked dinner in their holiday apartment can pick up some fresh fish which is caught and sold daily at the local fish market. Take the bike back out the next day and cycle to a nearby beach. Although public beaches in Nice consist more of large, flat stones rather than golden sand, they are a nice place to sit with a book and work on your tan!
Those who love to shop should get themselves to downtown Nice and beautiful Place Massena which is lined with colourful buildings of Italian architecture. Let yourself be tempted by shops ranging from cheap to luxurious, offering the elegance of French fashion. Uniquely decorated buildings date back to the 17th century, and boast an Ottoman style which makes them real works of art. To be further introduced to the culture of Nice, make sure to visit its wonderful museums. The Chagall Museum will amaze you with its exceptional collection of paintings as well as the beauty of the architecture and gardens. Any fans of the famous painter Matisse can visit the Musée Matisse Museum.
Eating and drinking in Nice
Nice has some mouthwatering delicacies to offer to its visitors. “Socca" which is a chickpea flatbread is a local specialty, as is "Pan Bagnat" a sandwich filled with delicious tuna fish. Seafood features prominently in Nicoise cuisine. Many restaurants in the area specialise in sea-urchin and oysters, as well as the local dish of Soupe de Poisson, fish soup made with chili aioli, croutons, and grated cheese. Don’t leave Nice without making a trip to Fennochio's in Place Rossetti to sample their world famous ice-cream.
Getting around
Nice Airport is one of the busiest in France, and is most likely the arrival point of visitors to the city coming from outside France. It is easy to get to Central Nice or the Nice Ville Train Station by jumping on board the airport express bus. The small Nice St Augustin Train Station is located close to the airport and offers connections to Nice. Visitors can also arrive by boat, whether it be on their own boat or aboard a ferry service. In-land travellers can connect to Nice by train or bus. Nice is connected to the rest of France via the SNCF train network. Long-distance buses connect cities throughout France. Anyone travelling from nearby cities outside France may also have the option to reach Nice by train or bus. The A8 autoroute presents a pleasant journey for those wishing to drive to the city.
A 100 or more Lignes d'Azur bus routes operate across Nice. The longer distance TAM buses also stop at points throughout the city. Nice has no metro line and is instead served by the national French railway SNCF, which serves the main Riviera towns between Cannes and Ventimiglia across the border in Italy, including a daily commute to Monaco. It is easy to get around the city using public transportation and is much more recommended than travelling by car as the region has one of the highest accident records in France. Visitors should also avoid using a taxi to get around as they are notoriously expensive. Many visitors will most likely concentrate on exploring the old town and the central shopping districts which is easy to do on foot.
