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Lisa Mackinnon, Senior Short Break Specialist

"For those looking for a glimpse of the real France, or just a fun night out, Nice mixes old world charm with a modern and lively nightlife. Among its many attractions the famous Promenade des Anglais is my favourite, try one of the many cafes along the beachfront or just relax and watch the amazing sunset. Cours Saleya is a must, where the beautiful flower market takes place, showing an array of interesting museums and Roman ruins. You’ll want to extend your trip!"

Nice at a glance

Nice delights the visitor with its flower market, stunning coastline, beachfront bars and fabulous shopping. It is the unofficial capital of the Cote d’Azure, or as it is widely known, the French Riviera.

Framed by the picturesque Mediterranean Sea and the distant Ligurian Alps, Nice gained popularity during the latter half of the 18th century when English aristocratic families began to increasingly spend their winters abroad in the temperate region. Today, the mild climate continues to attract visitors seeking the beautiful vistas of the famous Promenade des Anglais, the city’s main seaside attraction.

Charming, aged city streets in the old town provide a host of fashionable shops, cafés and galleries to enjoy in the shadow of historic terracotta houses. The pedestrianised street of Cours Saleya offers visitors a true taste of the old town when the wonderful colour and scents of the flower market flood the square every morning in true Nice la Belle style.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

  • Beachfront attractions
  • High end shopping
  • Art and culture

Getting around

The scenic coastline of Nice is best enjoyed by foot along the Promenade des Anglais. Most of the popular sites are located within the city centre and easily accessible by foot.

Public transport in Nice consists of a bus and train network. There is also a tram that connects the suburbs to the city centre.

Shopping

Nice is home to some of the fashion industry’s most renowned brands such as Chanel and Sonia Rykiel and high end designer labels are the focus of many of the boutiques and larger shops in the city.

Looking for something other than the latest fashion trends? Explore one of the city’s many open air markets, selling everything from flowers and fresh produce to handcrafted soap, artwork and souvenirs.

Dining in Nice

With a notable appreciation for French culinary expertise, Nice combines the best of Mediterranean flavours to produce its own take on regional favourites with the addition of some of its own creations as well.

Dishes tend to focus on fresh produce and seafood, often seasoned with herbs and olive oil popular to the region.

Must-try local dishes:

  • Salad Niçoise – a quintessential Nice salad with lettuce, hard boiled eggs, olives, french beans and potatoes, often topped with anchovies and sometimes tuna
  • Socca – a thin, chickpea bread that is crispy on the edges and custard-like inside
  • Pissaladière – a thick, pizza-like bread topped with onions, garlic and anchovies

Osprey Holidays top tips

Head to the Cours Saleya in the old city first thing in the morning in order to experience the wonderful colour and scents of the flower market and adjoining fruit and vegetable market.

For amazing coastal views, head up Castle Hill, although visitors must climb steep steps, there is a free elevator for an easier way up!

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Nice designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

  • All travel and transfers on days of your choice
  • Accommodation from our handpicked range of Nice hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

Important information
Population 344,875
Languages French
Currency Euro
Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens
Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Interesting facts

Wander through the streets of the Old Town (Vieux Nice) to find the best local restaurants and most interesting shops.

Distance from airports
Nice 6km
Railway stations
Gare de Nice-Ville

Things to do in Nice

  • Cours Saleya: The central square in the Old Town where the famous flower market is held.
  • Promenade des Anglais: Great for an evening stroll, this famous promenade overlooks Nice’s renowned city beach.
  • Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: Home to a vast collection of French and American art from the 1960s to the present day.
  • Place Masséna: A picturesque square in the Old Town which is a great place to people-watch.
  • Trains Touristiques de Nice: A scenic train tour which leaves from the Promenade des Anglais and is a great way to see Nice.

Tours and Excursions

Old Nice and Castle Hill

Discover the best of Nice on this walking tour with a local guide. Admire the Belle Époque architecture as you stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and soak up the atmosphere in the narrow streets and squares of the Old Town. Take in the amazing sights and smells of the famous Cours Saleya flower market before heading up to Castle Hill for panoramic views of the city.

Monaco and Eze Small Group Tour

Enjoy spectacular views along the Mediterranean coast as you travel from Nice to the medieval village of Eze and then across the border to Monaco. Perched up high amid stunning scenery, Eze is known for its craft shops and perfumeries, while Monte Carlo is a renowned playground for the rich and famous. The old town is charming and offers yet more views and you will have free time to explore before taking the Lower Corniche coast road back to Nice.

Grasse, Gourdon, Valbonne & Wine Tasting 

Spend the day amongst the beautiful countryside and rugged hills of Provence. In the picturesque town of Grasse you will visit the Fragonard Perfumery to learn the history behind perfume and take in the amazing scents of lavender, jasmine and orange blossom. Continue on to the quaint villages of Valbonne and Gourdon for stunning views of the Cote d’Azur, before ending the day at Chateau de Cremat winery to sample some of the local wines.

 

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.