There's no better way to take in the beauty and energy of Nice than stepping along the Promenade des Anglais. Watch soft teal waves lap against the pebbles of the beach from one of the seaside cafes, alternating between sips of Perrier (French sparkling water) and une noisette (a variation of a macchiato). Curving along more than 5-kilometres of Mediterranean coastline, the hour plus walk is the perfect introduction to the sophisticated French Riviera.
NICE
TRAVEL IN NICE
The city of Nice sits nestled along the glorious French Riviera, comfortably basking between sparkling Mediterranean ocean and the densely green Alps. There are not many places in the world quite like Nice, whose name alone conjures images of glamour, sophistication and a uniquely French way of life- with a seaside twist. Year round, Nice lures visitors from around the globe, eager to walk through the crumbling, history-filled streets before finding a restaurant on the Promenade des Anglais where an afternoon can be wasted over crusty, oil-dipped bread, Salade Niçoise, and a little too much French champagne and sunshine. When a stint in the shade is in order, travellers find plenty of things to do in Nice, from admiring the audacious works of revolutionary painter Henri Matisse at Musee Matisse to roaming the opulent feast of greenery and scenery at Parc de la Colline du Château. Lazy afternoons could be spent indulging in Nice's quintessential street-food experience of Socca chickpea crêpe, whilst wandering around pink peonies and jars of homemade pesto, chatting to local farmers and makers at the Cours Saleya Market. Consider timing your Nice travel with one of the city's many special festivals held throughout the year, such as Nice Carnival in February, European Night of Museums in May, World Music Day in June, and a festival of short film in November. The French Riviera might seem like a summer destination, but trust us when we tell you that the city of Nice is alive and vibrant all year round.
FAST FACTS
Language: French
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter France.
Dialing Code: +33
Time Zone: (GMT +01:00 / CEST)
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THINGS TO DO IN NICE
Stroll down the Promenade des Anglais
Enjoy the views and waterfall of Parc de la Colline du Château
You know you're in France when an art-deco elevator transports you into the arms of a waterfall. The site of Parc de la Colline du Château is an opulent feast of greenery rich in history, even if its cascade is an artificial creation. Many significant archeological discoveries have been made on the land, and it was once the site of a medieval castle before it was destroyed in 1706. An endlessly romantic setting with views of the both the Alps and the ocean, it's an integral part of Nice travel.
Discover the famous paintings at Musée Marc Chagall
Found in a chic minimalist building in the leafy Cimiez district, the museum of Marc Chagall isn't one to visit just for the artworks. Known as one of the greatest Jewish painters of all time, the 97 years of Chagall's life spanned extraordinary eras of European history, references through his artwork collection spanning paintings, stained glass windows, ceramics, tapestries, fine art prints and more. Known as the pioneer and inspiration behind many artistic styles and movements, admiring his works in Nice is a colourful lesson in art history.
Shop at Cours Saleya Market
Bunches of oversized pink peonies, jars of homemade pesto, floral soap bars, and mountains of cherries. These are just some of the goodies found at the charming Cours Saleya Market in Nice. A great place to practice your s'il vous plaît (pleas) and je vous remercie (thank you), you'll be welcomed by friendly locals, many who grow or produce their items in the fertile hills found on the outskirts of Nice.
Walk around Parc Phoenix
Madagascan lemurs and flamingos aren't the most likely suspects on a day of Nice sightseeing, but that's precisely what you'll get visiting Parc Phoenix. Home to one of the biggest greenhouses in Europe as well as some 2,500 plant species that span 20 well-manicured gardens, this setting is a true oasis and greenery and wildlife. Working tirelessly to protect some critically endangered species, visiting Parc Phoenix means a lot more than just admiring pretty creatures in a comfortable and picturesque habitat.
Watch football at the new Allianz Riviera stadium
An extravagant 250 million euros were spent building Nice's Allianz Riviera stadium, which opened to the world just 5-years ago. Though Beyoncé and Jay-Z have graced crowds of thousands within the arena, it's a football match that should really be observed in this impressive stadium. Join some 30,000 other football fanatics and watch the passion and spirit of European soccer; many of the OGC Nice resident football club games are held here.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN NICE
Films, music, sports and art are just some of the themes that grip the festival of events held each year in Nice. Sign up for a flamboyant Carnival and creep through museums at midnight - timing your Nice travel adventure with a festival is not a decision you'll regret.
Fête de la Musique - Music
World Music Day has been celebrated in France each year on June 21st since 1981, urging international music onto the streets and into public spaces. In Nice you can expect bars and restaurants to be overflowing, with anything from classical performances to traditional folk duos on display in the city's streets.
Nice Carnival - Culture
Nice Carnival is an extravagant display of parades held for around 2-weeks each February, with flowers and light displays taking centre stage. The costumes are nothing short of spectacular, worth watching from the paid seating areas.
Festival C'est Trop Court - Film
The European Short Film Festival takes hold of Nice each November, offering workshops, talks, cinematic showings and all manner of film events. It's a chance to dabble in the elegance of French cinema right here in the country's Riviera.
La Nuit des Musées - Culture
All the big names open their doors on this special night of May, when museums across Europe celebrate "European Night of Museums". Naïve Art Museum, MAMAC, Matisse Museum, and the Archeology Museum are just some of the spots that will open their doors for free in the moonlight hours.
Ironman France Nice Triathlon - Sports
The iconic Ironman contest takes over Nice with a scenic triathlon that sees athletes biking through the Alps, diving through the Mediterranean and dashing through the city's historic streets. The 156-kilometre circuit has been running since 1982, drawing in an international crowd to both partake and admire.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS & GALLERIES IN NICE
If you imagined Nice to be a sleepy Riviera town with very little to do and see, the museum collection should quickly change that misconception. To get started swan between contemporary art at MAMAC museum and bold works by a revolutionary artist at Musee Matisse, finishing in the peachy coloured museum of Beaux-Arts.
Musee des Beaux-Arts
Once the private residence of a Ukrainian Princess, the peachy mansion now hosting Musee des Beaux-Arts boasts an art collection that span four centuries. The museum first opened in 1928 and was named after Nice native Jules Chéret, who is often called the inventor of the modern poster.
Musee d’art moderne et d’art contemporain M.A.M.A.C
As one would expect from a French museum of modern art, MAMAC offers a sophisticated slice of the contemporary art world. Highlighting Nice's role in important art movements, it displays works of new realists, pop, fluxus, minimal and conceptual art.
Musee Matisse
A revolutionary French painter whose bright, bold works are still globally adored, stepping into Musee Matisse pays homage to Henri Matisse, an artist in the league of Picasso. Open since 1963 the museum does not just hold his collages and paintings, but also many of his personal belongings including documents, tapestries and ceramics.
Palais Lascaris
If all the flamboyance of MAMAC and Matisse leave you craving neutral hues and and ancient elegance, Palais Lascaris is the place to visit. A museum of musical instruments some 500 objects strong, found in an aristocratic building from the 17th century, it's a feature of any good Nice travel guide.
Asian Arts Museum
The Asian Arts Museum sits nested beside a tranquil lake overlooking Phoenix Park, offering visitors a striking collection of arts from across continental Asia. Sitting in a distinctly modern building designed by a Japanese architect, the institution and its setting offer a welcomed juxtaposition to the other museums in Nice.
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FOOD IN NICE
Find the word 'Niçoise' and you're onto a local delicacy, translating literally to "in the style of Nice". From a chickpea crêpe to a fresh tuna salad, with a hearty stew and serve of Ratatouille thrown in for good measure, there's no shortage of culinary delights here in seaside Nice.
Socca
The quintessential Nice street-food experience, the chickpea flour variation of a crêpe is a sheer delight. Often served before a meal and enjoyed with a chilled glass of wine, it is served quite simply with a sprinkling of fresh rosemary, sea-salt and course pepper.
Best eaten at - Socca d'Or à Nice, 45 Rue Bonaparte, 06300
Best eaten at - Socca d'Or à Nice, 45 Rue Bonaparte, 06300
Salade NiçoiseSalade Niçoise
The quintessential Nice street-food experience, the chickpea flour variation of a crêpe is a sheer delight. Often served before a meal and enjoyed with a chilled glass of wine, it is served quite simply with a sprinkling of fresh rosemary, sea-salt and course pepper.
Best eaten at - Socca d'Or à Nice, 45 Rue Bonaparte, 06300
La Daube Niçoise
A hearty stew of beef, red wine, bacon and onion, the popular French dish of daube has a unique spin in Nice. Three local ingredients are usually found in the "niçoise" edition; porcini mushrooms, cayenne pepper, and local brandy.
Best eaten at– La Table Alziari, 4 Rue François Zanin, 06300
Best eaten at– La Table Alziari, 4 Rue François Zanin, 06300
Ratatouille
Vegetarians will rejoice at this flavoursome local favourite, a vegetable stew based on a rich tomato sauce with sautéed garlic, zucchini, eggplant, and plenty of basil. It's cooked traditionally at the family run restaurant of La Rossettisserie, best finished with dessert of pana cotta.
Best eaten at - La Rossettisserie, 8 Rue Mascoinat, 06300
Best eaten at - La Rossettisserie, 8 Rue Mascoinat, 06300
Le Pan Bagnat
If the Salade Niçoise doesn't seem satisfying enough for your likings, try it crammed in a crunchy baguette referred to in Nice as 'le pan bagnat'. A hearty tuna snack that's easy to consume when walking the streets - obviously a Nice travel essential.
Best eaten at - La Gratta, 56 Boulevard Stalingrad, 06300
Best eaten at - La Gratta, 56 Boulevard Stalingrad, 06300
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