4 Days to Paradise: Your Guide to Nice, France
Experience the charm and glamour of the French Riviera in Nice.
22 April 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
As a tourist visiting Nice, France, one can expect a beautiful coastal getaway filled with sun, sea, and sand. The charming city offers a plethora of activities, including strolling along the famous Promenade des Anglais, enjoying the local cuisine in Old Town, and exploring cultural landmarks such as the Matisse Museum and the Castle Hill. The vibrant nightlife and stunning French Riviera scenery create an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a relaxing yet exciting vacation.
Travel plan
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- Check into the hip & happening Hotel Ozz, where the decor is as bold and colorful as the city itself.
- Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, taking in the dazzling sea views and palm trees that make Nice famous.
- Visit the colorful Cours Saleya Market, where you can sample local fare like socca (a crispy chickpea pancake) and fragrant flowers.
- Stop by the charming Musée Matisse to admire the art of one of France's most celebrated artists.
- Catch the golden hour at Castle Hill, where the panoramic views of Nice will take your breath away.
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- Take a day trip to the nearby villages of Eze, St. Paul de Vence, and Antibes.
- In Eze, hike to the Jardin Exotique to see cacti and succulents amid stunning Mediterranean views.
- In cosmopolitan Antibes, visit the Musée Picasso, housed in a medieval castle.
- In St. Paul de Vence, wander the winding streets of one of France's most beautiful villages, filled with art galleries and boutiques.
- Stop for lunch at Le Michelangelo, a cozy family-owned restaurant in Eze with views of the sea and the hills.
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- Treat yourself to a spa day, starting with a soak in the thermal waters at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo.
- Indulge in a seafood feast at A Buteghinna, where fresh catches from the market are cooked to perfection.
- Take a scenic drive to the hillside village of La Turbie, which boasts gorgeous views of Monaco and the surrounding sea.
- Visit the Palais Lascaris, a 17th-century palace turned musical instrument museum.
- End the day with a cocktail or two at the trendy rooftop bar at the Radisson Blu hotel, enjoying the panoramic views of Nice.
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- Bask in the sunshine at one of the many beaches along the Promenade des Anglais.
- Visit the vibrant Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, featuring works by Yves Klein and Andy Warhol.
- Have a Provençal lunch at the charming La Fille du Pêcheur, nestled in the heart of Vieux Nice.
- Catch a wave (or just watch the surfers) at the Marina Baie des Anges.
- Take a serene stroll through the picturesque Parc Phoenix, with its tropical plants, waterfalls, and aviaries.
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Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Nice, France by plane is to fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is located about 6 kilometers southwest of the city center of Nice. Many airlines offer flights to the airport, including Air France, Ryanair, and EasyJet. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or train to get to your final destination.
Car
If you have access to a car, driving to Nice can be a scenic and enjoyable experience. The A8 motorway connects Nice with major French cities like Marseille and Paris. However, traffic can be heavy during peak travel times, so it's best to plan accordingly and avoid rush hour traffic.
Train
If you are traveling from within France, you can take a train to Nice Ville train station, which is located in the heart of the city. The train station is served by TGV high-speed trains and regional TER trains, with connections to major cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. The journey time varies depending on your starting location.
Boat
While there are no direct ferry services to Nice, you can take a cruise to the nearby port cities of Marseille or Cannes and then transfer to Nice by train or car. Some popular cruise lines that stop in these cities include MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Alternatively, you can take a yacht or sailboat and dock at Nice's Port Lympia or Port de Nice marinas.
Bus
If you are on a budget, the best option to get to Nice by bus is to take a coach from major cities like Paris or Marseille. Eurolines and Flixbus are two popular bus companies that offer routes to Nice from various locations throughout Europe. The journey time can be long, but it's an affordable option for those looking to save money on transportation.