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Nice is a glorious seaside town in France home to world-class museums, exquisite restaurants, miles of stunning coastline, and a pleasant climate all year round. The city is within easy reach of the UK, so it makes for a great weekend break. Brightsun Travel offers cheap holidays to Nice including a superb package offer to the Hôtel Relais Acropolis Nice - a small and comfortable boutique accommodation located next to the famous Congres Acropolis Palace.
There are plenty of exciting experiences to enjoy in Nice; you can start by immersing yourself in culture, visiting trendy art galleries, then spend an afternoon shopping in Rue de France, followed by a swim in the dazzling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Town is another highlight of Nice, where you can get lost in a labyrinth of narrow winding streets and get a feel of the Niçoise culture.
20 Boulevard Risso, 06300 Nice, France
223 Prom. des Anglais, 06200 Nice, France
The city has an efficient public transport system with buses and trams operated by Lignes d'Azur. You can buy tickets at tram stations or from bus drivers (though it’s cheaper at the machines). Nice is bike-friendly with Vélobleu, the city’s bike-sharing programme. You can rent bikes from various stations scattered around town. The city is also very walkable, especially in the Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice (Old Town), and port areas.
When in Nice, ensure you get a taste of the local specialities including Niçoise salad – a fresh salad made with tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies or tuna, olives, and a variety of vegetables, Socca -a chickpea flatbread traditionally served hot and sprinkled with pepper, Pissaladière - a type of pizza with caramelised onions, anchovies, and olives, and Pan Bagnat, a sandwich version of Niçoise salad, popular for picnics.
You can also sample delicious local wines from nearby regions like Provence and Bellet, Nice’s local wine appellation.
Nice Carnival (February) - one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, featuring parades, flower battles, and elaborate floats.
Nice Jazz Festival (July) - an annual festival that hosts top international and French artists.
Fête de la Musique (June) - a nationwide celebration of music with free concerts across the city.
Avenue Jean Médecin - this is the main shopping street in Nice, with everything from high-street brands to department stores like Galeries Lafayette.
Old Town markets - Cours Saleya is great for local products, food, and antiques.
Local souvenirs - lavender products, olive oil, ceramics, and wine from the region are popular souvenirs.
Promenade des Anglais
The most iconic site in Nice, this long, palm-lined seafront promenade stretches 7 km along the Mediterranean coast. Ideal for walking, cycling, or relaxing by the beach, it offers beautiful views of the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). The promenade is also home to luxury hotels, such as the famous Hôtel Negresco.
Vieux Nice / Nice Old Town
The historic heart of Nice, Vieux Nice is a charming maze of narrow streets with colourful pastel buildings. Here you'll find quaint boutiques, restaurants, and markets like the famous Cours Saleya. Don’t miss Place Rossetti, home to the beautiful Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate and the best gelato shops in town.
Castle Hill / Colline du Château
Despite its name, there’s no actual castle here, but Castle Hill offers one of the best panoramic views of Nice, including the Old Town, the Port of Nice, and the Baie des Anges. There are gardens, waterfalls, and ruins to explore, plus the lush Castle Hill Park. You can walk up or take an elevator if you prefer to avoid the steep steps.
Place Masséna
Nice’s grand, central square, Place Masséna is bordered by striking red-coloured buildings with arcades. The square’s checkerboard pavement and statues by artist Jaume Plensa make it a popular photo spot. It's the centre for many events, including the Carnival of Nice.
Cours Saleya Market
A must-visit for food lovers, Cours Saleya is a bustling market in Vieux Nice that offers fresh local produce, flowers, and specialties like olives, cheeses, and spices. The market operates daily except for Mondays, when it turns into an antique market.
Matisse Museum / Musée Matisse
Located in the Cimiez neighborhood, this museum celebrates the life and work of Henri Matisse, who spent much of his life in Nice. It houses a rich collection of his paintings, sculptures, and personal objects. The museum is surrounded by the beautiful Parc des Arènes de Cimiez, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Marc Chagall National Museum / Musée Marc Chagall
This museum holds the largest public collection of works by Marc Chagall, focusing on his biblical themes. The museum’s serene garden and modern architecture make it a peaceful and reflective space.
Nice Cathedral / Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
Located in Place Rossetti in the heart of Vieux Nice, this stunning Baroque-style cathedral dates back to the 17th century. It is dedicated to Saint Réparate, the patron saint of Nice, and features beautiful frescoes, marble altars, and an ornate interior.
Port of Nice
Known for its colourful buildings and bustling atmosphere, Nice's port is a great place for a leisurely stroll or dining at one of the waterfront restaurants. You'll see luxury yachts alongside small fishing boats, and the area has an authentic local feel.
Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Built in 1912, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful examples of Russian architecture outside Russia. Its bright domes, rich iconography, and intricate interior are a testament to the city's historical ties with Russian nobility.
Phoenix Park (Parc Phoenix)
This vast botanical garden near the airport features a large greenhouse with exotic plants and tropical flowers, a lake, and several themed gardens. It’s also home to animals, including flamingos, making it a great spot for families.
Monaco - this tiny, glamorous principality is just a 20-minute train ride from Nice. Visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo or the Prince's Palace.
Cannes - famous for its film festival, Cannes is a 30-minute train ride away. The beaches and high-end boutiques are worth a visit.
Èze - a medieval hilltop village about 30 minutes by bus or train from Nice, offering stunning views and a beautiful exotic garden.
Villefranche-sur-Mer - just a 15-minute ride from Nice, this charming seaside town has a sandy beach, colourful old town, and relaxed atmosphere.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat - situated between Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a small commune often referred to as one of the most luxurious and prestigious places in the world, home to grand villas, lush gardens, and incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea. The breath-taking Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a highlight.
Nice enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers, making it a popular year-round destination.
Spring in Nice is pleasant, with increasing warmth and sunshine, and temperatures ranging between 10°C to 20°C. March can still be cool, especially in the evenings, but by May, temperatures are comfortably warm. Rainfall is moderate but decreases toward late spring.
This is an ideal time to visit for those who prefer fewer crowds and mild weather. Flowers are in bloom, especially in parks and gardens like those around the Promenade du Paillon.
Summers in Nice are hot, sunny, and dry, with July and August being the hottest months. The city experiences an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day, and rain is rare. Temperatures range between 20°C to 30°C. This is the peak tourist season, with crowded beaches and high accommodation prices. It's great for beachgoers and festival lovers (Nice Jazz Festival), but it’s essential to book accommodation early.
September remains warm and is often referred to as a second summer, with pleasant temperatures ranging between 14°C to 25°C and fewer crowds. By November, the weather cools down significantly, with more frequent rain showers. Early autumn is great for visitors who want summer-like weather without the crowds. The Vendanges Wine Festival also takes place in the region during this time.
Winters in Nice are mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below 5°C, and average highs of 14°C. Although it’s the wettest season, Nice still enjoys many sunny days, with an average of 5-6 hours of sunshine per day. Winter is a good time for visitors seeking a quiet getaway. It’s also the season for the Nice Carnival, one of the largest and most famous carnivals in France, held in February.
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