Nice Travel Guide

Nice is the most beautiful city on the French Riviera. It is located 30 kilometers from the Italian border and Monaco is just nearby. Splendor and luxury characterize the city. More and more people are spending their holiday in Nice because of the great hospitality of the locals. It is also a place where the latest gastronomical inventions can be found. Winters are mild without any cold. Between May and September the heat is strong and it doesn’t rain very often. The region is ideal for wine making and you can taste the delicious products. There’s an endless number of hotels and quality service is guaranteed. Nice is easily accessible with a large international airport close to the city. The railway network on the Riviera is very good and it is probably the best way of traveling. The Nice pass offers discounts for traveling and other purchases. If you go by car the Cote d'Azur motorway will take you anywhere. It is recommended to rent a car if you want to visit the small villages in the mountains.

The best Nice attractions

Most people come to the city to enjoy the great beaches. All beaches are top quality with soft sand or pebbles decorated with palm trees. The beaches on the Riviera are 40 kilometers long in total. There are small quiet gulfs for those who like to swim alone and the beaches with a “handiplage” sign are suitable for the handicapped. Most beaches are free to visit but there are some private places. Walk along the coast to discover the city. You’ll see the promenade des Anglais, a wonderful walkway along the sea. The nearby Matisse, Chagal and Renoir museums are the finest examples of the rich cultural life of Nice. The entrance fee is very low, around 5 Euros. The old town shows you local traditions and architecture. The flower market is easy to find, just follow your nose. The Cours Saleya is a market for fresh local products. Taste some of the finest food here.

From Nice starts the Train of Wonders, which shows you the magical landscape of the region on its way. The train goes through the villages of Paillon, Roya, Bévéra and Breilto reach Tende. Baroque churches, tourist paths and canyons can be found here. The train is very popular amongst tourists so make sure to book your ticket in advance.

For the lovers of French cuisine the pissaladiere will be pleasant surprise. It is a torteau, served with aioli, a kind of mayonnaise with garlic. The best fish dish is the la daube a la niçoise. With its strong sweet flavor les fruits confits, something like candied fruit, will be a fine desert. Locals often have a glass of aperitif before lunch and dinner. Pastis is an anise flavored drink or you can enjoy kyr royal as well, which is a sort of champagne with syrup. To accompany your drinks have some bread with tapenade. It is a true Mediterranean appetizer, anchovies pâté with garlic.

It is highly recommended to visit Gourdon, one of the most wonderful villages of France. It was built on top of a rock and even Queen Victoria visited the village for its beauty. Coaraze is another magical place in the middle of an olive forest. Saint Paul de Vence and Moungist are also great choices if you like small villages. Nice and the Riviera offer a great opportunity to spend a holiday that will be long remembered.