Nice City Breaks

The city has been inhabited for close to 400,000 years and got its name from the Greek, Nikaia, meaning 'City of Victory'. Today this culture-rich region is an eclectic fusion of ancient wonders and hedonistic pleasures, with sun, sea, shopping and fine dining competing with cultural and historical sightseeing opportunities. The hot summers and mild winters mean that visitors can appreciate the picturesque beaches in the region in all seasons, though the winters will likely be too cold for swimming.

Nice is a great shopping destination, boasting some glorious markets offering everything from traditional French fare to vintage clothing, as well as countless upmarket boutiques and shops for those looking to indulge in the famed French fashion culture. The charming old town offers many cultural delights, with impressive architecture ensuring that just a stroll through the area feels like a historical experience. Those with a taste for the celebrated French cuisine will also be spoiled for choice in Nice, which is known to be a gastronomical hub.

The traffic may be manic in Nice, and the beaches in the area are mostly pebbly, but the city has an undeniable romance and a glamourous reputation that has drawn the rich and famous for decades.

Nice city centre is small enough to get around on foot. Buses and trams are the main form of public transport and cover most of the city until midnight. Taxis are not a popular means of transport, as they are known to overcharge tourists and are difficult to flag down. The central train station takes commuters to other towns along the Riviera such as Antibes, Cannes, Monaco and more.

For many visitors, Nice is primarily a launching pad for a French Riviera beach holiday. The weather is certainly a major drawcard, and despite its pebbly beaches, the luxury offered by the hotels and restaurants along the coast ensures that visitors can enjoy a beach holiday in immense comfort.

For those less interested in the prospect of a tan, Nice is a historic and artistic city with a rich offering of galleries and museums. Favourite art museums include Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, Musée Matisee, and Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret. History buffs will love the 11th-century Chȃteau de Nice, as well as the Musée de Paléontologie Humaine de Terra Amata, which is built on a prehistoric settlement and traces life on the Riviera 400,000 years ago.

Those looking for a religious experience will also not be disappointed as Nice is home to a number of impressive churches and religious institutions. The Cathédrale Saint Nicolas, a Russian orthodox church, is an unexpected attraction in this French city. The Monastery of Cimiez, which includes a church, a cemetery and a convent, remains an active monastery and is a joy to explore.

Of course, throughout France, the magnificent cuisine is a draw for travellers and Nice is known to be a competitor in this regard. Visitors looking for simple fare will enjoy Nice's most famous market area, the Cours Saleya, where fresh produce and quaint sidewalk cafes can be found. Those in search of glamorous fine dining will find a diverse offering of fancy restaurants in Nice.