Hotels in Nice

Nice, France – Your Complete Guide to the Queen of the French Riviera

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Alps, Nice is the jewel of the Côte d'Azur — a city where Baroque architecture, world-class art, and sun-drenched beaches come together in effortless Mediterranean style. France's fifth-largest city draws millions of visitors each year with its legendary light, vibrant street life, and a cultural richness that has inspired painters from Matisse to Chagall. Whether you're strolling the iconic Promenade des Anglais, haggling for fresh flowers at the Cours Saleya market, or sipping rosé as the sun dips into the sea, Nice delivers a travel experience that is at once glamorous and genuinely liveable.

Exploring the Districts: From the Old Town to the Seafront

Nice's two most celebrated districts could hardly be more different in character, yet together they define the city's soul. The Vieille Ville (Old Town) is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with tall, ochre-and-terracotta-painted houses, their shuttered windows and cascading laundry evoking the city's centuries-old Italian influence — Nice was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia until 1860. At its heart lies the Cours Saleya, a broad, sun-filled square that hosts one of the most famous open-air markets in France. Every morning (except Monday, when antique dealers take over), vendors pile their stalls high with lavender, olives, socca flatbreads, and seasonal produce in a riot of colour and scent.

Just a short walk west, the Promenade des Anglais stretches for nearly seven kilometres along the Baie des Anges. This legendary seafront boulevard — its name a nod to the English aristocrats who funded its construction in the 19th century — is Nice's great democratic gathering place, where joggers, cyclists, sunbathers, and evening strollers all share the same salt-kissed air. Hotels ranging from grand belle époque palaces to contemporary boutique properties line the landward side, making it one of the most sought-after addresses on the Riviera.

Unmissable Landmarks and Cultural Highlights

Rise above the city — literally — by climbing or taking the free lift to Castle Hill (Colline du Château). The medieval castle itself no longer stands, but the hilltop park rewards visitors with panoramic views sweeping from the red-roofed Old Town to the glittering expanse of the Mediterranean. It is arguably the finest free viewpoint on the entire Côte d'Azur.

Nice's cultural credentials are equally impressive. The Matisse Museum, housed in a 17th-century Genoese villa in the Cimiez neighbourhood, traces the full arc of Henri Matisse's career — the artist lived and worked in Nice for much of his life and is buried nearby. A short distance away, the Marc Chagall Museum holds the largest permanent collection of the Russian-French master's work, including the monumental Biblical Message series painted in vivid, dream-like colour. Art lovers could easily spend a full day between these two institutions alone.

For architectural contrast, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral — formally the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas — stands as a striking reminder of the Belle Époque era when Russian aristocracy wintered on the Riviera. Its colourful onion domes are among the most photographed sights in Nice and represent one of the largest Russian Orthodox churches outside Russia.

Getting There and Getting Around

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is the second-busiest airport in France and connects the city to destinations across Europe and beyond, sitting just 6 kilometres west of the city centre. For those travelling by rail, Nice-Ville Station is the main hub, with fast TGV services linking Nice to Paris in around five and a half hours, as well as frequent regional trains running along the coast to Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes.

Within the city, the modern tram network (lines T1, T2, and T3) is clean, frequent, and affordable, connecting the airport, the train station, and the Old Town. The seafront and Old Town are highly walkable, and cycling along the Promenade des Anglais on the dedicated lane is a pleasure not to be missed.

Practical Tips for Visiting Nice

• Best time to visit: May–June and September–October offer warm weather, manageable crowds, and lower hotel rates than peak July–August. Winter is mild by northern European standards and ideal for culture-focused trips.
• Where to stay: Hotels near the Promenade des Anglais put you steps from the beach; hotels in the Old Town immerse you in the city's historic atmosphere. Luxury and boutique options cluster along the seafront, while budget-friendly choices are easier to find slightly inland.
• Local food to try: Socca (chickpea flour pancake), pan bagnat (tuna-filled sandwich), pissaladière (onion and anchovy tart), and salade niçoise in its authentic, anchovies-and-hard-boiled-egg form.
• Currency and tipping: France uses the euro (€). Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is appreciated.
• Day trips: Monaco (30 min by train), Èze village (25 min), Cannes (40 min), and the Mercantour National Park are all easily reachable from Nice.