A perfect blend of laid-back seaside resort and cosmopolitan port city, Nice is the ideal base for a stay on the French Riviera. Rich in culture, with a mild Mediterranean climate, a lively old town and a picturesque waterfront, the city has been a popular tourist destination since the 18th century.
Nice has long been an inspiration for many artists, including Matisse and Chagall, and numerous museums and exhibitions bear witness to their work. Although the city was founded as early as the 4th century BC, Nice has a surprisingly modern feel with an infrastructure that is continuously improving.
A city with an eventful history
Nice was founded around 350 BC by Greek sailors who settled in Marseille and named the city Nicaia. In 154 BC, the Greeks were followed by the Romans, who settled in the area around today’s Cimiez, where there are still Roman ruins. In the 10th century, Nice was ruled by the Counts of Provence , but in 1388 it turned to Amadeus VII of the House of Savoy. In 18. and In the 19th century, Nice was occupied by the French several times, but it was not until 1860 that it finally became part of France, when Napoleon III signed the Treaty of Turin with the House of Savoy. During the Victorian period, the English aristocracy and European royalty enjoyed Nice’s mild winter climate.
The relatively young status as a French city, combined with the long-standing tradition of international visitors, gives Nice an Italian flair and an open, welcoming attitude towards visitors. Today, it is the second most visited city in France after Paris.
Excellent climatic conditions
Nice is a popular visitor magnet worldwide. Shopping and nightlife, attractions and sights, the beaches and the fantastic location on the French Riviera near Cannes and Monaco, contribute to the fantastic reputation of the city. The excellent climatic conditions make Nice a year-round destination. In fact, the pleasant Mediterranean climate is characterized by mild winter temperatures, hot and sunny summer days and little but constant rainfall in autumn. Spring in Nice is ideal for sightseeing, as the water temperature is quite low until May, which makes swimming rather unsuitable.
Nice – glamorous seaside resort and cultural capital on the Mediterranean
Tourism has a long history in Nice and is one of the most important economic activities in the city. In addition to the beaches and marina, the number of visitors is boosted by Nice’s cultural institutions, shops and architectural heritage. Art Deco and Belle Époque style is particularly represented here. In addition, numerous events and festivals are organized every year, in particular the Nice Carnival of 1873.
The partially underground coastal river Paillon separates the new town in the west from the old town, the port and the industrial area in the east. The old town, with its narrow, winding streets, is located at the western foot of a granite hill known as Le Château. However, the castle that once crowned it was destroyed in 1706. The port, which was begun in 1750 and expanded after 1870, is now mainly used for ferry connections to Corsica and by sailing boats. The most striking part of the new town is the famous Promenade des Anglais, which was created in 1822 as a riverside path of the English colony.
The Musée Jules Chéret des Beaux-Arts and the Musée Masséna have collections of early Italian painting and works by artists of the 19th century and the present. A monument was erected to the painter Marc Chagall to house a collection of biblical paintings donated by the artist in 1966. About two kilometers northeast of the city center is the ancient episcopal city of Cimiez, home to the majestic ruins of a Roman amphitheater. Nearby is a 17th-century villa that houses an archaeological museum and a collection of more than 40 paintings and drawings by the French painter Henri Matisse.
Culinary sophistication in Nice
Nice offers all the gastronomic delights of French cuisine, but is characterized by a few special features. The gastronomy typical of the Côte d’Azur has a Mediterranean influence in the use of seafood, fish, vegetables and fruit. Another notable feature of Nice’s regional cuisine is the liberal use of a variety of herbs, such as bay leaves, basil, thyme, oregano, and, in moderation, garlic. Olive oil is a ubiquitous ingredient, and that’s exactly what distinguishes the cuisine of the Cote d’Azur from all other French gastronomic traditions. The prestige and scale of the use of olive oil is due to the fact that this region is one of the most important suppliers of olive oil in France.
Holidays in Nice: The best tips
Journey
- Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), about 7 km west of the city centre. Regular bus and tram services take travellers to the city centre.
- Train: Good connections from other French cities and Europe, the main train station is Gare de Nice-Ville.
- Car: The A8 motorway connects Nice with other cities along the French Riviera.
Best time to visit
- Spring (April to June): Mild weather and fewer tourists.
- Summer (July to August): Warm temperatures, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- Autumn (September to October): Pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Activities and sights
- Promenade des Anglais: Enjoy a walk along the famous coastal promenade.
- Old Town (Vieux Nice): Explore the narrow streets, markets and baroque churches.
- Colline du Château: A hill with ruins, a waterfall and a breathtaking view over the city and the sea.
- Matisse Museum: A museum dedicated to the life and work of the artist Henri Matisse.
- Marc Chagall Museum: Presents works by the famous artist Marc Chagall.
- Cours Saleya: A bustling market known for its fresh flowers, food, and antiques.
Beaches
- Plage Beau Rivage: A popular public beach near the old town.
- Blue Beach: A private beach with sun loungers and a restaurant.
- Castel Plage: A private beach known for its exclusive atmosphere.
Accommodation
- Luxury hotels: Many five-star hotels offer breathtaking views of the sea, such as the Hotel Negresco.
- Mid-range hotels and guesthouses: Numerous family-run hotels and guesthouses offer comfortable and affordable accommodation.
- Vacation rentals: Ideal for families or longer stays, numerous apartments and villas are available for rent.
Culinary tips
- Regional cuisine: Sample local specialties such as socca (chickpea pancakes), salade niçoise, and ratatouille.
- Wine: Taste wines from Provence, including rosé wines.
- Markets: Visit the Cours Saleya market to discover fresh produce and regional specialties.
Practical tips
- Car rental: A car gives you the flexibility to explore the region’s various places and attractions.
- Public transport: Good bus and tram connections in the city and to nearby towns.
- Currency: The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants.
- Language: French is the official language, but English is often spoken in tourist areas.
Important telephone numbers
- Emergency: 112 (general emergency)
- Police: 17
- Fire brigade: 18
- Ambulance: 15
- Nice Tourist Office: +33 4 92 14 46 14
German Doctors
- Dr. Thomas Wild: Avenue des Baumettes 6, +33 4 93 44 16 16
- Dr. Michael Winter: Avenue Georges Clemenceau 7, +33 4 93 88 82 20
Important words with translation
- Hello – Bonjour
- Thank you – Merci
- Please – S’il vous plaît
- Yes – Oui
- No – Non
- Sorry – Pardon
- Where is…? – Où est…?
- How much does it cost…? – Combien ça coûte…?
- Emergency – Urgence
- Doctor – Médecin
- Hospital – Hôpital
Holidays
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Good Friday: variable (March/April)
- Easter Monday: variable (March/April)
- Labour Day: 1 May
- National holiday: 14 July
- Assumption Day: 15 August
- All Saints’ Day: November 1
- Christmas: December 25
Opening hours
- Shops: Usually Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, some shops are also open on Sundays.
- Supermarkets: Usually daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Restaurants: Lunch from 12:00 to 14:30, dinner from 19:00 to 22:30.
- Banks: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Airport
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE): About 7 km west of the city center. Regular bus and tram services to the city centre.
NUDISM
- Not official: There are no official nudist beaches in Nice, but some secluded beaches and stretches are known to be used unofficially.
Post / Stamps
- Post offices: In all major districts and shopping centres. Main post office in Avenue Thiers. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Stamps: Available at the post office, kiosks and supermarkets.
- Costs for letters and postcards to Germany: Standard letter up to 20g: approx. 1.40 EUR; Postcard: approx. 1.40 EUR
Safety
- Crime: Nice is considered safe. Observe the usual precautions as in any tourist city.
- Emergency number: 112
Current
- Voltage: 230 volts
- Sockets: Type C and E (as in Germany)
Tip
- Restaurants: 5-10% of the bill amount, often included in the bill.
- Taxis: Round up the amount
- Hotels: 1-2 EUR per day for cleaning staff
Customs
- Allowances within the EU: No customs restrictions on personal belongings.
- Alcohol: Maximum 10 liters of spirits, 20 liters of alcoholic beverages with less than 22%, 90 liters of wine, 110 liters of beer.
- Tobacco: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1 kg of tobacco.
