Nice city breaks

Stroll along the blissful promenade and take in the glittering blue horizon of the Mediterranean, edged by an enchanting Old Town of pastel-coloured townhouses and stylish architecture. Nice couldn’t be more of a masterpiece if it tried. It’s a fine example of what’s so fab about cities in the South of France, as it offers rich culture rolled together with a beautiful coastline. The often-dubbed French Riviera is a place to not only recline by the sea but to explore classic centres that have been the subject of books and films for decades. It’s glam but wholesome in all the right places.

The niceties of Nice

Nice is the crown jewel of the Cote d’Azur or, as it’s often known, the South of France. With its beachfront setting and trappings of your typical city, it’s no wonder it’s an alluring pick. The clean, crisp pavements that back the soft-sanded beaches are decorated with exotic trees, which are elegantly lit at night.

Explore the side streets

Venture down the little streets of the Old Town to discover paths filled with colour, from the daily market to the quaint buildings. This, married with the dramatic ancient architecture, gives you a real sense of the local lifestyle – best appreciated at the Sainte Reparate Cathedral, of course.

Soak up the sunshine

The long bay of sun-kissed sand is an ideal spot for relaxing as you take a break from getting to know the local sights. Hire a parasol, grab a magazine and kick back in uninterrupted bliss. The Promenade des Anglais backs the beach, so you’re never far from refreshment either.

Hotel Apollinaire Nice

Nice, Nice

Our rating

Based on 22 reviews

Great for friends and couples
600m from Place Massena
650m from the Old Town
Chic and contemporary design
Great for exploring

Splendid Hotel and Spa Nice

Nice, Nice

plus

Our rating

Based on 1354 reviews

Great for local culture
Rooftop pool
180m from the nearest bus stop
1km from Place Massena
Restaurant with panoramic views

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Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate

Nice

In the heart of the city's Old Town, the Cathedral is a recognised historical monument. It's dedicated to the patron of Nice, Sainte Reparate, whose remains are contained in the altar. The building's Baroque...

Galeries Lafayette

Nice

The red ochre facade of this high-end department store is an arresting sight. If you're looking for designer labels, you can gorge on them here. There are 600 brands represented, including Balenciaga, Chloé,...

Nice Opera

Nice

Nice's renowned opera theatre is a listed building in the city's Old Town. The architecture dates back to the 18th century. The inside is just as beautiful as the outside, with grand interiors and a ceiling...

Language

French

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+1hr

Local beer

£7

48-hour travel card

£35.10

Meal for two

£63.60

Sightseeing

A town oozing character completely gels with a chic promenade and magnificent castle. The huge hillside has a waterfall right by the brilliant building, while the Old Town is a web of historic sites. Cabanas and palm trees stir the senses as you step out of old-fashioned territory and right onto the beach.

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Eating and drinking

The arcing Promenade des Anglais boasts authentic cafés and a stunning seaside. Try the city’s famous salad Niçoise of tuna, eggs and green beans, or socca, a chickpea pancake, in the rustic Old Town. Order a glass of wine and you’ve got the best picture of an evening out.

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Shopping

Rue du Paradis is a highlight for luxury shopping, with many French designers making a glamorous appearance down this swanky road. Galeries Lafayette is a huge department store featuring national brands and a gourmet food hall, so your every cash-splashing need is catered for here.

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Getting around

You can easily visit the glitzy hotspots of Monaco, Cannes and St Tropez by bus or even boat. Nice also features a modern tram network to get you around, but walking is always appealing in the narrow streets of the Old Town and around the city’s astonishing avenues.