Nice Holidays
Jewel of the Cote d’Azur
This elegant seaside resort on the Cote d’Azur is known as Nice la Belle, which translates to ‘Nice the beautiful’. And it’s a fitting nickname for a town that majors in grand-looking Belle Époque and Art Deco architecture, leafy garden squares and a gorgeous sandy beach.
The Promenade des Anglais winds along the coast for seven kilometres, and it’s lined with casinos, hotels and restaurants. Behind it, you’ll find pedestrianised squares and lanes made for strolling, and with the resort’s biggest concentration of eateries and shops.
After dark, start at the Place Massena – a huge square that divides the charming old town with the new town. It glitters come sundown, and the street performers put on a show for those enjoying a glass of plonk in the wine bars that surround it.
Explore our map of Nice
YOUR NICE QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Expect a good mix of Mediterranean dishes, along with regional favourites like frogs’ legs and snails coated in garlic and butter.
Take your pick from low-key cocktail lounges, exclusive clubs and casinos.
July and August are the busiest months for Nice holidays, and the hottest, occasionally hitting a sweltering 40°C. Sea temperatures average a warm 23°C. There’s also plenty to do at this time, from the Nice Jazz Festival to the Prom Party along the beach. You can also enjoy warm, sunny weather in the shoulder months of May, June and September, plus there are still many events. Visit in December and you can explore the traditional Christmas Village. The historic buildings are draped in lights and decorations.
Nice sits on a long stretch of beach and, along the Promenade des Anglais, you’ll find 30 separate beaches. Some are private – you’ll have to pay for a lounger for the day – and some public. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, it’s worth the daily rate to avoid the crowds, especially in high season. You’re also just a short drive from the many glamorous beaches of the French Riviera in nearby towns such as Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
There’s something to suit all budgets. From ultra-glamorous bistros with pricey menus, to budget-friendly cafés and bakeries. Expect to eat well whatever the price point!
Nice is a perfect all-round city break destination. Not only is it a historic, lively city, it’s also right on the coast, so holidays in Nice can include culture, sightseeing and days at the beach. Flights from the UK to Nice take under two and a half hours, so it’s not too far to go for either a short break or a longer trip. Once you arrive, it’s also a very walkable city. With lively nightlife and world-class restaurants, it’s sure to be a city break to remember.
Nice is at the heart of the glamorous French Riviera and is famous for its historic old town, Castle Hill, with sweeping views of the city, and the seven-kilometre Promenade des Anglais, which has over 30 separate beaches. Nice is known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and, during the summer, the blue seas are warm and inviting. It hosts many events, from the Nice Carnival in February to music festivals in summer. Another draw is its gastronomy. You can discover a wide selection of French food, including Michelin-starred restaurants.
While you can simply spend a weekend in Nice, it’s worth considering a longer break to explore at a more relaxed pace. If you only have a couple of days, aim to stay close to the old town or the centre as you’re within a short walk or taxi ride to the major tourist attractions. You can then spend time sightseeing, shopping and exploring, and perhaps some relaxed time on the beach before dinner.
Nice is a good holiday destination for families. You’ll often see little ones running around on the beach. Book a family-friendly hotel with a pool for chilled-out days, or head to the beach and let them swim in the warm sea. Kids like the old town area with its shops where they can buy souvenirs and handmade chocolate, and they’ll enjoy sightseeing around Nice. You can even hop on the electric tourist train that makes getting around the city a lot more fun.