Nice Hotels and City Guide

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As the capital of the French Riviera, Nice is a picturesque city located along the Mediterranean Sea. The sun always seems to shine and the mountain peaks are topped with the perfect amount of snow. Nice, pronounced as niece, has often been associated with the word nice. But describing it as nice doesn’t do it justice. There are fabulous museums, great places to dine, trendy boutiques, delightful walkways and enjoyable weather. Nice isn’t just nice. It’s a European city that sits between the Alps, Italy and France. Its neighbors have all influenced this vacation hotspot and you can experience it all when you take a trip to Nice.

Hopefully you can spend enough time in Nice to explore everything it has to offer. But if you’re only here for a short while and want to get a glimpse, make your way to the Promenade des Angláis. An Englishman, thus the name The Englishman’s Walk, built it in the 1820s. It’s as popular today as it was back then. You’ll find many people enjoying the boardwalk lined with palm trees, flowers, gardens and brightly painted blue chairs. It provides a great view of the ocean as it runs the entire length of Nice’s ocean front.

Just behind the Promenade is La Place Masséna. The charming square was built in 1835 and is surrounded by buildings and well-kept gardens. At its center is a beautiful fountain. The square is surrounded by cafés, boutiques and the Nice Etoile shopping center. Beyond La Place Masséna is the Old Town. Nice has worked diligently at creating interesting places for guests to explore and Old Town is an ideal example. Located on the hill Colline du Chateau you can explore the lanes that guide you to interesting boutiques, beautiful churches, great restaurants and cafes. And you won’t have to worry about cars since they’re not allowed in this area. The architecture dates back to the 17th century and the buildings are painted in bright colors. It’s a popular place for locals and tourists so you’ll enjoy observing or taking part in the action.

The architecture throughout Nice is quite amazing and the Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe St-Nicolas is no exception. Just north of the train station, you’ll first see the beautiful landscaping that surrounds this church and then notice the six domes, red brick, grey marble and colored ceramics. You’re free to roam through the church but with one condition – please dress appropriately. Best to leave the miniskirts at the hotel.

Nice is filled with wonderful museums, all of which are unique and worth exploring. Here are a few for you to consider. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a favorite for both locals and tourists. The building in it of itself is worth a visit, especially the stunning roof top garden. Check to see if an art film is playing while you’re visiting. The Matisse Museum is located in a 17th century villa found in an olive grove in the Gardens of Cimiez. The artist Henri Matisse lived in Nice from 1917 until 1954 and is renowned as being an exceptional Fauvist painter. The Museum houses an impressive collection of his works, including some of his first paintings dating back to 1890. The Marc Chagall National Biblical Message Museum, locally known as the Musée Chagall, is an impressive collection of this artist’s works of art. One of its most recognized collections are the 17 paintings each depicting a story in the bible. You’ll also see beautiful sculptures, stained glass windows and mosaics.

One of the best reasons to come to Nice is to relax on its beaches. With a mixture of smooth sand or rocky pebbles, you’ll enjoy the difference each one offers. Although you’re free to enjoy them, you should be aware of a few things. First up, you may want to pack some shoes. Along the coast to Antibes you’ll come across some rocky stretches. From Antibes to Cannes you’ll find the beaches are all sand. Second, remember this is Europe so topless tanning is quite the norm. And if you want to join along, feel free but not too free – birthday suit tanning is not appropriate. Last, there is a mixture of private and public beaches along the entire coast. You’re free to walk through the private beaches, just stick close to the shore.

An evening in Nice can be spent enjoying a leisurely dinner, strolling the streets or dancing the night away at a trendy nightclub. If you are interested in grooving the night away, go to Vieux Nice. It’s a great hotspot for clubs and bars that are open until the wee hours of the morning. There are also many fantastic theatres, concert halls, a casino and opera performances held throughout the year. Nice is also well known for its great festivals, including its legendary Carnival. And any city that has Carnival is a city that knows how to put on a party so pack your dancing shoes and enjoy the nightlife in Nice.

One of the many highlights when visiting Nice is experiencing its fine cuisine. There’s a definite Mediterranean flare in its local dishes but there’s also a wealth of great possibilities that exist in any restaurant. Enjoy a delicious salade niçoise, a tomato salad with green peppers, olives, tuna and cooked eggs. Or you could try the Stoquefiche, the local fish soup. Whatever your stomach desires, you’ll find a wonderful selection to satisfy your cravings.

Nice is a wonderful place to enjoy the French culture, splash in the ocean or feast on its delicious cuisine. Because it’s so close to other great vacation spots, ski resorts for example, Nice can be enjoyed all on its own or as part of a great European getaway. Make sure you take a photo atop Mount Boron. You’ll be able to show a stunning view of the city and tell lots of great stories when you get back home.