Before you go

Your trip to Nice.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Nice – Provença-Alpes-Costa Azul Destination Côte d'Azur about 200 km from Marselha

How to get there

Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) Nice · 7 km
Gare de Nice-Ville 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is about 7 km from the centre and is linked by tram. From Paris, the TGV arrives at Gare de Nice-Ville in a long journey of several hours. TER trains connect Nice with Cannes, Antibes, Menton and Mônaco.

How many days

Two days allow you to see the Vieux Nice, the Promenade, the Colline du Château and the museums in Cimiez. With three or four days, use Nice as a base for Èze, Cap Ferrat, Mônaco and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and for day trips to Cannes and Antibes.

When to go

May, June and September usually have pleasant weather and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy; the sea tends to be warmer from July to September. Winter is mild, with short days. The Carnaval de Nice takes place in February.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The centre is covered on foot and by tram, which goes to the airport. TER trains and buses of the Lignes d'Azur network go to Èze, Cap Ferrat, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Mônaco and the other coastal towns. Parking in the centre is difficult.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Nice

Morning
Vieux Nice and the Cours Saleya market
Start at the Cours Saleya with its flower and food market. Walk the alleys of Vieux Nice to the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate and try a socca at the counter.
Afternoon
Colline du Château and Promenade des Anglais
Climb the Colline du Château by the steps or the lift, see the bay and harbour from above, then descend to walk along the Promenade des Anglais, with a stop at the pebble beach.
Late afternoon
Place Masséna and Promenade du Paillon
Return via Place Masséna and follow the Promenade du Paillon park, with the reflecting pool, as the light fades.
Evening
Dinner in Vieux Nice
Dine in Vieux Nice; restaurants typically open from 7:30 p.m. On the way back, see the illuminated statues at Place Masséna.

2 days in Nice

Day 1

Morning
Market and old town
Cours Saleya in the morning and a walk through Vieux Nice, with the Palais Lascaris and the Chapel of the Miséricorde.
Afternoon
Colline du Château and harbour
Climb the Colline du Château and descend on the Port Lympia side; return to the centre along the waterfront.
Late afternoon
Promenade des Anglais
Walk along the Promenade des Anglais to the Hôtel Negresco and enjoy the beach at the end of the day.
Evening
Place Masséna
Have dinner in the centre and stroll around the illuminated Place Masséna.

Day 2

Morning
Chagall and Matisse
Visit the Musée national Marc Chagall and go up to Cimiez for the Musée Matisse, with the Roman ruins and the monastery next to it.
Afternoon
Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas
Take a bus down to the centre, have lunch and head to the Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas, west of the station.
Late afternoon
Èze or cabo Ferrat
Take the bus or TER train along the coast to Èze or to Beaulieu-sur-Mer to see the coastline in the late-day light; check the return schedule.
Evening
Return to Nice
Return to Nice and dine near the hotel or the harbour.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Nice airport to the centre?

The tram (tramway) links Nice Côte d'Azur airport to the centre and the waterfront in a few minutes. Taxis and buses also make the trip.

Is Nice a good base for exploring the Côte d'Azur?

Yes. TER trains take you to Cannes, Antibes, Menton and Mônaco, and regional buses reach Èze, cabo Ferrat and Saint-Paul-de-Vence without changing hotels.

Can you go to Mônaco from Nice?

Yes. Mônaco is a neighbouring independent country and is a few minutes away by TER train from Gare de Nice-Ville; there are also buses along the coastal road.

When is the Carnaval de Nice?

In February, with floats parades and the flower battle on the Promenade des Anglais and at Place Masséna. Some parades require tickets; check the schedule.

How long does the train from Paris to Nice take?

The direct TGV takes several hours; it's one of the longest train journeys from Paris. Many people prefer the domestic flight.

Back to Nice