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Nice Travel Guide

About Nice

With the Mediterranean lapping at its shores, Nice’s prime position on the Côte d’Azur is its biggest draw for tourists. Don’t expect miles of golden sand – the beach is stony and rugged, though invariably packed with bronzed sunbathers.

Yet there’s still much to recommend beyond sun and sea in France’s fifth biggest city. Nice has museums and galleries aplenty, as well as decadent nightlife and the distinct Niçoise culture to gorge on.

The best way of getting to know the city is by wandering its network of alleys and lanes in the historic Old Town. There, you can shake off the hordes of less adventurous tourists and discover the city’s finer bars and restaurants. Be sure to try socca, a dish like a crepe but made from chickpea flour, and a glass or two of the local rosé. Meanwhile, Le Chateau, or Castle Hill, is a must-see for its lush vegetation, crumbling ruins, and splendid views of the city below.

In the handsome city centre, spend some time in Nice’s largest civic space, Place Masséna, whose redevelopment presaged a drive to refashion the city. Nowadays, traffic-clogged roads have given way to parks, gardens and tram lines. The ugly bus station was demolished to make way for the new Promenade du Paillon, a 1.2km-long (0.75 mile) green corridor connecting the National Theatre to the seaside. The new Allianz Riviera stadium is a similarly stunning feat of ecological architecture, producing more energy than it consumes.

While it might sound like Nice has ditched the Dior bags of yore for gardening gloves, the glamour of the Côte d’Azur is still present and thriving. Millionaires’ yachts jostle for space in the harbour and you’ll find no shortage of prestigious bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Sure, Nice might not have the same exclusivity that its fin-de-siècle high society patrons once sought, but this bustling city has plenty of history, greenery, and class to keep visitors well-entertained. 

Key facts

Population:
342.979 (2017)
Latitude:
43.709221
Longitude:
7.271800
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Hotel Negresco

The most exclusive address in town is an old but not fusty place that has elegantly idled by the Promenade des Anglais since 1913. Recent major refurbishments have kept this grande dame ahead of the game, but the antiques and furniture collectables angle the atmosphere towards a bygone era.

Hôtel Le Meurice

Less than a minute away from the Promenade des Anglais, and within staggering distance of the nearby bars, Hotel Meurice offers comfortable and convenient accommodation at a reasonable price. The service is excellent—the staff goes out of their way to please guests—and while rooms are a little small, they’re finished beautifully.

Hotel Windsor

You’re as far from chain-hotel uniformity as you can get in this boutique townhouse: inside, local artists have turned each room into a work of art. To top it off, there’s an adorable garden with a pool – a godsend when the beach gets busy at the height of summer.

Westminster Hotel & Spa

This good-value 4-star is one of the more affordable grand old waterfront hotels. All the usual perks including a private beach and wonderful belle époque architecture are covered at the Westminster with minimum fuss. Be sure to book a sea-view room for breakfast on the Promenade des Anglais terrace.

Spity Hotel

On the site of the former Hi Hotel, this chic accommodation maintains the former’s emphasis on elegant and ultra-modern design. Within one of the 38 sleek, industrial bedrooms, you’ll find lava stone tubs and neon walk-in showers. Amenities include an organic breakfast buffet, private beach, day spa, lounge bar, and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Nice.

 

Hôtel Nice Beau Rivage

At only a two-minute walk from the seafront and a three-minute walk from Opéra de Nice, its little wonder this chic hotel was once frequented by a number of famous writers and artists. Today, the refurbished building offers a private beach, a whiskey bar, and a classy outdoor lounge for reclining during the summer months.