Nice France City Guide

Nice, the pearl of the French Riviera, is a busy commercial city and the capital of the Alpes Maritimes department. Once the seaside retreat for the turn of the century English aristocracy, today the city of Nice is France's fifth largest city. Both elegant and simple, Nice's charm comes from its exceptional climate as well as its beauty. Even in the winter the café terraces are filled with people happily drinking and contemplating the ultra famous Promenade des Anglais. Always in flower this wonderful walk follows along the bay, looking out onto the Baie Des Anges and the beaches on one side, and on the other such luxury hotels as the Negresco. Just outside Nice, the visitor has the chance to visit some truly beautiful villages perched up in the valleys which cut through the mountains to the north. And as home to the France's second busiest airport it's probably one of the easiest destinations to fly into in France.

Nice Shopping

  • There are two main areas: The pedestrian area to the left of Medicin (assuming you have a map) and the Vieux Ville to the right and down a bit from the end of the avenue Jean Medecin. Roughly a ten minute amble between the two.
  • Normal Nice hours are from 10h00 – 13h00 and 16h00 – 19h00 or later.
  • Some boutiques in the residential areas do not open until 9h30 or 10h00.
  • Shopping malls tend to open from 10h00 – 22h00. The largest shopping mall in Nice, Cap 3000 is a must!
  • Most supermarkets stay open until late monday to friday, while some are on saturdays.
  • Post offices and most banks are open till 16h30.

Food wise Nice is great

Great number of gastromic restaurants including La Rotonde, the Chantecler... Huge number of pizza and pasta places, lots of competition so prices are pretty keen. Plus there are many mouthwatering oriental buffet places at reasonable prices.

Nice France city info:

Nice is located at a junction along the French Riviera it is an excellent stand for exploring the rest of this region including: Cannes, St Tropez and Monaco. Known for its spectacular scenery the French Riviera visually astonishing and Nice does not displease with the backdrop of enchanting villages perched on luxuriant, green mountains. It is facile to walk around Nice, and for excursions further range there is SUNBUS the local bus service.

Homme Nicois Qui Mal Y Pense!

The Nicois (residents of Nice) are in some ways the Parisians of the south. A difference perhaps being that the rarely needed fur coats may well be dyed purple, and the clothes and makeup of the 'grandes bourgeosies' are far more colorful than those of their northern sisters. Yet there is an underlying character, an independent spirit, which rejects the central governing influence emanating from Paris. The Niçois do what the Niçois want to do, and when they want to do it.
During the summer months things really get interesting. Some of the more popular attractions and festivals include the world renowned Nice Jazz Festival held in the arena, the stunningly beautiful gardens of Cimiez, and the flower "war" on the Promenade Des Anglais in which participate some of the prettiest women on the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera). Looking for something different? Why not stroll along Cours Soleya and explore the colorful flower market full of locals and visitors alike.

Nice Luxury Hotels Listing