Nice Travel Guide

Popular Attractions Nice | Touring Nice | Weather in Nice

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Popular Attractions in Nice

What to See When Traveling to Nice, France
A trip along the Côte d'Azur will prove to be one of the most exciting trips you'll ever take, but with so much to see and do in Nice and surrounding towns, it can be hard to figure out exactly how you want to spend your time in Nice. In order to help you make the most of your time on your upcoming trip to France and the stunning region of the Côte d'Azur, Auto Europe has compiled a list of the best things to do in Nice.
 

Head to the Beach -  Although Nice's world-famous beaches are just the beginning of the list of exciting things to do in Nice, catching some rays on the pebbly shores of the French Riviera should still be on the top of your list! If you're keen on working on your tan in relative seclusion, there are approximately 15 private beaches where you're able to do so, but you should expect to pay top dollar just to spread out your towel. The luxurious beaches make summertime in this region one of the absolute best times to visit France.

 

Explore the French Riviera by Car- Commonly referred to as one of the most scenic drives on the planet, driving along the Côte d'Azur will prove to be a truly breathtaking experience. Drive along the Mediterranean Sea to visit some of Nice's most popular tourist attractions, including Promenade de Anglais. Park your car and walk along the promenade to absorb the enchanting Riviera atmosphere and to revel in the beauty of the crashing waves.

 

The Fine Arts Museum - Brush up on art history inside the Fine Arts Museum cover periods from the 18th through 20th centuries. Much of the focus is on French art from the 19th century, as well as both impressionism and post impressionism. Inside the Fine Arts Museum, travelers are able to see masterpieces by Monet, Carpeaux, Boudin and Vuillard, to name a few. Nearby at the Massena Museum of Art and History, visitors will get a firsthand look inside the history of Nice beginning in the 11th century.

 

Learn About & Taste Local Wine - Deepen your appreciation and knowledge of French wine when you arrange a wine tasting in Nice. Travelers will get an authentic look into the wine trade, and many tour operations provide samples of wines cultivated in the six unique wine regions of France. Master the art of wine-tasting and learn about how Champagne is made. After your wine tasting, purchase a bottle of your favorite vintage to bring home for later consumption, or to give to one of your friends back home.

 

Bring Home the Perfect Souvenir for Friends - If you've purchased a bottle of wine for yourself or someone back home, you'll need something to pair it with, and what pairs better with wine than chocolate? When traveling through the French Riviera, you'll be able to purchase goods from some of the finest chocolatiers in the industry. Other souvenirs in Nice include locally made olive oil. To find the perfect bottle, travelers can wander through Cours Saleya, Nice's open-air market, and then continue browsing through the other specialty food shops throughout the city.

 

Join in on the Carnival Festivities - If your vacation in France falls between mid-February and early March, head to Nice to experience the biggest winter event in the country! Bursts of color, vibrant music, giant floats and thousands of flowers fill the streets of Nice, and travelers get the fluttering feeling that anything is possible at Carnival in Nice.

 

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Touring Nice, France

Things to Do in Nice

The city of Nice is an attraction in itself, harboring gorgeous blue-green waters, premier shopping, impressive architecture and some of the best dining in the south of France. Second only to Paris in number of museums and galleries, Nice is a travel destination not to be missed. Take a look at this comprehensive must-see guide in order to determine which Nice attractions should be on your list.

Promenade des Anglais -  A walk along the Promenade des Anglais is the perfect beginning to a memorable adventure in Nice. Constructed in the early 1800s, the Promenade provides visitors with an exceptional view of the city, as well as panoramic views of the sea. As the heart of this seaside community, Nice's Promenade is lined with beautiful architecture, beach-side cafes and open-air markets, making summer in this region one of the best times to visit France.

 

Russian Orthodox Cathedral - Revered as the largest and most beautiful Orthodox church outside of Russia, Nice's Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the most visited monument in the city. Inside the cathedral, travelers will find intricate carvings and frescoes lavishly decorated with gold and gems that were brought from Russia. Be advised that a dress code is strictly enforced - ladies will be expected to cover any bare skin and gentlemen wearing shorts will be turned away with no exceptions, so plan accordingly.

 

Massena Place Square - This section of town marks the convergence of the bustling commercial district of Nice with the city's charming Old Town. Due to the fact that it's one of Nice's most lively areas, expect Massena Place to be teeming with fellow travelers who are trying to soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by the array of events that are held in the square during most seasons.

 

Parc du Mont Boron - Escape the hustle and bustle of activity in the city and take a hike in the Parc du Mont Boron, which is nestled just east of Nice. Offering over seven miles of hiking trails, visitors are able to climb up the hill and burn off some extra calories while also appreciating the stunning views over both the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean Sea.


 

French Riviera eBike Tour - Yes, exploring the Côte d'Azur by car is arguably the best way to tour the Park your rental car and venture beyond Nice to the rolling hills of the Riviera to see some of the most awe inspiring panoramic views in the south of France. Touring the countryside on an electrically assisted bicycle (otherwise known as an eBike), is prefect for travelers of varying fitness levels, and will allow you to appreciate the beauty and serenity of the Côte d'Azur.

 

La Grand Tour - Known as being one of the best bust tours in Nice, La Grand Tour is not to be missed. Spend the day looping around some of the most famous attractions in Nice, hopping on and off the bus as you see fit. Drive around the headland to the port and on to Mont Boron for an intriguing peek at posh villas. A tour that encompasses the very best of Nice, this is one guided tour that should not be missed.

 

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Weather in Nice, France

What to Expect from the Weather in Nice, France

It's no secret that hundreds of thousands of travelers flock to Nice and the French Riviera every year for its abundance of sunshine and sparkling blue waters, but is there a secret to choosing the best time to visit France? When planning your next Riviera rendezvous, there are numerous variables to consider, from weather in Nice, to exciting seasonal events happening throughout the region. For your convenience, Auto Europe has put together a helpful weather and climate guide for Nice, France in order to help you better prepare to tour Nice by car!

Summer Weather in Nice - If you're the type of traveler who loves hustle and bustle, exciting nightlife and being surrounded by new people, traveling to Nice during the summer would be the best option for you, as the city is a constant hub of activity during the region's warmest months. Prices skyrocket during peak season, so be sure to plan your vacation in Nice at least three months in advance!

Average Temperature: 70-75 Degrees F

 

Fall Weather in Nice - Being a city that is characterized by hot, dry summers and warm winters, traveling to Nice in the fall will offer the best of the both worlds for visitors. Temperatures start cooling down to the mid-60s in September, and one of the best times to visit Nice is during the second shoulder season during the months of September and October. Temperatures are perfect for sightseeing, as well as catching some rays on Nice's practically empty beaches.

Average Temperature: 60-65 Degrees F

Winter Weather in Nice - Winter temperatures in Nice tend to be mild making for ideal sightseeing conditions. Go for a leisurely walk beside the sea or take a dip if you're brave, and then enjoy a savory aperitif beside a roaring fire in the evening. Crowds are significantly smaller throughout the winter, except for in late February and early March when Carnival is in full swing.

Average Temperature: 50 Degrees F
 

Spring Weather in Nice - Many travel experts claim that visiting Nice during one of the shoulder seasons is the best option. From mid-March through April, visitors are able to take advantage of reasonably priced room rates, as well as experiencing the city's attractions without unbearably long lines. While there are fewer tourists in Nice during the early spring, sun seekers from around the globe begin their voyage to the Côte d'Azur during this time of the year, and these massive crowds stay until the beginning of fall.

Average Temperature: 55-60 Degrees F