Nice Holidays

Take the train of marvels

The Train des Merveilles winds its way up into the hills outside Nice and through villages like Drap, Sospen, and Breil sur Roya before terminating at Tende. The route is a standard commuter line, but the local tourist board eventually started offering journeys with guided tours to entice tourists to an experience that was previously a local secret. In summer the train runs over viaducts and through tunnels and fields of lavender as the on-board guide recounts the area’s history and points out places of interest along the way. Guests can spend the day in the charming village of Tende before returning to Nice. Entry to the museum there is included in the price of the train fare.

Climb a little for the best view in the city

Looking down upon Nice is the Colline du Chateau, or Castle Hill, from which you will see the city sprawled out below you. The view seems all the better after you have climbed the steps all the way up; alternatively there is a lift which will transport you. At the top you will find a park scattered with pine trees, a cemetery, and even a waterfall; it is a favourite picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. There are also some medieval ruins and a maritime museum on the hill.

Pick up an antique at the port

After a stroll along the Quai Rauba-Capeu to the port, head for the bohemian Quartier Segurane, where more than a hundred antique shops and flea markets operate. Known as the Notting Hill of Nice, the area is packed with bars, cafes, and restaurants to revive flagging bargain-hunters.

Sample the high life in Monaco

A square mile of wealth, luxury, glitz and glamour, the Principality of Monaco lies just an hour's drive outside the city. Try your luck in the sumptuous Grand Casino or simply gaze out at the spectacular yachts in the marina to get an idea of how the other half lives. For the French equivalent of the high life, the equally opulent Cannes, home of the world famous film festival, is just a little further along the coast.

Promenade des Anglais

This pedestrian stretch by the Mediterranean is Nice's best-known landmark, remaining as popular now as it was when it opened in the 19th century. It takes its name, English Promenade, from the English workers who built it. It is a wonderful spot for a stroll, bike ride, or just to indulge in some people watching.

Matisse Museum

One of the giants of modern art, Henri Matisse began his illustrious career in Paris before moving to the south of France and the Nice suburb of Cimiez in 1917. He would spend the rest of his days on the French Riviera until his death in 1954. The local Matisse museum does a great job of capturing this long end period of the artist's life, as well as showcasing works from his earlier career. Housed in a spectacular red mansion on Cimiez hill, the museum has been educating the public about this groundbreaking painter, sculptor, and draughtsman for over half a century. There are also some of Matisse's personal effects on display to give visitors an idea of the man behind the artist.

Chapelle de l'Annonciation

It may be dedicated to St Rita, the patron saint of lost causes, but a trip to this exquisite example of baroque architecture is well worth the effort. From the outside you will notice the building on the Rue de la Poissonnerie by its single bell tower. But it is inside that the chapel’s real attractions lie. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by wonderfully ornate altars that are adorned with murals and edged in gold – a token of Nice’s Italian past. Despite its obvious charm, the church has had its fare share of ups and downs; suffering from fire damage and long periods of disuse. Now, restored to its former glory, it is hard to imagine such a treasure being forgotten about again.

Centre du Patrimoine

For an interesting and informative way to see the city, head to the Centre du Patrimoine, which offers a wide range of themed guided tours. From an education on the city's hidden treasures to walks that highlight its baroque, art deco, and even Russian architectural styles, the well-informed guides have all the bases covered. For tours in English, book 48 hours in advance.

To and from Nice

To the west of the city lie the two terminals of Nice-Cote d'Azur airport, from where you can fly to most major European destinations and further afield.
When you arrive taxis into town can be expensive but the airport provides its own express shuttle. Running every 30 minutes until the evening, the two routes will take you to the city's main train station or the main bus station. The ticket you buy from the driver will give you unlimited travel on public buses that day, perfect if you are making a connection to get to your hotel in Nice.
There is also a train station close to the airport that runs to Nice and eventually Italy in the east and Cannes and Antibes to the west. For a scenic way to hop between the coastal towns, head to Nice-Ville SNCF, the city's main train station. Cannes, Antibes and Monaco all form part of this frequent, inexpensive service.

Around town

Taxis in Nice are far from cheap so try and avoid them if you are on a budget. It is best to find a rank to catch them, as hailing them in the street is not common. These are usually near large hotels and transport terminals. Taxis are metered but check to make sure it is running when entering the cab.
The Sunbus company offers a comprehensive bus service covering the city's main tourist hotspots. Tickets are cheap, buses frequent and daily and weekly passes are available. Buses also run from the main terminal to other Riviera towns like Cannes.
If you want to explore the Riviera at your leisure or leave the coast to head inland, consider car hire in Nice.
International dialling code: 00 33 (4).

With its name in lights circling the minaret of this historic building, the Negresco Hotel was originally built as a privately owned mansion in 1913. Wonderfully decorated rooms, corridors adorned with works of art, and a great view of the Mediterranean characterise this jewel on the Promenade des Anglais. France has declared it a national historic monument and the American Association of Travel editors named it one of the world's ten best hotels.

The Goldstar Resort & Suites Nice Hotel offers 56 luxury suites for guests who are looking for something a little more spacious and comfortable than a hotel room. Two types of suites are available, but all come with their own living room, kitchen, king-sized bed, and flat screen television, making them ideal for longer stays. Shared among the suites are a heated swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa, and the hotel's own restaurant, Le Toucan.

The beautiful Palais de la Méditerranée Hotel provides a touch of art deco glamour to the Promenade des Anglais. Restored in 2004, the luxury hotel rises nine storeys above the seafront. The outdoor pool area on the third floor provides breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

The Boscolo Park Hotel is located in the centre of Nice, a short walk from casinos, shops and the Promenade des Anglais. The 104-room hotel boasts great views of the Bay of Angels, a gourmet restaurant (L'Avenue), and live music in the piano bar.

At La Table Alziari (4 rue François Zanin), guests must cast their eyes over the blackboard to choose their meal. Found on a small, steep street off the rue Pairolière, the place is run by the Alziari family, who have been making olive oil in the city for almost 150 years. Authenticity is the key when it comes to the food, with Mediterranean dishes cooked with the freshest local ingredients. The cod and stuffed sardines in particular are local favourites, and the restaurant is always stocked with a great range of local wines.

Le Bistro d'Antoine (27 rue de la Préfecture) sticks true to the bistro philosophy of placing the quality of food and wine on offer above all else. Chef Armand Crespo personally buys some of the ingredients at Nice's markets to ensure that they are as fresh as possible. The menu focuses on meat dishes, served inside or on the terrace and for very reasonable prices. It is a popular destination in Nice's old town, so book ahead to guarantee a table.

If you want great seafood in a relaxed atmosphere, head to Cafe de Turin (5 Place Garibaldi). The picturesque Place Garibaldi is home to this historic eatery, which opened in the early 20th century selling jugs of beer and wine to the local workers. It eventually diversified into food and standard bistro fare. It is famed for its raw shellfish or coquillage. With a great terrace and a no-reservations policy, it is best to arrive early.

Health

France does not have malaria.
There are no obligatory vaccinations for a trip to Nice. Recommended vaccinations include boosters in the vaccination schedule, including poliomyelitis, tetanus and diphtheria. For children it is advisable that the BCG, MMR and hepatitis B injections be administered before travelling.
Tap water is drinkable. There are many bottled water brands, including Volvic, Evian, Contrex, and Perrier. The health infrastructure is excellent.
Here are some doctors to contact (this is not a complete list and we cannot be held responsible for the level of service or the costs associated).

General practitioner: doctors emergencies Nice: 0810 85 01 01. Doctors emergency east: 0 810 85 02 02.
Gynecologist: gynecologic department: Archet Hospital, route St Antoine Ginestière, Nice: 04 92 03 60 92 / 04 92 03 60 93.
Pediatrician: pediatric emergency: Lenval Hospital (57, avenue de la Californie, Nice): 04 92 03 03 03 or Archet Hospital (151, rue St-Antoine de Ginestière, Nice): 04 92 03 60 89.
Cardiologist: cardio department: Pasteur Hospital, 30 voie Romaine, Nice: 04 92 03 77 77 / 04 92 03 78 80 / 04 92 03 78 81.
Dermatologist: dermatologic department: Archet Hospital, route St Antoine Ginestière, Nice: 04 92 03 62 23.
Important numbers
Dial 15 for medical emergencies
Dial 18 for the fire brigade
Dial 17 for the police.