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French Riviera Pass in detail

The french riviera pass, the city card proposed by the nice côte d’azur metropolitan convention & visitors bureau.

The French Riviera Pass allows you to discover the most important tourist sites and activities of Nice and the Côte d’Azur free of charge and to make significant savings on your holiday budget.

Alone, in pairs, with friends or family, discover the beauty and richness of the French Riviera through unique experiences.

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Leisure, visits, workshops, and activities… the French Riviera Pass is the ideal ally to make your stay unforgettable!

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The French Riviera is a destination no genuine globetrotter can afford to disregard. The specificity of the region can only be discovered by tourists who actually make the living experience of its attractions. It’s true Cote d’Azur and its surroundings have earned the reputation of a somewhat exclusive destination, but potential budget travelers should rest assured: the French Riviera is not, in fact, inaccessible and out of the reach of visitors who enjoy, let’s say, the benefits of an average budget .

Indeed, the so-called French Riviera Pass enables tourists to discover the region in the most cost-efficient manner. The chief advantage of purchasing a French Riviera Pass refers to the fact it gives visitors free access to some of the highest rated tourist attractions: museums, guided tours, leisure activities. The pass also works as a miniature tourist guide, since it comprises suggestions for visiting a selection of venues and top rated things to do able to unveil the true spirit of the French Riviera (restaurants, shopping opportunities, sports activities).

The French Riviera Pass does not entitle holders to free access to the public transport system. The validity of this useful tourist tool is acknowledged in Nice, Monaco, Antibes, Biot, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Beaulieu, Eze and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. The validity period ranges from one day to three days.

The passes can be purchased from each of the tourist information offices in Nice. They can also be ordered online.

For updated information on the French Riviera Pass, a thorough description of its advantages and the like, visit the official website dedicated to this pass:

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French Riviera Pass, Nice

Entrance to museums & tourist sights across the Côte d'Azur

If sightseeing and culture are at the top of your list whilst visiting Nice, you may want to buy a French Riviera Pass.

Valid for one, two or three days, it allows you free access to around 20 sites, museums and tours. The attractions are all based in the Nice area, including Antibes, Jean les Pins, Biot, Cagnes-sur-Mer, St-Jean Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu, Eze and Monaco.

Take a look at their website to decide if there are enough of the attractions that you want to see to ensure it is worth buying a pass.

Note that public transport is not included in the price, and remember to include the time it will take you to get to each place. If you work out your itinerary beforehand, the pass can provide excellent value.

• 72h French Riviera Pass: 56€
• 48h French Riviera Pass: 38€
• 24h French Riviera Pass: 26€
• 72h French Riviera Pass + transportation: 68€
• 48h French Riviera Pass + transportation: 46€
• 24h French Riviera Pass + transportation: 30€

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Nice tramways have transformed the city, making it greener, less stressful and more modern. Gone are the days of bumper-to-bumper cars, slow travel on a city bus and endless waits for night buses. After years of planning and construction, Nice's tram network is now fully operational! It includes three tramway lines that run north-south and east-west from early morning to late at night.

Table of Contents

Ligne 1 was the first tramway line, opening in 2008 and extended in 2013. It swoops down from north Nice and then heads east with stops near the train station and old Nice. Then came Ligne 2 which connects the Airport with Nice's Port Lympia, traversing central Nice. It connects with Ligne 1 at Jean Medecin on the eponymous avenue and at Garibaldi. Around the same time Ligne 3 opened connecting the Airport with Saint Isidore, stopping at Allianz, Nice's sports stadium. It connects with Ligne 2 at the airport, Grand Arenas, Paul Montel and Digue des Francais.

Tramway Map

Hotels Near the Tramway

What could be more convenient than staying only steps from a tram stop? And, don't worry. The trams are quiet except for the occasional toot. I'll start with the  best   hotels along Line 2  which enjoys a direct connection to Nice Airport as well as the Saint Augustin train station

And here's a selection of the best hotels along Tram Line 1

Tramway User Guide

As part of the plan discourage cars in the city centre, motorists are invited to leave their cars in special ParcAzur lots where parking is free upon presentation of a round-trip tram ticket. You can use any multi-voyage card or purchase a a round-trip ticket within the ParcAzur lot.

Choosing the Direction

The last stop is indicated on the front of the tram. For Ligne 1, choose "Hopital Pasteur" to head east and north or "Henri Sappia" to head north. For Ligne 2, choose "CADAM" or "Airport T1/T2" or "Port Lympia" to hit all stops in those directions. For Ligne 3, choose Aeroport Terminal 2 or Saint Isidore. The tramway stops at all stops all the time.

Buying Tram Tickets

You cannot buy a ticket on the tram. There is a distributor at each tram stop that sells La Carte for a refundable fee of €2. Then you choose tickets either solo (€1.70), return (€3.40) or in a multi-voyage system.  Under the latter, you prepay any number of journeys from 1 to 100. The price is degressive. The more you buy, the cheaper it is. You pay €1.70 for the first 12 trips; €1.50 for the next 13 trips; €1.30 up to 50 trips and then €1 for 50 to 100 trips. For example, if you put 15 trips on your card you’ll pay €24.90. Note that this multi-voyage plan can be used by more than one person which makes it ideal for people travelling in a group. There is no expiration date and it can be used for group travel. Just punch in the validator once for each person. As in the single-ticket, the card is good for transfers in the same direction for 74 minutes. The card must be validated for each transfer.

Or, you can purchase a pass. Buy a day pass (€7), 2-day pass (€13) or 7-day passes (€20). The pass is only for one person.

Payment is in euros or by credit card. The machines only accept coins and credit cards with chips. Cards with magnetic strips only are not accepted. Tickets and passes are good for the tram or bus. You can also transfer from the bus to the tram (and vice versa) for a period of 74 minutes but only in one direction (i.e. not a return trip).

Another option is to sign up for an account at lignesdazur.com where you can purchase your tickets and passes online and have them delivered to your French address.

If you have a smartphone equipped with NFC capability, download and install the app NFC Nice Ticket for Android or iPhone. On Android you can buy La Carte and fill it with one or many tickets plus any pass or subscription (Nice residents only). On the iPhone you can only recharge a card you've already purchased.

To validate the ticket or pass on the tram, make sure NFC is turned on and the screen is on. Place the NFC antenna (usually on the back of the phone) against the validating machine.

Here is the validating machine with a reminder the all tickets and cards ( titres de transport ) are validated by pressing it against the green Validez içi label. Do NOT insert it in the slot above.

[See prices and details for buying all bus and tram tickets in 2023]

Boarding the Tram

Stations are equipped with LED panels noting the arrival of the next tram. The tram stops at each point; no need to flag it down (unlike a bus). The doors do not open automatically; press the large button to open the door. Once inside, place the card against the validating machine with the green Validez içi label. If you have purchased a multi-voyage card, the machine will indicate how many voyages are left.

On the Tram

The stations are announced in French and English and also appear on an overhead screen. You can enjoy free WiFi on the trams. Push the door buttons to open.

Accessibility

All trams are wheelchair accessible.

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There are 22 stops running on a north-south axis from Henri Sappia to Hopital Pasteur. It takes 38 minutes to traverse from beginning to end. For travellers, the most convenient link runs along ave Jean Médecin from the train station , to Place Masséna , the Acropolis conference center and Old Nice . See a Nice map.

Map of Line 1

The tramway starts running at 4.25am from Henri Sappia and 5.10am from Hopital Pasteur. The last tramway leaves Hopital Pasteur at 1.35am Friday and Saturday (12.40am Sun-Thurs) and from Henri Sappia at 12.50am Friday and Saturday (11.50pm Sun-Thurs).

Early morning and late at night the tram runs every 15 to 25 minutes with frequency increasing to every 4-5 minutes during the day on weekdays and every 6-7 minutes on Sundays.

Points of Interest Along Line 1

Jean Medecin Nearby are the Nice Etoile shopping centre, Notre Dame Church and the Pathe Massena cinema.

Gare Thiers Nearby is the Nice train station

Liberation Nearby is the outdoor market of the same name (Tues-Sun morning) and the Gare du Sud.

Cathedrale-Vieille Ville Nearby is the Old Town and access to the Colline du Chateau .

Garibaldi Nearby is the Place Garibaldi, MAMAC, Archaeological Crypt . It's a short walk to Nice Port .

Acropolis Nearby is the Acropolis

Palais des Expositions Nearby is the Palais des Expositions (Conference Centre)

Vauban Nearby is the Gare Routiere (Bus Station) where you can get a bus to Marseilles, Aix-en-Provence and Gap.

Map of Line 2

When Ligne 2 rolled into the Port Lympia station on December 14th, 2019 there was rejoicing throughout town. So much of the Port area had been infested with machines, tarps, fencing and mud, people forgot what it once looked like. Worse, they forgot how many businesses were struggling to stay afloat during the years of construction.

Ligne 2 has been a more complicated engineering project than Ligne 1, largely because the tram runs underground from CUM to the Port. Also, unlike Ligne 1 which is electrical-powered, Ligne 2 is solar-powered with charging effected in 20 seconds at certain stops. It's also a faster tram, clocking in at an average speed of 25km/hr as opposed to 14.5km/hr for Ligne 1.

When all runs smoothly in peak hours it should only take 26 minutes to go from the Port to the Airport or CADAM.

Tram 2 to the Airport

Notice that there is a separate branch for Nice Airport . When boarding the tramway, it's essential to board the one marked Airport if that's where you're going or CADAM if your destination is the Administrative Centre. Every other tram departing Port Lympia heads to the airport.

First departure to Port Lympia from CADAM at 4:05am; from Airport Terminal 2 at 5:24am.

Last departure from CADAM at 12:35am; from Airport Terminal 2 at 12:15am Friday and Saturday (11.55pm Sun-Thurs).

First departure from Port Lympia to CADAM at 4:55am; to the Airport at 4:45am

Last departure from Port Lympia to CADAM at 1:15am Fridays and Saturdays (12.35am Sun-Thurs); from Port Lympia to Airport at 11.11pm Monday to Friday, 11.35pm Saturday, 11.05pm Sunday.

Do you have an early flight? Check out my recommendations for staying near Nice Airport.

The tram runs every 10 minutes in the early morning and late evening, shortening to every four minutes during the day on weekdays and every six minutes on Sundays.

The tram line plunges deeply underground between CUM and Port Lympia but no worries for those with luggage or mobility issues. There are escalators and elevators running from the tram to the street.

Points of Interest along Ligne 2

Nearby is Place Garibaldi

Lenval Nearby is Lenval Hospital

Fabron Nearby is the Museum of Naive Art

Sainte Helene Nearby is the Radisson Blu hotel

Grand Arenas This is the last stop before the tram splits between the Airport and CADAM. Nearby is the Saint Augustin train station .

Map of Line 3

Ligne 3 runs from Airport Terminal 2 to St Isidore, with a stop at Allianz Riviera (Stade), Nice's football stadium. The line runs from around 6am to 9.15pm. From 9.26pm the line runs directly from Port Lympia to the airport and beyond. The last departure from Port Lympia is at 11pm Monday to Friday (11.20pm weekends). The final stop at Saint Isidore is right next to Nice's new Ikea store.

Related Pages

Nice Travel Guide

Tips for Visiting Nice

Things to See in Nice

Nice Museums

Nice Old Town

Castle Hill

Day Trips from Nice

Getting Around Nice

Last updated April 16, 2024

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Everything you need to know about Nice before you hit the French Riviera

May 15, 2022 • 9 min read

Before you hit the promenade, here are some of the things you need to know about Nice © Elena Elisseeva / Shutterstock

The queen of the French Riviera, Nice drips elegance and panache from every belle époque palace, baroque chapel and Mediterranean-blue chair on the prom. The capital of France's celebrity-stalked Côte d’Azur might be modest in size, but the choice of things to see and do in this iconic coastal town stretches well beyond bracing strolls along Promenade des Anglais and lizard-lounging on bum-numbing pebbles on the seashore.

Plan on lingering more than a couple of days to properly get under the sun-blazed skin of this ancient Greek-founded settlement and wildly popular modern seaside hub. Advance planning is the key to getting the most out of your visit to Nice – book too late (or not at all) and you might miss out on live jazz beneath the stars at the open-air Théâtre de Verdure, or a table for the best of modern Niçois gastronomy at Flaveur .

Here’s what you need to know to ensure smooth sailing on a trip to Nice.

Planning your trip to Nice

Plan ahead to bag tickets for the best events.

Flagship events such as the Nice Jazz Festival in July, and February’s Carnaval de Nice (for those keen to watch the parades from the comfort of a seat in a stand), require planning months in advance. Ditto for world-famous dates such as the Monaco Grand Prix or the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) in Menton, which you’ll most likely attend on a day trip from Nice (where accommodation is less hotly contested).

Arrange a night at the opera

The show season at Nice’s hallowed Opéra Nice Cote d’Azur runs from September to June, and tickets for operas, classical concerts and ballets at this grandiose 19th-century opera house sell like hotcakes. Buy tickets a few weeks ahead and pack something a little more formal to wear to fit in.

Book tables in advance for the city’s foodie hotspots

Nice has plenty of old-town bistros, neighborhood eateries, caves à manger (wine bars) and sea-gazing restaurants that require no table reservations. But you should book tables at least a couple of weeks in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on the perfect plate of petits farcis (stuffed vegetables) or socca (chickpea pancakes) or the creative contemporary gastronomy of such Michelin-starred chefs as Tourteaux brothers at Flaveur , Michaël Gracieux at L’Aromate , or South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen at Jan .

Consider buying a Pass Musées

If you’re planning on visiting several of Nice's museums, buy a Pass Musées 3 Jours online or at the tourist office. Costing €15 (US$16) and valid for three days, the pass covers admission to all municipal museums and galleries. A single entry to just one museum costs €5 (US$5.30) or €10 (US$10.60) depending on the museum, so you only need to visit a couple to justify the cost of the pass.

When plotting your museum itinerary, investigate which temporary exhibitions and events are on – keep tabs on what’s happening via the Musées de la Ville de Nice Facebook page.

…or a French Riviera Pass

If your Nice itinerary includes day trips to neighboring hot spots such as Monaco , Èze, Marineland in Antibes or the belle époque Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, it's well worth investing in a French Riviera Pass . The pass costs from €28 (US$29.60) for one day to €56 (US$59.20) for three days, and it includes fun stuff such as a half-hour Segway tour, bicycle and e-scooter rental, champagne at the city casino, a stand-up paddle boarding session, wine-tasting and more, as well as admission to dozens of museums and monuments in Nice and along the Riviera.

Pack an old-fashioned corkscrew

Wine bottles in Provence and France come with corks – screw tops are rare. Pop a corkscrew in your hold luggage in anticipation of dreamy, wine-fueled picnics on the beach and dreamy rosé aperitifs at sundown.

Cut your carbon footprint using e-bikes, public transport and boats to explore

Don’t even contemplate arriving in Nice by car; downtown traffic and parking are equally tiresome. Get around on foot, and for longer distances, by public transport and the shared, free-floating electric bikes provided by e-Vélobleu .

Nothing compares to seeing the Côte d'Azur's fabled coastline from the water. Trans Côte d’Azur boats sail east from Nice along the picturesque shoreline to Monaco, passing Villefranche-su-Mer, Cap Ferrat and Èze, and to glitzy St-Tropez via Antibes and star-studded Cannes .

Etiquette in Nice

Keep bikinis and bare chests for the beach.

Don’t walk around the city in skimpy beachwear or bare-chested. Away from the shore, dress as you would in any non-coastal city. In summer, loose-fitting shirts and flowing skirts or baggy shorts are the way to go. Don’t forget a sunhat, sun protection and shades. Once actually on the beach, toplessness is perfectly acceptable and locals aren’t shy!

Sex on the beach? Non non non!

Noticeboards clearly explaining what you cannot do sur la plage are displayed at the entrance to beaches along Promenade des Anglais. Barbecues, campfires, wild camping, loud music and sex on the beach are all prohibited and punishable by stiff fines. Dogs are also barred, except on canine-friendly Plage de la Lanterne.

Leave the pebbles where they belong (and the blue chairs too)

It might be tempting to pop a couple of Nice’s signature round galets (pebbles) into your beach bag to paint and craft into a souvenir paperweight back home, but don’t! Each year, some 15,000 cubic meters of gloriously smooth pebbles from the nearby River Paillon are poured onto the beaches along Promenade des Anglais to slow down natural (and human-assisted) erosion. Play your part in preserving Nice’s legendary pebble beach – or risk a €38 (US$40) fine.

Also, note that Nice’s iconic blue chairs – a permanent fixture on the waterfront since the 1950s – belong on Promenade des Anglais. Do not move them onto the beach or, heaven forbid, attempt to take them home with you.

Dress up, not down, when dining out

This is France's glam coast, so bring some posher outfits and dress up for nicer mid-range restaurants, clubs and bars – no jeans and sneakers (though black or 'smarter' jeans are usually acceptable).

Dress modestly when visiting churches

Leave the ultra-short shorts and mini-skirts at home when visiting Cathédrale Ste-Réparate , Chapelle de la Miséricorde and other old-town churches and chapels. Bring a scarf – make that two – to cover bare shoulders and over-exposed thighs.

Bring your own bag or basket to the market

Browsing market stalls piled high with seasonal fruit and vegetables, shiny olives, rainbows of fresh blooms and exotic spices at Vieux Nice’s open-air market on Cours Saleya or the equally jam-packed Marché de la Libération is a Niçois rite of passage. Remember to bring your own basket or shopping bag to carry your purchases.

Shop for sustainably-produced ‘Made in Nice’ souvenirs

Vieux Nice boasts ample souvenir shops selling mass-produced tack aimed squarely at tourists. Hunt down artist-supporting ateliers and independent boutiques instead for environmentally-conscious homewares, culinary products and hand-crafted goods produced by local artisans, craftsmen, farmers, producers and fashion designers. On-trend concept and vinyl store Evrlast on rue du Lycée in Vieux Nice is a good starting point.

Maison Auer has sold Nice’s famous fruits confits (crystallized fruits) to the sweet-toothed since 1820. If wine is your nectar, discover small-batch wines from the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions at trusted 1940s wine shop Cave de la Tour in Vieux Nice. Or buy direct from a local chateau. Wine curios will be instantly smitten by Château de Bellet , one of France’s teeniest appellations, hidden high in the hills 9km (5.6 miles) northwest of Nice. Call ahead to arrange a vineyard tour, cellar visit and dégustation (tasting) before you buy.

Drink pastis and rosé like a Niçois

Pastis is France's most iconic aperitif – drinking it at any time of day is acceptable. When ordering, asking for ‘un pastis’ would be like asking for ‘a beer’ – instead, check the drinks menu and order by brand. Ricard and Pastis 51 are the most common, but there are plenty of artisanal brands spiced with local botanicals. Pastis de Nice blends 26 plants and spices from Nice’s mountainous hinterland.

Alternatively, opt for a glass of chilled rosé crafted in a Provence winery. Bistros and restaurants typically serve Côtes de Provence or Côteaux d’Aix as their highly affordable house wines. To try the grown-up stuff, indulge in a tasting session at Rosé , a wine bar single-mindedly focused on the rosé wines for which southern France is rightly famous.

Avoid restaurants touting 'menus touristiques'

Nice has its fair share of restaurants targeting a less-discerning tourist crowd. Avoid restaurants touting a ‘menu touristique’ – follow locals instead to authentic eateries, with menus only in French and kitchens fueled by seasonal produce sourced from regional farmers and artisan producers.

Never order a cappuccino to end a meal

Cappuccino is an Italian import – in France, un café (a short, sharp espresso) is the only self-respecting choice.

Health & Safety in Nice

Ditch bottled water for tap water.

Tap water is safe to drink in Nice, and ordering une carafe d’eau (a jug of tap water) rather than bottled water in restaurants saves euros and reduces plastic consumption.

Bring your own water bottle to fill up while roving around town. There are free drinking fountains spouting eau potable (drinking water) in both terminals at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport and in various spots around town. You can also find taps in the public shower-blocks on the beachfront along Promenade des Anglais.

Beware of pickpockets and petty thieves

As in any other city, keep your wits about you. Beware of pickpockets in tourist-crowded areas such as Vieux Nice’s Cours Saleya markets, and on trams and buses into town from the airport. Don’t leave personal belongings unattended on the beach – your valuables are safer left back at your hotel.

Watch for stinger jellyfish

If you notice a lack of people jumping into the shallows or swimming further out to sea, it's usually for a good reason. Mauve stinger jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) plague the Med at certain times of year, particularly in August. Ask around before entering the sea, and take the lead of locals – if they’re steering clear of the water, do the same.

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20 Things to Know Before you Travel to Nice, France

02/05/2024 By Traveling Canucks Leave a Comment Categories: Beach Europe France Nice Sightseeing Top Lists Travel Tips Trip Ideas World Heritage Site

Things to know before you travel to Nice, France

Are you planning to travel to Nice and looking for some quick travel tips? Great! We wrote this post with you in mind. Rather than write another post about the top things to do in Nice, we thought we’d share a few of the things we learned instead.

The purpose of our trip to Nice was to attend the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France . We decided to make Nice our home base for one week, to avoid a lot of packing and unpacking.

During our visit to the French Riviera, we made a day trip from Nice to Monaco and an overnight in Marseille to watch a game. Because of this, we really only had a few full days to explore Nice. 

We hope these Nice travel tips will help you plan your Nice vacation. 

The beach is rocky. Bring water shoes. 

As you can see in the photo above, the beach along the famous Promenade des Anglais is rocky. This iconic beach stretches close to 7 km in length, so you’ll be able to find a spot.  

Bring water shoes, sandals, flip flops or thongs. Preferably shoes you can wear directly in the water without them easily falling off.

There is a slope from the beach to the water that makes it challenging to get out of the water . It’s actually pretty comical to watch people try to get back to beach from the water. Envision a wabbly dance with flapping arms – the opposite of graceful. 

The rocks are not sharp, they’re smooth. Some people call it a pebble beach. Regardless, these stones are not easy to walk on. Avoid using bare feet. 

Many shops near the beach sell inexpensive beach matts to sit on. Get one. You’ll be glad you did.

There is a small patch of sandy beach. 

While most of the beaches in Nice are rocky, there is a small sandy section at Ponchettes Public Beach (Plage des Ponchettes). It’s located at the eastern end of the promenade, near Vieux Nice and Castel Hill.

If you crave the sand, head to this beach. But be warned, this beach is one of the most popular public beaches in Nice, France .

You do NOT need to rent a vehicle

Most Nice tourist attractions are located near the old town, Vieux Nice . It’s a very walkable city, with several pedestrian only streets. 

Parking in the city is challenging. There are limited parking lots and finding available street parking is like winning the lottery. Renting a vehicle will create unnecessary headaches. And, you’ll likely spend most of your time walking around the city anyways.

Use the public transit system to explore the city. Grab an Uber if you have a specific place in mind (like the impressive St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral ). Take the train if you want to visit nearby cities and towns, like Monaco and/or Menton . 

Take advantage of public transit when you travel to Nice.

Consider the French Riviera Pass

If you like to visit museums and tourist attractions, you might want to consider the French Riviera Pass . With your French Riviera Pass, you get free access to most of the essential sites of the Côte d’Azur. 

It’s a cost-effective way to explore the top Nice attractions. Choose between 24, 48 and 72 hours. 

Some of the attractions included with the pass are Massena Museum, National Museum of Natural History, Marc Chagall National Museum, Musée de la Photographie, Saint-Nicolas Cathedral, free guided tour of Le Vieux-Nice, and Nice Grand Tour open-deck bus, to name a few.

Click here to see the price of the French Riviera Pass

Take the Nice Tramway from the Airport to your HOTEL

If you’re staying at a hotel , the Nice tram is convenient and inexpensive. You can catch the tram at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

Depending on when you arrive, the traffic in Nice can be quite congested. And there are lots of stop lights and one way streets, making it a slow drive for taxis and ride-shares.

View the Nice tramway stops here . 

You will need to purchase a ticket at vending machines located on the tram platforms. Click the British Flag for English and follow the prompts.

If you plan to use the tram multiple times on your Nice vacation, it might make sense to get the Multi ticket. It’s 10 Euros for 10 tickets (on one card). You can use these ‘tickets’ for multiple people, just make sure you validate the ticket for each person when you get on the tram. 

View an interactive Nice tramway map here .

Organize a Private Transfer if staying at an apartment rental

Yes, I am somewhat contradicting the above statement. The main difference is HOTEL vs APARTMENT .

There is a difference. Let me explain. 

Hotels are much easier to find because there is a big sign on the building. While the tramway is convenient and easy to navigate, the streets of Nice are not.

There are many apartment rentals in Nice , and most are in old buildings on one way streets.

Even if you are able to find the correct street intersection, you still have to the find the correct building and apartment number. It can be confusing (and frustrating) for a first time visitor.

We stayed at an apartment using Booking.com . The apartment is a 15 minute walk west of the Old Town. After making the reservation, we received contact info from the property manager. He gave us his Whatsapp to communicate with him via text.

He also gave us the Whatsapp number to a taxi driver that he recommends. We contact the driver and give him our flight info. He was waiting at the airport gate with our name on a sign. Then, once in the taxi, the driver texts the apartment manager and lets him know we are on the way.

I cannot imagine trying to find this building and apartment number without the assistance of this friendly driver.

Fortunately, the property manager was available to greet us. Even when we were buzzed into the building, we had trouble finding the room number. It’s an old building that did not have floor or door numbers. 

After a long travel day, it’s nice to not have to think. We paid about 50 euros for this private transfer; which is not cheap. But we think it’s worth it, especially with two tired kids.

Make sure you visit Vieux Nice (Nice Old Town)

Okay, so this is a no-brainer. If you travel to Nice, you must explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.

Did you know that Nice recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021? 

If you’re just starting to research the many things to do in Nice , put Vieux Nice at the top of your list. The charming Old Town is a maze of narrow streets with incredible architecture. Embrace the labyrinth and discover its many shops and cafes, but be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Stay close to Nice’s Old Town (and beach)

The Old Town is the place to be. It’s home to hundreds of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and tourist attractions. It’s the heart of the city. 

When researching where to stay in Nice, look for properties within walking distance to the Old Town . And the beach, if possible. After all, you didn’t travel to Nice to stay at a budget hotel near the airport, did you?

I’m all for saving money. Except, if it means staying far away from the action. The last thing you want to do is take public transit to and from dinner. 

If you have to choose between Old Town vs Beach, I would lean towards the beach. But that depends on what you like doing and how much you like the beach. 

Use the Promenade de Anglais as your compass

Nice is a very walkable city and the famous Promenade de Anglais is the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around the city. Use it as a marker to navigate the city. 

Interesting fact – this celebrated promenade was originally financed by the British in the 1820s. Promenade des Anglais means ‘Walkway of the English’ .

Due to its mild climate and location between the Mediterranean sea and the Alps, Nice became the winter destination for British aristocrats and upper-class families. In an effort to make Nice a more attractive winter destination for foreigners, the promenade was built. 

Nice is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as Winter Resort Town of the Riviera . The Promenade des Anglais is a big reason for this recognition. 

History lesson aside, this promenade is a must-visit. We walked up and down this path multiple times, every day. Have a seat in one of the iconic blue chairs and enjoy the beach views. 

English is spoken, but French is preferred (and appreciated)

French is the official language, obviously. And, while many locals speak English, it’s always appreciated if you try a few basic phrases. A simple “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you) will do. 

Our boys speak French, sort of. Being in France gave them the perfect opportunity to practice their French. When locals heard them try to speak French, they instantly smiled and helped them with certain words. 

Generally speaking, it’s always a good idea to practice the local language. 

Get the best views of Nice at Castle Hill

The promenade starts/ends at Castle Hill, so you will inevitably find yourself here at some point. The Castle of Nice (Château de Nice) was a military citadel built in the 11th century. It offers the best views in the city. 

There are several viewpoints at Castle Hill, so let your curiosity guide you. Check out the waterfalls and continue to Colline du Château Viewpoint of Port Lympia. 

The view from Castle Hill is the most photographed landscape in Nice. 

The main lookout point is at Bellanda Tower, picture above (on the left). The umbrellas in front of the beach are a part of Castel Plage, a popular restaurant and beach club. 

There is an elevator at Castle Hill 

We did not know this, so we walked up the stairs. The stairs are fine, but it was a hot and sweaty afternoon. And we didn’t have water with us, which was a mistake. 

If you have mobility issues, or you just hate walking up lots of stairs, use the elevator instead. 

Dinner happens after 8:00 PM

Admittedly, we are early eaters. Since having kids, our dinner time is typically between 5:30-6:30PM. Naturally, our stomachs start to rumble at this time. 

As we wandered the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, we noticed many of the restaurants looked empty. Our first instinct is that the food or service is not great. Why else would this perfectly located French restaurant be empty at 5:30PM? 

Don’t let this lack of guests fool you. Many of these same restaurants hit capacity by 8:00 PM. In some cases, you have to wait for over an hour to get a table.

Keep this in mind when planning dinner. If you have kids and you want to dine early, some restaurants might not be open for dinner yet. And, if you wait until later, you might not get a table at popular restaurants. 

If there’s one thing we can all learn from the French, it’s how to enjoy eating and drinking. Sit back, relax, and soak up the evening atmosphere. 

Only cheer for the home team in France!

The French are fanatics for football (soccer). Our boy is a mild fan of Paris Saint-German (PSG). He likes Mbappé and Messi, so he knows the name of the team. But he isn’t a real fan and I doubt he’s watched a full game from start to finish. 

One evening, we visited the Old Town to watch the France Rugby World Cup game. 

To our surprise, the rugby game was not televised. Instead, the Ligue 1 match between OGC Nice and PSG was on the outdoor big screens. That’s fine we us. We like to watch sports with the locals. So we found a chair and decided to watch the soccer game instead. 

Sitting directly behind us was a group of five PSG fans. I’d guess they were 20 years old. Young men.

When PSG scored a goal, the out-of-town fans cheered. Within seconds, about 30 fans of the home team (pictured above) turned around and started shouting. They rushed the PSG fans and things almost got out of hand. Some of the guys almost knocked over our youngest boy as they confronted the PSG fans. 

Things cooled down, briefly. But we noticed many of these young men strategically changed tables in order to surround these unwelcomed PSG fans.

We were right in the middle of it. At that point, we decided it was time to leave. Fortunately, our boy did not cheer when PSG scored! 

The lesson – if you watch a soccer match in France, make sure you cheer for the home team. 

Splurge and eat a French Macaron

When you travel to Nice, you must indulge in its culinary delights. And what better indulgence then the simple and elegant macaron. 

There are not a cheap treat, but they are oh-so-good and worth the splurge. 

Do it! You know you want to. 

How cute is this little shop in Vieux Nice? I might travel to Nice just for the macarons. 

Watch your step!

Some of the old streets in Nice are in poor condition. In fact, most of the streets and sidewalks are in need of repair. We expect this in the old town, but it’s common throughout the city.

Watch for uneven surfaces that can trip you. It happened to us multiple times. 

Also – watch out for dog poop!

It’s everywhere. I’m sure that most people are responsible dog owners (right?!), so I’ll try not to point the finger. But beware – the streets of Nice (and Marseille) are covered with dog poop. 

And there’s a lot of human urine puddles, too. Most public washrooms have a fee (1-2 euros), which pushes people to pee outside on the street (especially drunk or homeless people). Watch your step!

Take a day trip to Monaco (or Cannes, Antibes, Èze, Menton)

No trip to the French Riviera is complete without visiting the glamorous microstate of  Monaco . After spending the day in Monaco, we can confirm that a day trip to Monaco is enough time to see the sites and get a feel for the city.

It’s not very big, geographically speaking, so you can see a lot in a short period of time. 

If you have time, visit some of the smaller villages and towns near Nice. Antibes, Villefranches, Èze and Menton are nearby cities worth a day trip.

Italy is also a short train ride away. We ate breakfast in France, lunch in Monaco, and dinner in Italy, which is three countries in one day. The train system is efficient and convient. 

Related post – Things to do in Monaco for first time visitors

Book your train tickets on the app

The above photo shows you the most hated machines in France. The train ticket vending machines. These old machines are confusing and frustrating. And there is typically only one person, if that, available to help. 

To avoid waiting in the painfully slow lines, download the app and book your tickets ahead of time. 

Train tickets won’t work until 30 minutes before departure time

We arrived at Gare de Nice-Ville an hour early. The gates require QR codes on your phone or tickets from the vending machine. We attempted to walk through the gates but the QR code would not work.

We were confused. And there is no human to speak with. 

A friendly person could see our frustration. She informed us that we should speak into a small yellow box located beside the gates. A small camera and microphone allows you to speak with a customer service person. It’s very impersonal and, in my opinion, poorly advertised/communicated.

This is a train station, after all! Hundreds of thousands of uniformed foreigners will travel to Nice and may need assistance. And we were visiting during the rugby world cup .

We were informed that the QR codes and tickets only become active 30 minutes before departure time. That’s why it didn’t work. Sure enough, the codes did work when used at the appropriate time. Duh!

However, this was not communicated when we purchased the train tickets.

The lesson – don’t arrive at the train station too early. There is limited seating and you can’t access the passenger area until 30 minutes before departure. 

Avoid the peak season, if possible.

The summer months are considered peak season for tourists (June to August). France is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and the French Riviera is its most popular beach vacation region.

Avoid visiting during public holidays in France because that’s when locals also visit the region. 

In general, travel to Nice during the shoulder seasons in the spring (April & May) and fall (September & October) should bring less tourists and milder temperatures. However, even in slower tourist seasons, it’s still a bustling city. 

Hopefully you found these Nice travel tips helpful.

We enjoyed out time in Nice and can see why it gets its reputation as a top European travel destination. If you choose to travel to Nice, we hope these simple tips help with your trip planning. 

Bon voyage!

Read more blog posts from Europe:

• You can’t go to Ireland and not see these top 10 Ireland attractions
• 30 Photos of Porto Portugal that we can’t stop looking at
• Things to do in Stockholm, Sweden in the summer (with Kids)
• 12 days in Norway: A Perfect Norway Road Trip Itinerary   
• Thinking about a European River Cruise? Here’s what you need to know
• Things to do in Monaco for first time visitors

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Above, The elegant Musée Masséna. Below , Another Belle Époque masterpiece, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

You can travel around this European country loved by celebs for less than £50

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France is a popular destination for holiday goers, with its impressive architecture, fabulous cuisine, wonderful wine, and interesting history.

And if you’re thinking of visiting this summer then you might be able to see much more of the country for less than £50.

You can explore celebrity holiday hotspots like Cannes, Nice and Antibes, as well as the city of love for cheap.

Following similar successful schemes in Germany and Portugal , France has announced the launch of a new nationwide unlimited travel pass for just €49 (£42) a month.

The unlimited travel pass will come into effect between July and August, coinciding with the 2024 Olympics .

But there is a catch. It’s only available for those aged 26 and under.

Specifically, the unlimited travel pass will apply to journeys not only on France’s Intercity and TER trains, but also local buses, metros, and trams.

This means that travel across Ile-e-France — home to Paris — and high-speed TGV trains will require additional tickets and will not form part of the discount. 

So, you won’t exactly be in your Emily in Paris era, but you’ll still be able to explore places like Bordeaux and Marseille.

French president Emmanual Macron previously announced his intentions to introduce a national rail pass back in September 2023.

Que les moins de 27 ans puissent voyager en train de manière illimitée en France : devant Hugo, j’avais dit banco ! Le Pass Rail à 49€ par mois devient réalité dès cet été. Où irez-vous ? — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 3, 2024

He said this during an interview with YouTuber HugoDecrypte, and confirmed that the plans were inspired by Germany’s deutschlandticket.

‘I have asked the transport minister to launch it with all the regions that are willing to set up this system,’ Macron said at the time .

It was initially hoped that the travel pass would apply to all ages, but even so, 700,000 young people will be able to benefit from the pass.

Passes will be available to purchase from 15 June through SNCF-Connect.

How far in advance should you book a holiday?

Travel operator Ski Vertigo told Metro the best times to book 2024 summer getaways.

• For European trips, the sweet spot is 141 days — booking that far can lead to savings of 47%.
• For the Eurostar, it’s 120 days.
• For long-haul fights, you should book 178 days in advance, as this can give you a 54% reduction in costs.

Where else in Europe can I travel via train?

France is the latest European country to introduce these dreamy travel passes.

This craze all started with Germany’s €49 deutschlandticket, which applies to all public transport modes in the country for people of all ages.

Portugal’s €49 National Rail Pass is also available for people of all ages, although it doesn’t apply to buses, urban transport systems, and intercity routes.

Meanwhile, a three-day rail pass across various regions in Italy will cost €29, while five-day tickets are priced at just €49.

Belgium’s aptly-named Youth Holiday Pass costs just €35 a month, with under-26s getting unlimited rail travel during school holiday periods.

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