Guide to Nice

Nice is the fifth most populous city in France, and the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast and the second-largest city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region after Marseille.

Among tourists, Nice is the second most popular French city after Paris, a fact which, combined with the difficulties of land travel at long distance (partly because of the Alps), allows it to have the third busiest airport in France in terms of passenger numbers. It is easily accessible, being just 4 hours from Paris by train, and the airport is located just minutes away from the city.

Come and discover or rediscover Nice, a city of multiple perfumes and flavours. Here, the gentle lifestyle is as much due to the city’s beauty as to its exceptional climate.

The famous “Cours Saleya” and its markets will reveal their unexpected treasures and stimulate your taste-buds. Come and taste some of our local culinary specialities : Socca or pissaladière washed down by Bellet  Wine – a renowned vintage from the hills of Nice.

Flower markets, fruit and vegetable markets, fish markets… The Old City – with its picturesque narrow streets and « piazzettas » – has even more treasures in store !

For all time, artists have been fascinated by the city’s radiance, the beauty of its landscapes and its relaxed atmosphere, all factors of creativity. They often have decided to make their home here, making their contribution to the diversity of pictural art trends.

Don’t miss out on the painters itinerary to follow in the footsteps of these Great Masters and discover the lanscapes which inspired them. Emotions guaranteed!

Make the most of your stay and visit the twenty Museums and Galleries and their prestigious  collections by Matisse, Chagall, or the famous “Ecole de Nice”.

About France

Metropolitan France is situated on the western edge of Europe, and thus lies within the northern temperate zone.

From northeast to southwest, France shares borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain and Andorra. France also borders Suriname to its west and Brazil to its east and south, by way of the overseas region of French Guiana, which is considered an integral part of the Republic.^[59]

Corsica and the French mainland form Metropolitan France; Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, and Mayotte form, with French Guiana, the overseas regions. These two integral groupings, along with several overseas collectivities and one territory, comprise the French Republic.

With 83 million foreign tourists in 2012,^[7] France is ranked as the first tourist destination in the world, ahead of the US (67 million) and China (58 million). This 83 million figure excludes people staying less than 24 hours, such as North Europeans crossing France on their way to Spain or Italy. It is third in income from tourism due to shorter duration of visits.^[166]

France has 37 sites inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List and features cities of high cultural interest, beaches and seaside resorts, ski resorts, and rural regions that many enjoy for their beauty and tranquillity (green tourism). Small and picturesque French villages are promoted through the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (litt. “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”).

With more than 10 millions tourists a year, the French Riviera (or Côte d’Azur), in south-east France, is the second leading tourist destination in the country, after the Paris region. It benefits from 300 days of sunshine per year, 115 kilometres (71 mi) of coastline and beaches, 18 golf courses, 14 ski resorts and 3,000 restaurants. Each year the Côte d’Azur hosts 50% of the world’s superyacht fleet. Nice is the French Riviera’s capital.