This short break guide about Nice, France will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what's on in Nice and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.
About Nice, France
Nice is one of the oldest human settlements in the world. The city's Terra Amata archeological site contains artifacts proving Nice to be one of the first to use fire and construct stable houses. Because of its "one up" ways compared to other civilizations, Nice's port quickly became one of the best in the world. Due to its maritime industry and neighborly locale, the city has seen its fair share of different peoples from around the world. All of these people have left an indefinite stamp and make Nice what it is today.
Nice is still a thriving port city and because of its leisurely oceanside attitude, it is one of the most favored tourist destinations in France, second only to Paris. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild spring and summer temperatures and warm but moody winters. Although it does have sparkling water, the beaches are known to be a bit rough and covered by large ocean-smoother pebbles.
So if not the beaches, what makes Nice so attractive? For starters, the rich human histories here make it appealing to everybody. It is also home to a large number of lively squares, marketplaces and a variety of unique museums. Nice is also a celebrated party destination where the nightlife is always on. And even if the beach is quite uncomfortable to lie on, there is no reason visitors can't ogle it from afar instead. The bottom line is simply this: there is something for everyone in the portly city of Nice.
What is on in Nice in 2008
Our mini-guide to what's on in Nice lists the top events and attractions in 2008 in a handy Nice Calendar format. If you take your short break in Nice, France when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Nice.
1. Fete des Mais: The May Fest is an ancient Nice tradition that honors the Earth Goddess and the new awakening that spring brings. Hundreds of years ago locals would cut down a tree, drag it into town and within hours would cover it with fresh flowers. Today, the Arenes des Jardins de Cimiez offers free events every Sunday throughout May including performances, storytelling, music and kid-friendly activities. Although Fete des Mais is quite different than it was, the intention is still the same. This is a free event.
2. The Squares: Nice is chock full of them. There is the main pedestrian square Place Massena used for headlining events like concerts, summer festivals and the big Carnival parade. Then there is the architectural Place Garibaldi, full of history and beautiful buildings. Every city must have an old town and that old town must have a square and in nice it is Place Rossetti. Like any old town square, it is enchanting in the evenings, full of flickering candle light and soft music. Then there is the Cours Saleya, which was previously deemed only for upper crust, but is now home to Nice's lovely flower market. Lastly, the Place du Palais. What would Nice be without a palace and its own square anyway? There are no admission or set hours for any of Nice's squares.
3. Nice Observatory: This 18th century observatory had many illustrious architects on hand during its design period including Charles Garnier, who's most noted work is the Palace Garnier in Paris, and Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame. At its inception it had the largest telescope in the world and was considered very high tech. The Nice Observatory is now merged with CERGA to form the Observatory of Cote d'Azur, but it is a neat place to visit nonetheless.
4. The Sacred Music Festival: The Sacred Music Festival is perhaps one of the best times to visit the beautiful cathedrals in Nice. Nearly every church in Old Town, dedicate themselves as venues for Baroque and traditional religious music events. The Musique Sacre takes place each June, with the main events held at Chagall Museum. Admission and costs vary.
5. Promenade des Anglais: This phrase translates to "Walk of the English" and rightfully so. Prior to the city's urbanization in the late 18th century, it was nothing more than a deserted beach. For one reason or another, wealthy Englishmen began vacationing here. They tucked their homes safely into the hillside but wanted to enjoy the beach in a more personal manner. Therefore the Promenade was born. It is a 5 kilometer walkway stretching the length of Nice and just a few meters from the blue waters.
6. Nice Archaeology: There isn't a better place in the world to understand how humans came to be civilized than in Nice. The Archeology Museum of Nice-Cimiez is vast. It takes visitors through 14BC, to ancient amphitheatres and public paths up through the Bronze, Iron and Dark Ages. Then there is also the Terra Amata Human Paleontology Museum which reconstructs prehistoric Nice nearly 400,000 years ago, when it was little more than an elephant hunters camp occupied by Acheulean huntsman. Admission for both is 4EUR, free the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. Hours run 10:00 - 6:00pm daily, except Tuesday's.
7. Nice en Roller: Nice's famed 5 kilometer walkway, known locally as the Promenade, is taken over by wheeled dervishes during this annual June skating event. The first day is dedicated to children, complete with beloved Walt Disney characters on wheels. The second day is for the French National Cup race early on in the morning, with the rest of the day becoming a public skate free for all. Admission is 12EUR for entry onto the Promenade. Hours run from 9:30am until roughly 3:00pm.
8. Christmas Swim: If you have every wanted to join the Polar Bear club, here's your chance! Each December hundreds take the plunge into the Ruhl Plage beaches fridge waters while crowds watch with delight (not to mention warmth) from the Promenade. It's a little bit warmer than jumping into the Arctic and you still come out with your Polar Bear club badge. Admission is free for all knuckleheads willing to dive in as well as for those with smarts watching from the sidelines. The swim takes place from 11:30am - 12:30pm.
9. The Port: Before stepping onto the docks, visitors should first catch a glimpse of La Place Ile de Beaute, which is a small square of neo-classic homes to either side of the port church. The church itself, Notre Dame du Port, which is still used by sailors who go for a blessing from the Virgin Mary before heading out to see. Then there are the docks themselves, full of boats of all shapes, sizes and types.
10. Nice Carnival: The Nice Carnival is the biggest winter event in Southern France. The Nice Carnival is the equivalent of South America's Carnivale and the United State's Mardi Gras. It includes traditional highlights like processions, concerts, fireworks and elegant balls. It is the electric crowd of over 1 million that truly makes this Carnival a standout. There are also Nice specific traditions that fill the entire Carnival with beautiful flowers and giant papier-mâché characters. Admission and hours vary to event and venue.
Recommended Nice Hotels
Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Nice hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Nice hotels recommended by review are:
1. Nice Garden Hotel
2. Minotel Little Palace
3. Massenet Hotel
4. Le Grimaldi
5. Hotel Rex
6. Palais de la Mediterranee
7. Hotel les Cigales
8. Hotel Suisse
9. Hotel Villa Victoria
10. Clair Hotel
Nice Airport
Nice is supported by the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. This airport sees nearly 10 million visitors each year and is nearly always packed to its max.
Fun Fact: This airport sees the highest number of private jets land annually than any other airport in the world.
The best bus line available to get into the city is the downtown station. "Gare Routiere" can be accessed on airport express line 98, which loops every half an hour.
A tiny train station, Nice St. Augustin, can be found on the opposite side of the Arenas office complex. It goes East with various drop off points along the Italian border, including a stop at Nice.
Many hotels also offer a complimentary shuttle. Most shuttles need to be arranged ahead of time so inquire early.
Nice Hotels
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