Welcoming Visitors to Nice, France
Vibrant nightlife | Undiscovered paths | Lazy harbours
The French Riviera is synonymous with yachting, events and sunny seasons; it fuses captivating coastal towns with designer shopping and exotic cuisines, whilst providing the option to escape to the medieval villages and dramatic hilltops.
Cycle the Promenade: Velos blues are popular in Nice, there are nearly 2000 of them to hire, and 175 bike stations. You needn’t be a cycling pro, as the promenade provides a flat and enjoyable cycle! Here’s a tip- the first 30 minutes are free, so unlock it and return it back to a stand half an hour later and get another one out!
Don’t miss the boat: We can’t recommend enough the experience of a day trip for a well-rounded experience of the Riviera. A ferry service is available from Nice Port to a number of destinations including: St Tropez; La Corniche d’Or (between Cannes/St Raphael); San Remo (Italy); Various ports in Corsica. We can particularly recommend the 1 ½ hour boat trip around Villefranche bay which leaves from the Cote d’azur office at Nice Port and also the Lerin Island/corniche trip which leaves at 9 am and returns at 7pm. Anchor between the islands in the midst of glittering turquoise waters and enjoy a refreshing dip before an al fresco lunch.
Visitor Information Centre: A small tourist information office is situated near the fountain at Place Massena, and another on the Promenade des Anglais next to the Casino (http://www.nice-tourism.com/en/tourist-information-offices-in-nice.html).
Nice Opera is within walking distance, and several of the cinemas in Nice show the latest releases of films in English Language (look for VO version). For a sundowner head, to Hotel Meridien for panoramic views of the bay, or for a more lively night, Wayne’s bar is full of a younger crowd each night. A few train stops down the coast lead you to Cannes, which is brimming with a vast array of bars and clubs, or push the boat out and head to Monaco to try your hand in the casino.
Local shops: Most importantly, where can you get your breakfast croissant from! When you step out the apartment there are several epiceries, boulangeries to get essentials; or head up the high street by tram or foot to Monoprix, the supermarket. In Place St Francois the daily fish market sells fresh catches and finishes as the fishmonger’s energy levels deplete, or Cours Saleya is the place for fresh fruit, veg and traditional nibbles, every day until about 1.30pm except Monday when it is a flea market.
Nice boasts an impressive list of places to eat, these are our favourites:
5 Rue Droite, Old Town (round corner from flat – same road as Acchiardo)
Tel 04 93 85 72 32
19 Rue Alsace Lorraine (near Gare SNCF stop –Rue Jean Medecin)
Tel 04 93 82 19 60
Try the 15.90 euro 3 course fixed price menu – fantastic value!
8 Rue Mascoinat (a couple of mins from flat through the cathedral square/place Rossetti)
Tel: 04 93 76 18 80
Really enjoyable! Choice of four roast meats roasted over spit
Rue Pairoliere, Nice, France
Tel 04 93 62 38 39
Opposite the Place St Francois fishmarket – seats outside and upstairs inside. Lots of locals eat here for the 13 Euro 3 course menu. Only open for lunch.
8 Rue St Vincent
Tel 04 89 22 68 98
Wine bar with outdoor seating and serving food – near St Francois fish market – old town. Highly recommended by others.
27 rue de la prefecture (2nd restaurant turning left from flat)
Tel 04 93 85 29 57
Traditional French menu – literally around the corner opposite wine shop
29 Rue Benoit Bunico (round the corner from the flat)
Tel 04 93 13 07 83
Every cheese dish you can imagine!
8 bis rue du Collet, 06300 Nice, France (Old Town / Vieux Nice)
Tel 04 93 13 06 45
Great place to eat – lovely! Currently no 1 on trip adviser..
25 Rue Massena (pedestrian zone)
Tel 04 93 87 77 57
Traditional tavern – lovely inside & terrace; local dishes and pizzas cooked over wood fire
38 Rue Droite, 06300 Vieux Nice (round the corner from flat)
Tel 04 93 85 51 16
Excellent; Run by a family – Veal and steak dishes/pasta; very Italian influenced. (Closed Saturday and Sunday)
28 Quai Lunel
Tel 04 93 55 21 70
Apparently a foodie favourite – freshly caught fish; we haven’t been yet; Terrace and outside seating
5 Place Garibaldi (Get tram to Place Garibaldi – direction port)
Tel 04 93 62 29 52
Mainly shellfish – renowned
6 Rue Chauvain
Tel 04 93 01 84 83
3 course menu €45 in the Michelin Guide 2012; Recommended by our foodie taxi driver!
176 Avenue de Rimiez
Tel: 33 (0) 4 93 84 49 66
e-mail: [email protected]
Recommended by foodie nicoise taxi driver! Take the No 25 bus there – 20/30 min bus ride (stop “l’aire st Michael”)– it is on Nice outskirts; we haven’t tried yet but apparently great food not charging city centre prices..
4 Rue Rusca, Nice Port
Tel 04 93 14 08 29
Delicatessin/bistro; Known for its antipasti, pasta, cured meats, cheeses and tirimasu
Tel 33 (0) 4 93 07 59 73
Tram: Garibaldi (near port) Rated best Pizza in Nice!
Open Mon – Sat evening; closed Sunday
The ice-cream bars are open until at least midnight if not later with many opting to have their pudding here rather than in a restaurant.
24 Rue de la Prefecture
Possibly the most beautiful bar in Nice – a selection of beers in a distillery setting just around the corner from the flat. If you want a bite to eat they offer a plate of cheese on a slate slab (5 euro) or a plate of meat (5 euro).
11 Rue de la Prefecture
Upmarket place for drinks – Free snacks and live music 7 nights a week
Recommended for Breakfast
3 Rue Louis Gassin, 06300 Nice
Tel 04 93 62 94 32
Just at end of Cours Saleya…Good for breakfast! Delicious fresh breads..
You need to walk up a residential alley in the old town – it looks unlikely there is a restaurant there and then you come to it. Its fantastic and well worth the walk.
66 Rue Longue, 06500 Menton
Tel 04 93 35 65 65
We highly recommend the following things to do in and around Nice, France:
In the heart of the Old Town Wayne’s Bar is a busy bar that plays live music. 15 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice, France Tel+33 4 93 13 46 99
A glamourous harbour with small fishing boats, yachts and large ships sharing the port.
A beautiful area perfect for holiday pictures. Traditional buildings surrounding the Fountain du Soleil.
A tourist information centre next to the Hard Rock Cafe.
A public street garden area with modern water features and parks.
A 17th century Baroque palace. Traditional frescoed ceilings inside with tapestries and antique musical instruments filling the rooms.
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