Nice
Discovering the Nice region: all our advice
Are you planning a trip to the French Riviera and looking to explore the Nice region in depth? This unique territory stretches between the sea and the mountains, offering much more than the beaches of Nice. The Nice region will charm you with its hilltop villages, unspoiled valleys such as the Vésubie, and authentic local traditions. To prepare for your stay, you will need a detailed map and ideas for hikes.
Don't limit yourself to the coast! The Nice highlands are full of natural and cultural treasures, especially in the Mercantour park. This article will guide you through the must-sees and secrets of this magnificent corner of France.
The must-see villages of the Nice region
When exploring the Nice region, don't miss Vieux Nice with its colorful facades and flower market. A few kilometers away, Saint Jeannet will impress you with its emblematic 800-meter-high rock. This village offers exceptional panoramic views of the entire coast.
Gourdon is definitely worth a visit. Perched at 760 meters, this medieval village dominates the Loup valley and offers a spectacular view all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Its cobbled streets will transport you to another time.
In Saint Paul, you will discover a place steeped in history where many artists have left their mark. Its art galleries and craft workshops add to the charm of this fortified village.
Don't miss Eze, a real eagle's nest between the sky and the sea. This unique village offers breathtaking views of the Riviera and is home to an exotic garden at the top. The small winding streets lead you to local craft shops.
For those who love authenticity, Coaraze will charm you with its peaceful atmosphere and its facades decorated with sundials. This sunny village is often called “the village of sundials” by the inhabitants of the Nice region.
Tourrettes sur Loup, nicknamed “the village of violets”, welcomes you with its medieval houses and art studios. In the heart of the village, discover the history of violet cultivation, an ancient local tradition.
Saint-Martin-Vésubie, the gateway to the Mercantour park, is an ideal starting point for your mountain hikes. This alpine village offers you a complete change of scenery just one hour from Nice.
Vence will surprise you with its cultural richness and its chapel decorated by Matisse. Its preserved historic center and ramparts tell you the eventful history of the region.
Closer to the coast, Beaulieu sur Mer will charm you with its Belle Époque atmosphere and its sheltered bay. It is a perfect place for a relaxing break between visits.
Finally, don't leave the Nice region without exploring Villefranche-sur-Mer and its magnificent bay. This fishing village with its ochre-colored facades will charm you with its small port and citadel. The transparency of the water makes it a privileged place for swimming and nautical activities.
Here is a brief summary of the villages to visit:
Perched villages: Eze, Gourdon, Saint-Jeannet
Coastal villages: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Cultural villages: Saint-Paul, Vence
Mountain villages: Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Coaraze
The best activities to discover in the Nice region
Here are some very interesting activities near Nice that we recommend. It will be the highlight of your vacation:
Hiking is undoubtedly the most popular activity in the Nice region. Marked trails criss-cross the entire territory, from the coast to the peaks of the Mercantour. The famous GR5 offers you breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
For a gentler approach, opt for a stroll through the hilltop villages. These easy walks allow you to explore the local heritage at your own pace. The ramparts circuit in Vence or the fountain tour in Saint-Paul are particularly pleasant.
Your stay in the Nice region must absolutely include a trip to the Mercantour National Park. This nature reserve is home to exceptional flora and fauna. With a bit of luck, you will catch sight of chamois or marmots at high altitude.
A vacation in this region is also an opportunity to visit the many contemporary art museums. Nice, Antibes and Saint-Paul are home to impressive collections. The Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul exhibits works by Miró, Chagall and Giacometti in a unique setting.
To discover the coast in a different way, embark on a sea excursion from Nice or Villefranche. These outings reveal the beauty of the coastline from the water. Cap Ferrat and its luxurious villas take on a whole new dimension when viewed from the sea.
Thrill-seekers will find what they are looking for with canyoning activities in the Gorges du Loup or the Gorges de la Vésubie. These aquatic descents allow you to explore natural sites that are otherwise inaccessible.
For an immersion in the local culture, take part in traditional Nice events such as the Nice Carnival or the Lemon Festival in Menton. These colorful festivities plunge you into the heart of the region's identity.
Are you tempted by gastronomic tourism? Browse the Provençal markets to taste the specialties of Nice. Socca, pissaladière and pan bagnat are definitely worth tasting in their homeland.
For an original tour, follow the perfume route that takes you from Grasse to the lavender fields of the Haut-Pays. This olfactory journey reveals all the secrets of French perfumery, a historic industry in the region.
Finally, don't leave the Nice region without exploring its secret little coves. Between Nice and Menton, many hidden beaches await adventurers. Far from the crowds, these havens of peace offer unspoiled nature and crystal-clear waters.
Where to sleep in the Nice region?
We have selected the best accommodation in the Nice region for you. This selection is updated every year, to offer you the best deals. Click on the type of establishment you want to see our selection:
The unmissable festivals and events in the Nice region
The Carnival of Nice, the flagship event in February, transforms the city into a huge, colorful celebration. Since 1873, this international festival has attracted visitors from all over the world. The parades of giant floats and the flower battles create a unique atmosphere on the Promenade des Anglais.
The Lemon Festival in Menton amazes visitors with its monumental sculptures made entirely of citrus fruit. Every February, more than 140 tons of oranges and lemons decorate the city. A visual and olfactory spectacle not to be missed during your stay on the Côte d'Azur.
For music lovers, the Nice Jazz Festival offers an exceptional program every summer. Created in 1948, it is considered the oldest jazz festival in Europe. The concerts take place in the magical setting of the Cimiez gardens and Place Masséna.
Les Nuits du Sud in Vence attracts music lovers in search of new musical discoveries. This summer festival brings together international artists and emerging talents in a friendly atmosphere. The Place du Grand Jardin is transformed into an open-air concert hall every weekend in July and August.
Provençal tradition is fully expressed during the Fête de la Saint-Jean. In the villages of the Nice high country, bonfires light up the night of June 24. These celebrations perpetuate ancestral rituals linked to the summer solstice.
The Féeries de Noël (Christmas Fairytales) bring Nice and the surrounding villages to life during the festive season. The Christmas market, the open-air ice rink and the illuminations create a magical atmosphere. On this occasion, taste the sweet specialties of Nice gastronomy such as navettes or pan de Nadal.
Contemporary art takes center stage at the Biennale des Arts de Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This major cultural event presents exhibitions throughout the village, transforming the streets and squares into open-air galleries. The works interact with the medieval heritage in a striking contrast.
The Olive Tree Festival in Coaraze celebrates this tree, emblematic of Mediterranean culture, every year in October. Pruning demonstrations, traditional oil pressing and tastings will help you discover all the secrets of Nice's green gold.
For food lovers, the Journées Gourmandes du Pays Niçois (Nice Region Gourmet Days) offer a real taste journey through local specialties. This traveling gastronomic festival passes through several villages, showcasing local products and traditional know-how.
Don't miss the Soirées Estivales, a cultural program that brings more than 150 municipalities in the Alpes-Maritimes to life every summer. Concerts, theater, circus and dance take over exceptional heritage sites. These free shows allow you to discover the local culture in magnificent settings.
Winter festivals: Nice Carnival, Lemon Festival, Truffle Festival in Gréolières
Summer festivals: Nice Jazz Festival, Les Nuits du Sud, Soirées Estivales
Traditional festivals: Fête de l'Olivier, Fête de la Saint-Jean, Féeries de Noël
Art festivals: Biennale des Arts, Festival de Musique Sacrée, temporary exhibitions
Discover the delights of Nice's gastronomy
The gastronomy of Nice perfectly reflects the identity of the territory, between sea and mountains. The famous Niçoise salad, made with tomatoes, eggs, tuna, olives and anchovies, is the culinary emblem of the region. Contrary to popular belief, the authentic recipe contains neither potatoes nor green beans.
Socca, a crispy pancake made from chickpea flour, is eaten hot straight from the market. This typical street food specialty is mainly found in Old Nice, where artisans cook it on huge copper plates. Its slightly smoky taste and unique texture make it an irresistible snack.
Local products from the Nice region are used in many traditional recipes. Nice PDO olive oil, with its sweet almond notes, flavors all dishes. Nice olives, small and black, bring their unique flavor to tapenades and pissaladières.
Pissaladière, a kind of thin tart topped with caramelized onions, anchovies and black olives, is evidence of the Italian influence on Nice's cuisine. This tasty dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a starter or with a green salad.
In the mountain villages, discover the sweet chard pies, a surprising combination of vegetables and dried fruit. This specialty, little known to tourists, is definitely worth tasting. The savory version, prepared with rice and Parmesan cheese, is a nutritious dish for families in Nice.
The Provençal markets are full of culinary treasures. The market on the Cours Saleya in Nice, open every morning except Monday, is a great place to meet local producers. Aromas, colors and flavors mingle in a typically Mediterranean atmosphere.
Pan bagnat, literally “wet bread” in the Niçois language, is the region's iconic sandwich. Topped with the same ingredients as salade niçoise, this round bread soaked in olive oil is the ideal picnic food for your excursions.
The restaurants of the Nice region offer these specialties in traditional or revisited versions. From starred establishments to small family restaurants, each culinary experience brings you a little closer to the soul of this territory. The shaded terraces of the hilltop villages often offer exceptional settings for tasting.
The flavors of the Nice region are not limited to savory dishes. Artisanal confectioners offer specialties such as candied fruits from Nice or calissons from the Nice region. These citrus-flavored sweets are a testament to the excellence of local pastry chefs.
Don't leave the region without tasting Bellet wine, the only urban vineyard in France with an AOC classification. Produced on the hills of Nice, this rare and elegant wine is the perfect accompaniment to local specialties. Visits to wine estates allow you to discover the entire production process.
Emblematic dishes: Salade niçoise, socca, pissaladière, pan bagnat
Little-known specialties: chard pie, stuffed vegetables, stockfish, merda de can
Exceptional local products: Nice PDO olive oil, Bellet wine, Menton lemon
Nice sweets: Candied fruit, Navettes biscuits, Ganses biscuits, Tarte tropézienne
There we are. We hope this little guide will make you want to take a trip to the Nice region, a little wonder of Provence.