Getting Oriented
Nice is one of the larger port cities in the French Riviera, nestled to the east near the French Alps, the small nation of Monaco, and quaint hillside vineyards. It's a sprawling city, but you can easily center your visit to the historic Old Town, Port, and, of course, the Parc du Mont Boron for those iconic promenade views.
While in Nice, explore the local culture and cuisine. The area is rich in unique heritage, such as its signature Niçois cuisine, the world of perfumery, and medieval towns surrounded by micro wine-making regions. Enjoy the scenic coastline by exploring neighboring towns and cities and savor one of the Riviera's iconic sunsets. Nice and the surrounding region offer a wealth of activity any time of the year!
Dive into the Culture
Nice is known for its unique sources of culture, including playing the role of the world's birthplace of perfume and creating its own cuisine.
The Fragrance Workshop
Desipte all the reasons to visit the French Riviera, you can experience its true heritage with your nose. Visit the hillside town of Grasse, the world's birthplace of perfume! After walking through the town, tour the elegant Galimard perfumery, where an expert will take you through the process of creating your own scent. Choose from 18 different "notes" and register your personal fragrance for future ordering. Pair your experience with a tour of the facilities and a champagne tasting. Read More
Food & Market Tour of Nice
Follow an expert foodie through the narrow streets of Nice's Old Town, known as Vieille Ville, where you'll stop at fresh-food markets to chat with purveyors and taste local treats. Get off the beaten tourist path and discover some of the more authentic markets, teeming with all the goodies that make Niçois cuisine special. Vendors will treat you like locals, inviting you to their stands and into their shops to try both sweet and savory specialities while explaining the city's gastronomic origins and influences. Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Explore the Coast
There's no denying the Mediterranean coast plays an important role in the vibrant life of Nice! Discover its neighboring cities and towns, and enjoy the region's legendary sunsets.
Full Day on the Coast: Cannes, Antibes, & Saint-Paul de Vence
A visit to the French Riviera should include a few stops in charming local villages, both along the coast and in the hills that line the Mediterranen. Start in Cannes and visit the Old Port, plus the hilly medieval streets of the Suquet. Then move on to Antibes to discover the Picasso Museum. Next, head inland to the hilltop towns of Provence and Saint-Paul-de-Vence to eat some of the regions most delicious and traditional cuisine. Add in a walking tour or wine tasting to complete your day! Read More
Sunset Cruise on the Mediterranean
While visiting Nice or the French Riviera, a highlight is certainly a nightly Mediterranean sunset. Enhance your experience by combining golden hour with a cruise along the coast, complete with scenic fishing and hilltop villages like Villefranche Sur Mer and the exquisite villas of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. As the sun starts to set, curl up with a blanket, a glass of champagne, and assorted snacks. Read More
Take a Day Trip
Take advantage of Nice's location with day trips to places like the city-state of Monaco and the medieval villages of Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Tour of Monaco, Monte Carlo, & Eze
Just 12 miles (20 km) from Nice is the micro city-state of Monaco, known for its legendary Monte Carlo casino, luxuries like Prince Rainier's car collection, and the stunning Rock of Monaco. Explore the Old Town for its charming streets and views, then continue to the medieval town of Eze. Visit the Chapelle Sainte-Croix and the ruins of the ancient castle while strolling through gardens and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. Read More
Wine Tour in Bellet & Saint Paul de Vence
Just outside of Nice is one of the smallest AoP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée) regions of France: Bellet. Make your way up into the hills while enjoying views of the Alps, the Mediterranean, and Cap d’Antibes peninsula, then explore a few of the ten winemakers that make up this tiny region. Discover the area's rich heritage by tasting wine and mingling with the families that have been producing the grapes for generations. Stop in the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence for lunch, ending the day with a stroll through its quaint streets. Read More
How to Craft the Perfect Nice Itinerary
Nice is an excellent destination on its own, a perfect hub for exploring the French Riviera, and an ideal complement to other regions in the South of France. Basically, it works well with nearly any itinerary in France! Many visitors enjoy pairing Paris with Nice to get a taste of both the northern and southern cultures of the country, but you can also add Nice to a trip to the French Alps or the wine regions of Provence or the Rhone Valley.
How many days to spend in France varies from trip to trip. If you'd like a quick visit to Nice, you can see a lot in just a few days. But if you'd like to expand your trip to include more of the French Riviera or neighboring areas, give yourself at least one week. Because France is a large country, plan for two weeks or more if you want to see a little bit of everything.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that included Nice: