The Promenade des Anglais at dawn, when joggers pass by and the cafes of Vieux-Nice haven't yet opened. The Cours Saleya, brimming with flowers and spices at nine in the morning. The Matisse and Chagall museums in the Cimiez hills. The urban beach clubs with the deep blue Mediterranean in June. Nice isn't just a stopover on the way to Cannes or Monaco—it's the Mediterranean capital that has it all.
Nice isn't just a destination on the French Riviera—it's the capital. The city boasts the international airport connecting the Côte d'Azur to the world, the richest architectural heritage on the Riviera (Belle Époque, Italian Baroque, Art Deco), the most important museums (Matisse, Chagall, MAMAC), Niçois gastronomy, a cuisine unto itself, and a vibrant city life that thrives year-round, whether it's August with tourists or January with residents. Nice is the only city on the Côte d'Azur that doesn't need summer to be what it is.
The Promenade des Anglais—the 7 km of the most famous seafront promenade in the Mediterranean—defines the identity of Nice better than any description: the palm tree, the blue chairs on the beach boardwalks, the white and pink Negresco on the horizon, the Mediterranean in all shades of blue, and the entire day unfolding along the promenade—early morning joggers, mid-morning tourists, afternoon families, lovers at sunset. Nice is a city that lives both on the street and on the beach, that has the Baroque Vieux-Nice five minutes from the contemporary rooftop bar and the Provençal flower market on Cours Saleya a stone's throw from the MAMAC.
The traveler Sandbeds Those who come to Nice aren't just looking for a beach—they're looking for a Mediterranean capital with all that entails: the vibrant cultural scene, world-class cuisine, historic and contemporary hotels, urban beach clubs with the Mediterranean at their feet, and the perfect hub for exploring the entire Riviera. Nice as a base, as a destination, and as an experience in itself.
Promenade des Anglais — the most iconic promenade in the Mediterranean
Nice: Mediterranean capital — royal city, airport, museums, all year round. Cannes: glamour and festival — the Croisette and cinema. Monaco: ultra-luxury — the Casino and the superyachts. Antibes: art de vivre — the Provençal market and the coves. Nice is the only one of the four that functions as an autonomous city without depending on luxury or seasonal tourism.
The heritage of Niçois was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, recognizing the exceptional cultural landscape of the Promenade and Vieux-Nice. The urban beach club scene has grown significantly in recent years, with new openings raising the bar for beach offerings in the city. And NCE Airport remains France's second busiest—the most efficient gateway to the entire French Riviera.
“Nice doesn’t compete with Cannes for glamour or with Monaco for extreme luxury. Nice has something that neither of them can offer: the identity of a true Mediterranean capital, with the cultural life, gastronomy and architecture of a city that has been the center of the Riviera for centuries.”
Editorial Team Sandbeds · Mediterranean Capital Lifestyle
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is France's second busiest airport in terms of international traffic—second only to Paris CDG—and the most efficient gateway to the entire French Riviera. With direct connections from over 100 European and intercontinental destinations, arriving in Nice means arriving in the heart of the French Riviera, just 10 minutes from the city center.
NCE Airport · 10 minutes from the city center
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has two terminals and is 6 km from the city center. Options: tram line 2 (20 min, ≈2 EUR, direct to the Promenade and city center), taxi (≈25–35 EUR, 15–20 min), private transfer (≈40–60 EUR). Direct flights are available from major European cities (London, Madrid, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Zurich, Amsterdam, Brussels, Rome) and connecting flights are available from the intercontinental hubs of Paris CDG, London Heathrow, and Frankfurt. EasyJet is based at NCE and operates frequent flights from many European cities.
Train · TGV and TER Regional
Nice-Ville train station is in the city center and is the main rail hub for the French Riviera. From Paris by TGV: 5.5–6 hours, approximately €50–€150 depending on advance booking. From Lyon: 3.5 hours. From Marseille: 25 hours. The regional TER (French Riviera line) connects Nice with the entire French Riviera: Cannes (40 minutes, approximately €7), Antibes (25 minutes, approximately €5), Monaco (25 minutes, approximately €4), and Menton (45 minutes). Trains run every 30 minutes on the main lines. The regional train is the most efficient way to explore the French Riviera from Nice.
Car and Private Transfer
From Nice Airport (NCE): 15–20 minutes under normal conditions (A8). During peak season (July–August), traffic on the Promenade and in the city center can be significantly congested. From Milan via the Italian A10 and the French A8: approximately 4 hours. A car is useful for day trips to the interior (Gorges du Verdon, Eze, Gréolires) but not necessary for getting around Nice itself: the tram (lines 1 and 2) covers the city's main points. Parking: Parking Saleya, next to the market, and Parking Acropolis are the best options in the city center.
Nice's central location and excellent transport links make it the perfect base for exploring the entire French Riviera: Cannes, Antibes, and Juan-les-Pins in a day, Monaco and Menton in another, and weekend excursions inland (Gorges du Verdon, Grasse, the villages of the Alpilles). The airport, just 10 minutes from the city center, simplifies arrival and departure. Nice is the perfect logistical hub for the Riviera.
Nice isn't a one-zone destination—it's a Mediterranean capital with neighborhoods as distinct as the Italian Baroque Vieux-Nice, the Belle Époque Promenade, the Cimiez district with its museums and villas, the port with its seafood restaurants, and Castle Hill with its panoramic views. Each area has its own rhythm, its own architecture, and its own raison d'être. The Mediterranean capital in all its complexity.
Italian Baroque · Cours Saleya · Local Life
The historic center of Nice is one of the most beautiful on the Riviera and best encapsulates the city's dual identity: the Baroque facades in ochre, sienna, and burnt yellow, a reminder that Nice was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia until 1860; the narrow streets with laundry hanging between balconies; the Cours Saleya with its flower and spice market every morning (except Mondays, flea market day); the restaurants serving socca and pan bagnat, which define Nice's cuisine; and Baroque churches like the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate. Vieux-Nice is the most photographed and vibrant area of the city.
Belle Époque · Hôtel Négresco · Beach Clubs
The 7 km of the Riviera's most famous promenade define the iconic image of Nice: palm trees rising from the pebbly beach, the white and pink Hôtel Négresco with its distinctive dome, beach clubs lining the shore from Ruhl Plage to Hi Beach, the blue tram, and the vibrant activity of those running, cycling, or simply strolling with the Mediterranean as their backdrop. The Promenade is where Nice showcases its best side as a Mediterranean capital: elegant, lively, and completely vibrant.
Panoramic Views · Seafood · History
The Colline du Château (92 meters above the Mediterranean) offers the best panoramic views of Nice: the Bay of Angels from Vieux-Nice to the airport, the Mediterranean Sea in its entirety, and the orange and ochre rooftops of the historic center. It can be reached on foot (20 minutes) or by free elevator from the Quai des États-Unis. At the foot of the hill lies Nice's Vieux-Port, with its fishing boats and the seafood restaurants of Quai Docks, one of the city's most authentic corners.
Matisse Chagall Villas Belle Époque
The residential neighborhood in the hills above the center of Nice is home to the city's two most important museums: the Musée Matisse in the Genevoise villa where the painter lived the last years of his life, and the Musée National Marc Chagall just a few minutes away. The Belle Époque villas of Nice's historic residents, the gardens of the Cimiez Monastery, and the Roman ruins of the Cimiez Cemetery (where Matisse is buried) form a unique cultural route unparalleled on the rest of the Riviera.
Nice's beach clubs are a unique phenomenon on the Riviera: they're urban beach clubs—just steps from the city center, the Promenade, and Vieux-Nice—with the Mediterranean right at their doorstep. They don't have the secluded cove of Cap d'Antibes or the ambiance of Saint-Tropez, but they have something neither can replicate: the energy of the Mediterranean capital. The combination of the city, the Belle Époque promenade, and the sea within a 200-meter radius.
The most iconic beach club in Nice: right in the heart of the Promenade des Anglais, opposite the Hôtel Négresco, with your sun lounger and parasol resting on the Mediterranean pebbles and the city's iconic promenade literally at your back. Ruhl Plage is the beach club that best embodies Nice's Mediterranean Capital Lifestyle: it's not the most exclusive or the most luxurious, but it has the location, history, and atmosphere of the Mediterranean capital in its purest form. A sun lounger at Ruhl Plage on a June afternoon, with the Promenade as a backdrop and the Mediterranean at your feet, is the quintessential image of Nice.
Book a sunbed the day before in July and August—Ruhl Plage fills up early. Afternoon, from 4 pm onwards, is the time of greatest light and least heat: the Mediterranean at the perfect temperature and the Promenade at its golden hour.
Hi Beach
The contemporary design beach club on the Promenade: Philippe Starck's project, with its innovative sun loungers and healthy Mediterranean restaurant, has redefined the urban beach experience in Nice. Hi Beach boasts the most design-forward atmosphere on the Promenade: minimalist, bright, and impeccably executed in both its cuisine and beach service. It's a favorite among contemporary travelers visiting Nice for the first time.
Castle Beach
The beach club at the foot of Castle Hill, at the eastern end of the Promenade where the promenade ends and Vieux-Nice begins: the quietest and least crowded spot on Nice beach, with its restaurant perched on the rocks and panoramic views of the Bay of Angels. Castel Plage is the preferred beach club for Nice residents seeking a swim away from the tourists of the central Promenade.
Blue Beach
The beach club with the most refined lounge atmosphere on the Promenade: premium sunbeds, signature cocktails at the beach bar, and ambient music that transforms an afternoon on the Nice shore into something far more than just a swim. Blue Beach is the perfect choice for travelers seeking a premium beach experience in the Mediterranean capital with all services included.
Nice's hotel inventory reflects the breadth of a Mediterranean capital: from the Hôtel Négresco—the Riviera's most iconic Belle Époque palace, built in 1913 and a listed Historical Monument—to the boutique hotels of Vieux-Nice and the contemporary design hotels that have arrived in recent years. Nice boasts the most diverse and extensive range of accommodation options on the entire French Riviera.
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Mediterranee
The 20s Art Deco style has been restored and combined with all the modern amenities of the Hyatt chain: the historic 1929 façade on the Promenade des Anglais with a completely renovated interior, a rooftop pool with panoramic Mediterranean views, and 187 high-quality rooms overlooking the Bay of Angels. The Palais de la Méditerranée is the ideal choice for travelers who want the historic character of the Promenade with the level of service and facilities of a luxury international chain.
Boscolo Exedra Nice
The grand, modern luxury hotel in Nice's Place Massena: a 19th-century Haussmannian building transformed into a 5-star hotel with 102 rooms, a rooftop pool overlooking the city and the Mediterranean, and a perfect location—just 2 minutes from both Vieux-Nice and the Promenade. The Boscolo Exedra is the choice for travelers who want to be in the geographical heart of Nice with all the amenities of a contemporary luxury hotel.
Hotel Windsor
The boutique hotel in Vieux-Nice with its secret tropical garden in the inner courtyard: 57 rooms decorated by contemporary French artists (each one unique, commissioned from a different artist), a garden pool surrounded by palm trees and mimosa trees, a garden bar, and a perfect location between Vieux-Nice and the city center. The Windsor is the hotel of choice for travelers seeking something different from the grand palaces of the Promenade: more personal, more artistic, and more in tune with the cultural identity of the Mediterranean capital.
Hotel Aston La Scala
The contemporary design hotel with a panoramic rooftop pool overlooking Nice: 158 bright rooms with contemporary Niçois décor, a rooftop pool with views of the city and the Mediterranean, and a convenient location between Place Massena and Vieux-Nice. The Aston La Scala is the pragmatic choice for quality: more affordable than the Négresco or the Hyatt, with everything you need to experience Nice comfortably.
Niçois cuisine is one of France's great Mediterranean cuisines: socca (a chickpea flour pancake baked in a wood-fired oven), pan bagnat (a Provençal sandwich with tuna, egg, and vegetables), the original salade nioise (without potatoes or cooked beans—just tuna in oil, hard-boiled egg, black olives, and anchovies on lettuce), daube provençal, and petits farcis. Nice is not just the gateway to the Riviera—it's the capital of a unique Mediterranean cuisine.
The Cours Saleya flower and food market is one of the most beautiful and most visited markets in France. Every morning (Tuesday to Sunday, 6:00–13:30), the Cours Saleya is filled with cut flowers from Grasse and the French Riviera, Provençal lavender, mimosa in February, spices, fruits, local vegetables, and producers from the Alpes-Maritimes with their goat cheeses and mountain honey. It is the most colorful and photogenic market on the French Riviera and a gastronomic landmark in Nice. On Mondays, the flower market is replaced by the Cours Saleya flea market, which is equally worth visiting.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 6:00–13:30 pm · Monday: Marche aux Puces · Cours Saleya, Vieux-Nice
At Pipo's
The benchmark for socca in Nice: since 1923, Chez Pipo's bakery has been firing up trays of socca from its wood-fired oven every 20 minutes, using the perfect blend of chickpea flour, olive oil, and black pepper. A queue is inevitable in peak season, but the result is well worth the wait: the most authentic socca in Nice, served piping hot on newspaper with a glass of Provençal rosé. The most genuine Niçois gastronomic experience in the capital.
Port de Nice · Rue Bavastro · Cash preferred
Le Château — Hôtel Négresco
The Hôtel Négresco's restaurant boasts the highest number of Michelin stars in Nice: high-level French and Mediterranean cuisine in the Belle Époque dining room of the city's most iconic hotel. The premier gastronomic experience in the Mediterranean capital for travelers seeking fine dining within the Riviera's most rich historical setting.
Hôtel Négresco · Promenade des Anglais · Reservation required
The Merenda
The small, no-phone, no-reservations restaurant in Vieux-Nice where chef Dominique Le Stanc—formerly of Negresco—cooks the most honest Niçoise cuisine in town: daube provençal, petits farcis, pasta with pistou, and Menton lemon tart. No credit card, no reservations, no tasting menu—just Niçoise market cuisine in its purest form. Arrive before noon or 7:00 p.m. to get a table.
Vieux-Nice · Rue Raoul Bosio · No reservation, no card
The Voglia
The seafood restaurant in Nice's Vieux-Port overlooks the fishing port: fresh seafood from the Nice fish market (crab, clams, seasonal sea urchins), Niçoise bouillabaisse, and grilled fish of the day with seasonal vegetables. La Voglia is the port restaurant that Nice residents take their guests to when they want to showcase the city's seafood cuisine.
Vieux-Port · Quai Lunel · Reservation recommended
Fish
Contemporary Mediterranean bistronomy in Nice: cuisine focused on quality ingredients, featuring fish and seafood from the Mediterranean, vegetables from the Alpes-Maritimes, and natural wines from the South of France. Peixes is the restaurant that best reflects the evolution of Niçois gastronomy towards contemporary style without losing the Mediterranean roots that define the city.
Vieux-Nice · Contemporary cuisine · Natural wines
Nicole's Little House
The go-to Mediterranean restaurant on Niçois' social scene: Provençal market cuisine, a dining room always packed with Nice's elite residents, and an impeccable wine list from the South of France. La Petite Maison (also with locations in London and Abu Dhabi) boasts the liveliest and most cosmopolitan atmosphere in Niçois gastronomy.
Vieux-Nice · Rue Saint-François de Paule · Reservation required
The experiences in Nice encompass a unique spectrum on the Riviera: from the flower market on Cours Saleya to the Matisse and Chagall museums in Cimiez, from the beach clubs on the Promenade to rooftops with panoramic views, from the socca at Chez Pipo to the fine dining at Négresco, from the pebbles on the Promenade to excursions to Èze and Monaco. Nice is the only city on the French Riviera that can offer all this without leaving the city.
Henri Matisse lived in Nice for over thirty years—from 1917 until his death in 1954—and the Mediterranean light of Nice defined his palette: the blues, greens, and reds that characterize his most celebrated works. The Musée Matisse in Cimiez houses the most comprehensive collection of the painter's work: 68 paintings, 236 drawings, 218 prints, 14 sculptures, and the original papiers decoupés in the 17th-century Genoese villa where the artist spent his final years. A 15-minute walk (or bus ride) away is the Musée National Marc Chagall, Nice's second major museum: 17 paintings from the "Message Biblique" cycle are displayed in the main hall, bathed in the southern light that Chagall himself approved in the building's design.
The two museums together form the most important art circuit on the French Riviera: half a day in Cimiez, with a walk through the Monastery gardens between the two museums and lunch on the terrace of the Matisse café with views over the rooftops of Nice.
Wednesday is the ideal day: both museums are open. Matisse in the morning, the Monastery garden at midday, and Chagall in the afternoon. Return to the city center by bus (25 min) and a snack at Chez Pipo to end the day.
The flower and food market in the heart of Vieux-Nice: flowers from Grasse, Provençal lavender, cheeses from the Alps, and local producers every morning (Tuesday–Sunday). The ritual of starting the day in the Mediterranean capital.
The 7 km of the Promenade des Anglais at dawn—before the tourists arrive—with its empty blue chairs, the calm Mediterranean, and the illuminated Negresco. The most beautiful free experience in the Mediterranean capital.
Visit the two most important museums on the French Riviera in one day in Cimiez: the definitive Matisse collection and Chagall's biblical works with the Monastery gardens in between.
The best panoramic views of the French Riviera: the entire Bay of Angels from the Colline du Château, 92 meters above the Mediterranean. Accessible by free elevator or a 20-minute walk.
An afternoon at Ruhl Plage, Hi Beach, or Blue Beach: the urban beach clubs of the Promenade with the Mediterranean at your feet and the capital city at your back. The Mediterranean Capital Lifestyle at its finest.
Vieux-Nice after 8 pm: the restaurants lining the narrow streets are illuminated, the Cours Saleya terrace is packed with tables, and the atmosphere of the Mediterranean capital comes alive at night. The best nightlife experience on the French Riviera.
A medieval village perched above the Mediterranean, just 20 minutes from Nice: cobbled streets clinging to the cliffside, a tropical garden at the top, and views stretching as far as Corsica on a clear day. The perfect half-day trip from the capital.
Authentic socca from Chez Pipo since 1923: the chickpea flour pancake baked in a wood-fired oven, served hot on newspaper with a Provençal rosé. The most authentic Niçois gastronomic experience in the Mediterranean capital.
Nice's biggest advantage over the rest of the Riviera is that it's vibrant year-round: unlike the Hôtel du Cap, which closes in October, or the beach clubs of Saint-Tropez, which close in September, Nice is a true city with museums, restaurants, markets, hotels, and a thriving cultural scene twelve months a year. Nice's winters—with temperatures averaging 12–15°C and 200 days of sunshine even in the coldest months—are among the mildest in Europe.
The Nice Carnival in February (the oldest in Europe after Venice). Museums without queues. The lowest prices of the year. Cours Saleya with the locals.
The Nice Carnival: 2 weeks of parades, flower battles, and music in the streets. The most important event on the Nice calendar. Hotels fill up fast—book months in advance.
Mediterranean spring arrives in Nice earlier than in the rest of Europe: the mimosas are in bloom, the gardens of the Cimiez Monastery and the Promenade is increasingly lively.
One of the best months: pleasant warmth, beach clubs opening, museums without crowds, and the Cannes Film Festival just 40 minutes away at the end of the month. A perfect Mediterranean spring.
May in Nice: the Mediterranean is starting to warm up, the Cannes Film Festival is bringing the whole Riviera to life, and the beach clubs along the Promenade are in full swing. The best month for the complete experience.
The best month of summer: the heat, the warm sea, and still without the crowds of July and August. The Mediterranean capital at its best before the summer peak.
The peak of summer: beach clubs packed, Vieux-Nice bustling, restaurants with waiting lists, and the Promenade buzzing with activity. Book everything in advance.
The busiest month on the Riviera. Prices at their peak. The beaches packed. But Nice remains more manageable than Cannes or Saint-Tropez because of its scale as a metropolitan capital.
September in Nice: the warm summer sea, the August tourists have departed, and the city regains its Mediterranean capital rhythm. The best month of autumn.
Nice's Mediterranean autumn: golden light, the last possible swims in the warm October Mediterranean, and the city returning to its year-round capital rhythm.
Museums without queues, restaurants without reservations, hotels at half price. Nice in November is the city for the cultural traveler who prefers the capital without the seasonal tourists.
Nice's Mediterranean Christmas: the Christmas market in Place Masséna, the decorations along the Promenade, and Vieux-Nice bathed in the December Mediterranean sunshine. The capital that never closes.
The Capital in 48 Hours
Saturday
Arrival. Check-in at the Hôtel Négresco or the Hyatt Palais. First impressions of the Promenade des Anglais (30-minute walk). Lunch at Cours Saleya (market if morning) or La Petite Maison. Afternoon: Vieux-Nice on foot — Cours Saleya, Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, Baroque streets. Aperitif on the terrace of Cours Saleya. Dinner at La Merenda (no reservation required, arrive before 19:00 p.m.).
Sunday
Morning: Cours Saleya market (8:30). Ascent to Colline du Château (free elevator, 20 min). Panoramic views. Afternoon: Beach club on the Promenade (Ruhl Plage or Hi Beach). Socca at Chez Pipo at the end of the day. Return from NCE.
Mediterranean Capital Lifestyle
Day 1
Arrival at NCE. Tram to the city center. Promenade and check-in. First night: dinner at La Petite Maison (advance booking required).
Day 2
Tomorrow in Cimiez: Musée Matisse and Monastery garden. Afternoon: Musee Chagall. Evening: Vieux-Nice — aperitif at Cours Saleya, dinner at Peixes.
Day 3
Beach day: Beach club on the Promenade (all day). Lunch at Hi Beach. Afternoon: Rooftop of the Hyatt or the Aston La Scala with panoramic views. Dinner at the Negresco restaurant.
Day 4
Excursion: Èze (20 min by car or bus). Lunch at Nid d'Aigle in Èze. Afternoon: Colline du Château at sunset. Last dinner at La Merenda.
Nice as a Base for the French Riviera
Base (5 nights)
Nice is the best base on the French Riviera: all the Riviera's destinations are accessible by train or car from the capital in under an hour. Hotel costs are lower than in Cannes or Monaco.
Cannes Day
Train 40 min. La Croisette, the Marche Forville, the Vieux-Cannes. Ferry to the Lérins Islands (Sainte-Marguerite). Return by train.
Monaco Day
Train 25 min. Monte Carlo, the Casino (day visit), the Jacques Cousteau Oceanographic Museum. Lunch at the Hermitage. Free afternoon in the Principality.
Antibes Day
Train 20 min. Marche Provençal (morning), Musée Picasso, lunch at Restaurante Bacon in Cap d'Antibes. Sentier du Littoral at sunset.
Èze & Gorges Day
Car to Èze (20 min), the Gorges de la Vésubie (1h) or Grasse (45 min). The interior of the Riviera is accessible from the capital.
The Oldest Carnival on the Riviera
The Event
The Nice Carnival (February, 2 weeks) is one of the three most important carnivals in Europe along with Venice and Rio: the parades of the corso cavalsé on the Promenade des Anglais, the flower battles of the Cours Saleya and the fireworks over the Bay of Angels.
Booking
Hotels along the Promenade are booked 3–6 months in advance for Carnival. The Hôtel Négresco, with its views of the Promenade parades, is the most sought-after accommodation during the season.
The Cultural Capital of the Riviera
Cultural Circuit
Musée Matisse + Musée Chagall (Cimiez) → MAMAC Musée d'Art Moderne (Vieux-Nice) → Palais Lascaris (Vieux-Nice, free) → Musée des Beaux-Arts (Occidental de la Promenade) → Villa Arson (Contemporary art). A week in Nice for the cultural traveler with a museum program unique on the Riviera.
Nice Pass
The Nice City Pass includes access to all municipal museums (Matisse, MAMAC, Beaux-Arts, Palais Lascaris), the tram and the bus. 24h (≈20 EUR), 48h (≈30 EUR) or 72h (≈40 EUR).
The selection Sandbeds Nice is not a ranking — it is the editorial criterion of what best represents the Mediterranean Capital Lifestyle: the authenticity of the Mediterranean capital, the quality of its institutions and the consistency with a city that has its own identity beyond seasonal tourism.
Hôtel Négresco
The symbol of Nice since 1913: the white and pink dome of the Promenade, the 6.000 works of art and the 117 unique rooms of the most iconic Historical Monument on the French Riviera.
Hyatt Regency Palais
The 1929 art deco restored to Hyatt standards: the rooftop with pool and panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the best value for money on the Promenade.
Ruhl Beach
The most emblematic beach club on the Promenade: right in the center opposite the Negresco, with the Mediterranean and the Mediterranean capital both within a 200-meter radius.
Hi Beach
Philippe Starck's project that redefined the concept of an urban beach in Nice: the new concept sun loungers, the healthy Mediterranean cuisine and the more design-forward atmosphere of the Promenade.
Musée Matisse
The most complete collection of Henri Matisse in the world: 68 paintings, 236 drawings and the decoupage papers in the Genevoise villa of Cimiez where the artist lived his last years.
Cours Saleya Market
The most beautiful flower and food market on the French Riviera: flowers from Grasse, Provençal lavender and producers from the Alpes-Maritimes every morning in the heart of Vieux-Nice.
Socca at Chez Pipo
The most authentic socca in Nice since 1923: the chickpea flour pancake from the wood-fired oven, served hot on newspaper. The ultimate Niçois gastronomic ritual.
The Merenda
The most honest Nioise cuisine in the capital: without telephone, without reservation, without credit card. Only the daube provençal and the petits farcis of the former chef of the Négresco in his own bistrot of the Vieux-Nice.
Castle Hill
The most comprehensive panoramic views of the French Riviera: the entire Bay of Angels from 92 meters, with the Mediterranean Sea, Vieux-Nice, and the entire Promenade. Free admission.
Promenade des Anglais
The 7 km of the most famous promenade in the Mediterranean: the palm trees, the blue chairs, the Negresco, and the Mediterranean in all shades of blue. The very symbol of the Mediterranean capital.
Nice Carnival
The oldest carnival on the Riviera and one of the three most important in Europe: 2 weeks of parades, flower battles and fireworks over the Bay of Angels in February.
NCE Airport
France's second airport and the most efficient gateway to the entire French Riviera: 10 minutes from the center of the Mediterranean capital by tram.
Are the beaches in Nice sandy or pebbly?
Nice's beaches are pebbly (galets)—there's no fine sand like in Juan-les-Pins or the beaches of the Var region. The pebbles have the advantage of making the water cleaner and clearer than on sandy beaches (it doesn't get murky), but you'll need water shoes to walk comfortably. Beach clubs rent sun loungers and parasols on the pebbles, offering all the necessary amenities.
How do I get to Nice airport from the city center?
Tram line 2 (blue) connects the airport to Nice city center in 20–25 minutes, stopping at Place Masséna, Vieux-Nice, and Promenade des Anglais. Fare: approximately €1,70. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs approximately €25–35 and takes 15–20 minutes (longer during peak season due to traffic). The tram is the most efficient and economical option.
Is a car necessary in Nice?
To get around Nice, a car isn't necessary: the tram (lines 1 and 2) covers the main points of interest in the city, and Vieux-Nice and the Promenade are entirely pedestrianized. A car is useful for excursions inland (Èze, Gorges du Verdon, Grasse) or for reaching Cap d'Antibes, but the regional train perfectly covers destinations along the French Riviera.
What is socca and where can you try it?
Socca is Nice's quintessential culinary specialty: a thin pancake made with chickpea flour, olive oil, and black pepper, cooked in a large wood-fired oven and served hot in pieces. The absolute benchmark is Chez Pipo (Rue Bavastro, near the Port), open since 1923. You can also try it at the stalls along Cours Saleya. Always served hot, never cold—if it's cold, it's no good.
Which is the best neighborhood to stay in Nice?
It depends on the type of trip. The Promenade des Anglais is the classic choice: the Négresco or the Hyatt with the Mediterranean at your feet and beach clubs just 50 meters away. Vieux-Nice is the option for travelers who want the historical and cultural heart of the city: the Windsor Hotel or apartments in the old town. Place Masséna is the most central location: 5 minutes from Vieux-Nice and 5 minutes from the Promenade.
Is Nice expensive compared to Cannes or Monaco?
Nice is noticeably more affordable than Cannes during the Festival and much more so than Monaco at any other time. Restaurants in Vieux-Nice offer excellent value for money (the set lunch menu in many can be between €18 and €28). Boutique and mid-range hotels are more affordable than in Cannes or Monaco. Only the Hôtel Négresco and the grand palaces have prices comparable to those on the luxury Riviera.
When is the Nice Carnival?
The Nice Carnival takes place in February (usually the second and third weeks, depending on the year) and lasts for approximately two weeks. It is one of the oldest carnivals in Europe (dating back to 1294) and the most important in France. The traditional parades known as the Corso Cavallesée are held on the Promenade des Anglais, and the flower battles take place on the Cours Saleya. Hotels along the Promenade are booked three to six months in advance.
How do you get to Monaco from Nice?
The TER Côte d'Azur train from Nice-Ville station to Menton (Monaco-Monte Carlo stop) takes 25 minutes and costs approximately €4. Trains depart approximately every 30 minutes. Alternatives include an express bus (30–40 minutes, approximately €2), a taxi (approximately €50–80), or a car (20–30 minutes via the Corniche). The train is the fastest and cheapest option.
Where is the Musée Matisse and how do I get there?
The Matisse Museum is located in the Cimiez district, in the Villa des Arènes (164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez), about 3 km from the center of Nice. Access by bus: lines 15 or 22 from the city center (25 min). Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00, closed on Mondays. Admission: approximately €10 for adults, free for children under 18. The Chagall Museum is a 15-minute walk away (closed on Tuesdays). It is recommended to visit both on the same day.
What is the Nice City Pass?
The Nice City Pass includes free entry to all of Nice's municipal museums (Matisse, MAMAC, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Palais Lascaris, Musée de Terra Amata), public transport (tram and bus), and discounts on selected attractions. It's available for 24 hours (approximately €20), 48 hours (approximately €30), or 72 hours (approximately €40). You can purchase it at the Nice Tourist Office or online. For cultural travelers planning to visit several museums, it pays for itself within the first day.
Is Nice a good winter destination?
Nice is one of Europe's best winter destinations: the Mediterranean climate guarantees temperatures of 10–15°C even in January and February, with over 200 days of sunshine a year. Museums, restaurants, the Cours Saleya market, and Vieux-Nice operate normally year-round. The highlight of winter in Nice is the February Carnival. Hotel prices are significantly lower than during peak season, and attractions have no queues.
What is the difference between authentic salade niçoise and the one served in most restaurants?
Authentic salade niçoise doesn't include boiled potatoes or cooked beans—those are later additions not part of the traditional recipe. The original Niçoise salad contains tuna in olive oil (not water), hard-boiled egg, black olives (either Niçoise or Taggiasche), anchovies, fresh tomato, cucumber, spring onion, and red bell pepper, all served on lettuce leaves. The dressing is olive oil, vinegar, and mustard. Ordering "salade nioise traditionnelle" in restaurants in Vieux-Nice guarantees the authentic version.
Are there any excursions from Nice to the interior of Provence?
Nice is the perfect starting point for exploring the Provençal countryside: Èze (20 min), the medieval village perched above the Mediterranean; Grasse (45 min), the world capital of perfume; the Gorges du Verdon (1.5 hours), one of Europe's most spectacular canyons; Mougins (1 hour), the village where Picasso spent his final years; and Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Saint-Paul de Vence (45 min), the artists' villages of the Alpes-Maritimes. All are easily accessible by car in half a day from the capital.
Was the Promenade des Anglais declared a World Heritage Site?
Yes. In 2021, UNESCO declared the Pastis de Luz and Holidays of Nice a World Heritage Site, recognizing the exceptional value of the cultural landscape of the Promenade des Anglais and Vieux-Nice as a unique example of a Mediterranean seaside resort that combined Belle Époque architectural heritage with outdoor living and a culture of leisure in the sun. With this declaration, Nice is one of the most renowned cultural heritage sites on the French Riviera.
Which is the best area of the Promenade for beach clubs?
The center of the Promenade (between the Hôtel Négresco and Place Masséna) is home to the most popular beach clubs: Ruhl Plage, Hi Beach, and Blue Beach. The eastern end (Quai des États-Unis, next to Vieux-Nice and Colline du Château) features Castel Plage, which is quieter and less crowded. The western end of the Promenade (towards the airport) has more local beach clubs and is less touristy. The choice depends on the atmosphere you prefer: livelier in the center, quieter at the ends.
Nice's Mediterranean Capital Lifestyle is complemented by neighboring publishing territories: the art de vivre of Antibes, the glamour of Cannes, the ultra-luxury of Monaco, and the elegance of Saint-Tropez. The Riviera completes the picture, each destination with its own distinct identity.
The Promenade des Anglais at dawn. The warm socca at Chez Pipo. The Matisse paintings at Cimiez bathed in the Mediterranean light that the painter himself chose for thirty years. Nice isn't visited—it's experienced. And Sandbeds has the expertise to help you experience the Mediterranean capital of the Riviera as it deserves.
SANDBEDS · MEDITERRANEAN CAPITAL LIFESTYLE · NICE 2026
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