These are the best places to travel this summer

Nice

France Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Nice in the evening after sunset.

©Fishman64/Shutterstock

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Nice

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

With its mix of real-city life, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine, vibrant street life and stunning seaside location, no place in France compares with Nice.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Restaurant in le Vieux Nice.

    Vieux Nice

    Nice

    Getting lost among the dark, narrow, winding alleyways of Nice’s old town is a highlight. The layout has barely changed since the 1700s, and it’s now…

  • NICE, FRANCE, on JANUARY 9, 2017. Promenade des Anglais - the main embankment of the city, one of the most beautiful in the world, stretches along the sea and the beach. Aerial view from Shatto's hill; Shutterstock ID 613405820; Your name (First / Last): Daniel Fahey; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Nice and Graz POIs

    Promenade des Anglais

    Nice

    The most famous stretch of seafront in Nice – if not France – is this vast paved promenade, which gets its name from the English expat patrons who paid…

  • Colline du Château

    Colline du Château

    Nice

    For the best views over Nice’s red-tiled rooftops, climb the winding staircases up to this wooded outcrop on the eastern edge of the old town. It’s been…

  • Musée Masséna

    Musée Masséna

    Nice

    Originally built as a holiday home for Prince Victor d’Essling (the grandson of one of Napoléon's favourite generals, Maréchal Massena), this lavish belle…

  • France, Alpes Maritimes, Nice, district of Cimiez Hill, museums and archaeological sites, thermal baths of the ancient Roman city of Cemenelum, Matisse museum in the background

    Musée Matisse

    Nice

    This museum, 2km north of the city centre in the leafy Cimiez quarter, houses a fascinating assortment of works by Matisse, including oil paintings,…

  • Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain

    Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain

    Nice

    European and American avant-garde works from the 1950s to the present are the focus of this sprawling multilevel museum. Highlights include many works by…

  • NICE, FRANCE - AUGUST 23, 2014: View of Cours Saleya - large pedestrian area famous for its flower, vegetable, spice and fish markets is one of the most popular places in Nice.; Shutterstock ID 264711230

    Cours Saleya Markets

    Nice

    Split between its beautiful flower market and rightly famous food market. On Mondays, flowers and food make way for a flea market.

  • NICE, FRANCE -21 APR 2018- View of the Musee Marc Chagall (National Museum or Chagall Biblical Message) in Nice, France.; Shutterstock ID 1103872247; Your name (First / Last): -; GL account no.: -; Netsuite department name: -; Full Product or Project name including edition: -

    Musée National Marc Chagall

    Nice

    The strange, dreamlike and often unsettling work of the Belarusian painter Marc Chagall (1887–1985) is displayed at this museum, which owns the largest…

View more attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

There's more to the sun-drenched city of Nice than beaches. From culture and history to incredible food, here are the top things to do while you're there.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

A famous summer playground, the French Riviera city of Nice has something to offer in every season. Consult this guide as you plan your visit.

Read article

Things to Know

The queen of the French Riviera, Nice drips elegance and panache. Here are some things to know before you arrive to help you fit in with the glitterati.

Read article

Transportation

Exploring Nice couldn’t be easier! This compact French city is walkable and easily accessible by public transport. Here are the best ways to get around.

Read article

Free Things to Do

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the glamour of Nice. Beach-going, people-watching, architecture-viewing and more, all to be enjoyed for free.

Read article

Best Neighborhoods

Nice has lots of culturally distinct and fun neighborhoods. Whether you're in search of culture, nightlife, sunbathing, or all three – here's your guide.

Read article

Day Trips

Explore more of the Côte d'Azur on these top day trips from Nice.

Read article

Money and Costs

The French Riviera might be known for its glitz and glam, but follow our top budget tips and Nice needn’t be an expensive destination to visit.

Read article

5 Shops

Be prepared to hunt through the stores of Nice and you could find some treasures. Here are the city's best independent shops and markets.

Read article

Plan with a local

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Nice