Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Nice, a city on the French Riviera. It’s a beautiful city with beaches and nightlife and amazing food. There’s a lot to love about Nice, but there are also a few things you might not love when you visit Nice, France.
Love #1: Food in Nice
Combine French cuisine with fresh seafood, and Nice has some of the best food around. We had fresh seafood nearly every day of our trip. It’s SO good! The wine is also fantastic, so you’ll have a good time dining out at the restaurants in Nice, France…as long as you are prepared for the prices! (more on that later…)
Hate #1: Beach in Nice France
Many people see photos of the beach in Nice France and think Nice is a great beach destination. It can be, as long as you aren’t expecting soft, sandy beaches. The beaches in Nice are stones and small pebbles, and not the most comfortable for barefoot feet! I recommend bringing some water shoes so you don’t hurt your feet.
Love #2: Outdoor Activities in Nice
Nice has fantastic weather and it’s a great place to be outdoors. Even in the winter, it’s much milder than in other parts of France, so you can be outdoors a lot. There’s a great promenade along the beach that is perfect for walking or biking. There are lots of parks and squares to explore, and plenty of outdoor space to let your kids run off some energy. Our kids loved all of the outdoor things to do in Nice France.
Hate #2: Summer Crowds in Nice
If you visit Nice in the summer, you’ll never be alone! It seems as though everyone from France heads south in the summer and Nice gets very crowded. In July and August, it can be hard to find hotels in Nice France, and you do have to plan much further in advance. If there are specific restaurants in Nice France that you want to visit, make sure you reserve a table. Even the TGV sells out!
How to Beat Peak Season Travel Prices
Love #3: Nice Culture
Nice isn’t just a beach town, there’s actually a lot of cultural attractions as well. The French Riviera has always been popular with artists, so there are a lot of art museums, including the Chagall Museum and the Musee Matisse. Old Town is also a beautiful area to explore, with gorgeous churches and architecture.
Hate #3: The Taxi Experience
Not all taxi drivers in Nice are out to scam you, but it’s definitely something to look out for. Before you leave, ask your hotel about how much a taxi ride should cost. This will help you know if you’re being scammed. The Nice taxi drivers have been known to overcharge or zero out the meter before you can see the total.
How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs
Love #4: Relaxed Atmosphere
The French Riviera is all about relaxation; this is where the rest of France comes to relax. It’s a totally different vibe than Paris or other larger cities in the north. You will sense it in the culture here, and you will be able to relax right along with the locals.
Nice & French Riviera Tourism Website: CLICK HERE
Hate #4: Riviera Prices
The French Riviera is not a budget-friendly destination. It’s expensive. You will pay premium prices for accommodation, entertainment, and food in Nice. Even more so in the summer months! Make sure you are prepared for this and have budgeted accordingly. Sticker shock can really put a damper on your vacation.
Love #5: Day Trips from Nice
If you are staying in Nice, there are some great day trips that you can take to see other parts of the coast. A few of the most popular Nice day trips include:
- Monaco
- Cannes
- Saint Tropez
- Toulon
Hate #5: Nice Train Station
The Nice train station can feel a bit seedy, and you do have to watch out for pickpockets and scams. My advice is to spend as little time as possible in the train station. Get your tickets online ahead of time, and when you arrive, head straight out towards the main area of Nice.
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With a prime location on the French Riviera, plus great food and interesting history and culture, Nice is a great place to stay in the South of France. There are many outdoor activities, year-round, and great art to take in as well. Interested in more France travel tips? Check out these blog posts!