10 Fantastique Things to Do In & Around Nice
October, 2018
With Nice’s ideal location, nestled between popular celeb hot spots Monaco and Cannes, you can hire a car and explore the Southern coast of France with ease.
To make things even easier, we’ve put together a guide to our top 10 favourite things to do in and around Nice. So, thanks to Holiday Autos, you can step off the plane and start exploring straight away.
1. Promenade des Anglais
When many people think of Nice, the first image that springs to mind is often the 7km stretch of beautiful coast and blue waters. The Promenade des Anglais is the most visited and recognisable promenade in Nice.
The pebble beach follows the natural curve of the land, with a glorious view of the Mediterranean. Dotted with shops, bars and restaurants, the promenade is an ideal day out for the whole family.
With a dedicated lane for skaters and cyclists, the promenade is the ideal place to try out new activities. Visit Roller Station, where you can hire roller skates, skateboards, scooters and bikes for all ages and abilities.
2. Musée Matisse
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the French town with a trip to one of Nice’s many museums. Musée Matisse is an art museum, devoted to the work of French painter Henri Matisse.
Easily one of the most interesting things to do in Nice, the free museum is home to one of the world’s largest Matisse collections, from oil paintings to his famous paper cut-outs.
With different exhibitions throughout the year, you can discover a new love for the artist. Past exhibitions include Matisse and Picasso: the comedy of the model and a Matisse photographer: Lucien Herve.
Image by takato marui, Musée Matisse Nice Front, CC BY-SA 2.0
3. Vieux Nice (Old Nice)
The layout of old Nice has hardly changed since the 1700s, with narrow winding alleyways and tall buildings. Vieux Nice has undergone a few modern updates over the years, with plenty of delis and restaurants for both tourists and local residents.
Cathédral Sainte-Réparate is definitely worth a visit when in the area, harnessing a sense of French history.
4. Cours Saleya market
Whilst visiting Vieux Nice, be sure to stop off at the focal point of the town – the Cours Saleya market. Bursting with fresh, fruits and vegetables, the market is one of the central elements of daily life in Nice. From handcrafted carvings to stunning fresh flowers, the market is sure to offer something for everyone.
Named by France’s National Council as one of the country’s most special markets, Cours Saleya is definitely worth a visit whilst you’re in Nice. The market is closed on Monday’s though, so avoid coming on this day.
5. Parc Phoenix
Step into another world when entering the 7-hectare botanical garden and zoo in the heart of Nice. A stark contrast to the bustle of the promenade and the history of the old town, Parc Phoenix brings an abundance of nature to the city.
Home to around 2,500 plant species and 2,000 animals, the park is not to be missed. Built in 1990 to accommodate a floral and arboreal world, Parc Phoenix has evolved and diversified with the introduction of its animals.
Image by GLOBI ۞ FUZZI, Parc Phoenix serre Nice, CC BY-SA 2.0
Thinking outside the box
Whilst Nice is a hub of culture, history and sophistication, step out of its city walls and discover the beauty of the French Riviera. The main advantage of car hire is the freedom to travel to new places, without any restriction.
Here are 5 fantastique things to do around Nice.
1. Parc du Mont Boron
Take advantage of Nice’s warm climate and escape the hustle and bustle of the streets in Parc du Mont Boron. With picnic areas, olive trees, hiking trails and even a 16th century castle, you could lose yourself in the idyllic nature all day.
Located on the crest of a hill, at 190m high, Parc du Mont Boron looks over Nice and Villefranche-Sur-Mer. If you can hike up to Fort Alban, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
2. Monaco
Dive into the home of luxury with a trip up the coast to one of the richest countries in the world. The Principality of Monaco is one of the most popular holiday destinations for celebrities around the world, so be sure to be on the lookout if you fancy some celeb-spotting!
Boasting glorious weather, a yacht-lined harbour and upscale casinos, the second smallest country in the world is one to tick of your bucket list. If you’re visiting in late May, you may also be there for the famous Monaco Grand Prix, as Formula One drivers take to the street to compete.
3. Cross the border
One of the best things about visiting Nice, particularly when hiring a car, is its close proximity to Italy. As a result, one of the best things to do around Nice is actually in another country!
Just a short 40-minute drive from the centre is the picturesque town of Ventimiglia. The town is unlike any other Riviera town, retaining its traditional identity.
Don’t expect the same glamour found along the French coast. This town is honest and comfortable, with an understated feel. Be sure to visit on a Friday, when the market is in town. Browse a variety of small shops, from boutiques to patisseries.
4. Fort Carre
Built on a rock on the Antibes coast, Fort Carre offers stunning, panoramic views. Originally built in the 16th century for defence purposes, the fort was later used as military barracks and training grounds.
Take a tour around the impressive fort and learn more about its extensive history, including the imprisonment of Napoleon during the French Revolution.
5. Villefranche
For those wanting to take a step back from the opulence of Nice and Monaco and experience a different side of the French Riviera, Villefranche is the ideal location.
Just a half an hour drive from Nice, the quaint fishing village sits on a hillside, looking over a spectacular bay.
The slow pace of the traditional village offers a peaceful contrast to the excitement of the main areas along the French Riviera.
Hiring a Car in Nice
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