Nice is such a unique place. It’s French, but with Greek and Italian influences. Its beaches are not sandy, but they are stunning. The Alps are within sight, along with their snowy peaks. It’s perfectly situated and perfectly fascinating. I recently visited for the first time, and I already can’t wait to go back. Here is everything you need to know before you visit Nice, France!
It’s a good jumping off point for day trips.
Nice is in such a spectacular location for a lot of reasons, but day tripping is a reason that tops the list. You can easily take the train to Monaco, Grasse, Villefranche, Cannes, Provence, and even a variety of nearby towns in Italy. While there is plenty to do and see in Nice to keep you occupied as long as you’d like, you also have many options to see a little something different and experience more of the French Riviera and surrounds.
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There is a daily ferry to Corsica.
Speaking of being a jumping off point, you can also take a ferry from Nice to the island of Corsica! This is not a day trip–the ferry takes between 5 and 6 hours one-way–but it could be a fabulous long weekend or even weeklong side trip. While here, you can enjoy hikes, beaches, snorkeling, seafood, and charming villages around the large island.
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Nice has only been part of France since the 19th century.
Borders have always been the same, throughout the millennia, right? Um, no! Borders have changed a lot throughout history, and Europe in particular is kind of famous for it! Nice was once a city in a country known as Savoie. Known more for its Alpine culture, Savoie once included sections of present-day France, Italy, and shared a border with Switzerland. The now-French portion of Savoie only became part of France in 1860.
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Nice has its own language.
You might notice something about the street signs in Nice. They’re in two languages! This is because Nice once had its own language: Niçard. French is the official language, of course, but the regional dialect is still part of the present-day culture. Official efforts have been made to preserve this historical language, although it’s rarely spoken in everyday conversation. Now that you know about it, though, you will be looking for it!
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Greeks and Italians have settled here, and there are still traces of both.
Nice is very French, it’s true. However, you’ll also see the Italian and Greek (yes, Greek!) influences while you’re here. The Greeks founded the city over 2,000 years ago and named it Nikaia, after the Greek goddess Nike. The Italian influence came in much later, when it was part of Savoie and ruled partially by the Italians. You’ll see this in the historical architecture, cuisine, and culture.
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It is the safest city in France.
Solo and single parent travelers, rejoice! You hear all kinds of horror stories about travel (mostly from people who don’t travel), so it’s refreshing to hear about a place known for its safety record. It didn’t always enjoy such a reputation, but since 2011, Nice has undergone major efforts to become the safest city in all of France. Travel here with confidence!
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It’s second in tourism only to Paris.
France is always going to be synonymous with Paris, the capital and most-visited city in the country. However, Nice is the only town that gives the City of Light a run for its money. It’s the second most-visited city in France, and a trip here will show you why. From the beauty, to the history, to the culture–so different from Paris–it’s a completely different vibe from anywhere else. Beachy, yet refined.
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They have 310 days of sun per year.
No seasonal sadness here! If you’re craving the sun’s rays any time of year, Nice is the place to find it. You may find some raindrops in the fall months, but very rarely would this last all day long, or multiple days in a row. This makes Nice the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities, from water sports to sunbathing, and from exploring castle ruins to shopping at the outdoor flower market.
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The Cǒte d’Azur is stunning, but the beach…
As a summer chaser and wannabe island girl, I have seen beautiful waters all over the world, from the lightest turquoise of the Caribbean to the inky blue of the Aegean. The Cǒte d’Azur is a beautiful mix of both. Aptly translated to “Coast of Blue” in English, it’s no wonder people flock here from across Europe and beyond just to bask in its azure hues (and sunshine).
The catch? The beach is not sand. It’s rock!
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It’s very walkable.
It’s Europe, right? So of course it’s walkable! But the Promenade des Anglaise makes this even better. It’s lovely to roam the beautiful streets, of course, stopping into shops and cafes, peeking inside churches and museums. But the Promenade is 4.3 miles (7 Km) of perfect walking or running space next to the waterfront. So, whether you prefer city explorations or seaside panoramas, Nice is the perfect place for you!
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Want more? Take a look at my dedicated France Page!
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