Renting a car in Nice opens many exciting travel options. From wave-lashed beaches to pretty towns and villages, you'll find plenty of exciting day-trip destinations. The freedom afforded by Nice means you're completely independent. You don't have to rely on local timetables for scheduled stops and you can start and stop your journey wherever and whenever you like. The following is a guide to some of the city's hot spots.
Nice Airport Mini Guide:
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is located 6km to the west of Nice. The airport offers a good range of facilities including a post office, business centre with meeting rooms, as well as short and long-term parking.
Things To See/Do in Nice:
For most tourists, Nice offers the first glimpse of the turquoise paradise that is the Côte d'Azur. Nice has long been a favourite holiday destination for those looking for a relaxing break. The city was founded by the Greeks and named after Nike, the goddess of victory. It was the Romans who began the tourism industry here, when they started the mineral bath trend on Cimiez. The city has always had a noble following. In the 19th century, Nice was the destination of choice for British and Russian aristocrats.
Although slick and modern today, the city still exudes a wonderful sense of charm, harking back to its medieval days. The Vielle Ville (old town) is especially picturesque, boasting vibrant red-tiled roofs, narrow winding streets and bustling laneways teeming with shops, bars and restaurants. A hop skip and a jump from here is the fabulous Cours Saleya flower and food market, where you'll find plenty of fresh and fragrant local produce.
After all that browsing, you're sure to be a little peckish. Fortunately, there are plenty of fine restaurants in the area, offering first class seafood and delicious local cuisine.
No matter where you're staying in Nice, with Nice car hire the beach is never far away. The beautiful Promenade des Anglais is to be found alongside the shingle beaches for about 8km and has been a favourite destination for day-trippers since Victorian times. Nice enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures for most of the year. Rain occurs most frequently from September to March.
Eating Out in Nice:
Dining out in Nice gives you the chance to sample some of the tastiest cuisine in the south of France. The Mediterranean influence means there is an abundance of spicy foods and freshly caught local seafood. Local specialities include Beignets de fleurs de courgettes, Ratatouille, Pichade, Pissaladiére, Pan-bagnat, Soupe au pistou, Tourte de blettes and Daube.
Day Trips/Events in Nice:
Nice is a wonderful base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and coastlines of the south of France. Exciting day-trip destinations include the pretty fortified village of Saint Paul de Vance, beautiful and historic Avignon and Villefranche sur Mer, a delightful little seaside town.
Nice plays host to a range of events throughout the calendar year. Highlights worth pencilling into your diary include May's International Film Festival in nearby Cannes, July's Nice Jazz Festival and December's magical Christmas Village.
