Carnaval de Nice
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler
Wonderful national park area with a hilltop fortress
Cap de Nice and Mont Boron is a peaceful exclusive area to the east of Nice and is a mix of affluent residential properties and a national park.
Perched on one of the “collines” of Nice, Mont Boron sits at just over 190m and is home to a forest that covers 57 hectares and contains about 11km of footpaths that are perfect for exploring the area, including a 1.5km fitness trail with exercise stations.
Cap de Nice is not so far from the town itself but is a bit cut-off due to its elevated position and its location on the peninsula; many beautiful properties have been built here because of the glorious views from the city of Nice all the way to Cap Ferrat.
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Nice, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
Historical markers are in evidence all over the area, from the Paleolithic era to the present day. At the foot of Mont Boron is the Grotte du Lazaret, a prehistoric cave that has revealed remains of prehistoric animals including woolly mammoths, panthers, lynx and bears - alongside human remains that suggest that it was occupied almost two hundred thousand years ago.
At the very peak of Mont Boron you’ll find Fort Mont Alban, built in 1557 on the orders of the Duke of Savoy in response to the siege of Nice. Only the outside of the fort is accessible, the inside is closed to visitors, but it's almost perfectly preserved and well worth the hike up for a look around. It’s a real fairytale castle with turrets, towers and a drawbridge.
More recently, the Batterie du Mont Boron is a 400m long military bunker built in 1886 to protect the Baie des Anges. Take a stroll around the Circuit de Bellevue, which follows the walls of the Batterie and looks out over the bay between Nice and Villefranche-Sur-Mer.
Visits to the caves are only possible by arrangement, but you can can see lots of exhibits from the site at the Musée Terra Amata in the port district.
The museum of palaeontology is located on the excavation site of the Terra Amata where there is evidence of human inhabitation going back 400,000 years.
The sculptor, Antoniucci Volti, was born in Italy in 1915 but his family lived in Villefranche-sur-Mer. His collection is housed in the town's 16th-century citadel.
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
This 16th century hilltop fort was built in 1557 and is almost perfectly preserved, it looks out over the coastline of the French Riviera all the way to the Italian border. Mont Alban is located in the east of Nice in the Mont Boron National Park area, with Nice on one side and Villefranche-sur-Mer on the other - you can hike up to the fort from either town. The castle was built on the orders of the Duke of Savoy in response to the siege of Nice; when you get up there you’ll understand why he chose this spot - the view in all directions couldn’t be any better.
The citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer looms over the old town; it is open to the public and has a number of interesting features.
This museum's collection is composed of the donation of Henri Goetz to the town of Villefranche. It is located on the ground floor of an old barrack building in the 16th-century citadel, which houses many museums.
Plage de la Darse is a secret beach, hidden from view and discretely signposted. It never gets very busy because so few people know that it’s there - so keep it on the down-low if you plan to head here.
The name might sound a bit intimidating but Bains Militaires is actually quite a nice quiet beach, away from the hustle and bustle of Nice centre.
The glamorously named Coco Beach is more of a launchpad into the deep blue sea than a true beach.
The main beach at Villefranche is one of the best located for easy access and convenient facilities. Situated right next to the charming old port area and just a few minutes walk from the old town, there are both bus and train stops nearby.
Tucked away in a little niche on the north-west side of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Plage de Passable is a glorious secluded sun trap with shallow crystal clear water.
Plage des Fourmis is the long stretch of sand that runs along the main bus route; backed by a shady promenade lined with palm trees and tropical plants, the beach is very easy to find.
The Cap de Nice and Mont Boron area is generally very quiet and residential, which is perfect if you want to escape the frenetic atmosphere of Nice and enjoy the tranquility.
However, this means that there are few restaurants in the area - your best bet is to take a short stroll down Avenue Jean Lorrain where you’ll find two excellent restaurants both on the seafront before you reach the port. If you simply want a quick bite, there is a pizzeria (that also does takeaway delivery) on the Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck.
Modern French food with a touch of South African heritage. From childhood Jan used to spend most of his time in the garden and kitchen and has replaced this with the markets of France. With his new restaurant in the old Port of Nice he is not only out to set the trends but to combine local with a stylish and attentive atmosphere.
The restaurant is situated on the end of the Rue Obscure, a 13th century covered way.
Yanis and Aurélie run this gastronomic delight which specialises in excellent fish dishes influenced by the flavours of the Mediterranean, Indochina and the Indian Ocean.
Located between the Port and Place Garibaldi, Maison Gusto restaurant is a must for lovers of burger in Nice.
In a black and white décor with a modern open space kitchen the chef cooks right in front of you with the freshest ingredients of the day from the local markets.
Set in the room that Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild’s used as a dining room, the tea room/restaurant's terrace overlooks the Bay of Villefranche. All day, you can break for a delicious snack in this calm oasis with an unrestricted view of the bay.
Reopened in December 2014 and restored to its original elegance with a touch of modern glamour this is 'must see' building as well as fantastic entertainment venue.
Ma Nolan’s, Nice Port is designed to be a warm, welcoming and atmospheric venue, the perfect place to eat, drink and party.
In a simple and relaxed atmosphere, La Cave Nature is a place of tasting organic wines and specialities of the house such as sandwiches, Mediterranean products freshly prepared, and tastings of cheeses and Italian delicatessen.
In a relaxed family atmosphere, the restaurant Cosmo offers a variety of traditional, Mediterranean and French cuisine.
If you nip round the back of the pizzeria you’ll see a sign saying “Escalier Pieton”, if you follow this you’ll come to a steep narrow staircase that leads directly to the sea and onto a wonderful coastal path leading all the way to Coco Beach in Nice.
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
A taste of traditional Provencal Nissarde cuisine, wine, and olives.
Nice Diving unveils to its clients the underwater marvels of the Mediterranean ocean along the shores of the Cote d'Azur.
Located close to the city’s harbour, this park stretches over a surface of 1 hectare.
Classes of bikram yoga's 26 postures take place in a heated classroom every day in the port area of Nice. English speaking Yoga instructors.
La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
This intense little loop packs quite a lot into a short ride, taking you up to the serenity of the high mountains and back down to the hustle of the seafront in just 30km.
This half-day ride takes you on a panoramic tour via four of the region’s famous sixteen “perched villages” - ancient towns built high amongst the mountains of the Alpes-Maritime. There is a fair bit of climbing involved in this ride, 1500m over just under 60km, but there are also plenty of long flowing descents where you can drink in the magnificent views of mountains in one direction and sea in the other. The biggest climb is the first one up to Aspremont, so once you’ve nailed that you can relax and take the rest nice and easy.
A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
Leave the old town of Villefranche-sur-mer and escape into the wooded hills as far down as Cap Ferrat. Take a tour of the old city via Rue Obscure, a shady path the winds its way through vaulted cellars from the old harbor.
This rugged coastal footpath runs from Villefranche-Sur-Mer all the way to Nice, providing excellent views of the harbour and lots of opportunities for secluded swimming and sunbathing along the way.
This is the shortest and most easily accessible of the Sentier Littoral walks; making it easy to fit into a quiet afternoon when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Nice town.
Nice’s flagship urban park covers 12 hectares in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from Promenade des Anglais. Promenade du Paillon used to be a very congested and rather ugly thoroughfare where the old bus station and multi storey car park were situated. It was demolished in 2011 and a 3 year development project took place to turn it into the oasis of green open space, safe play areas and impressive water features that we enjoy today.
This easily accessible promenade starts at the Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and finishes at Plage de Passable, taking you right around the peninsula of this beautiful coastline.
This is a fairly easy but rewarding hike starting from Eze-sur-Mer and finishing in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, both villages are on the train and bus line.
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
Rowing, power boating and sailing. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, whether you prefer a leisure or competitive approach, the club offers its resources, its equipment, its fleet (except for power boating).
Nice Diving unveils to its clients the underwater marvels of the Mediterranean ocean along the shores of the Cote d'Azur.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Cap de Nice then there are plenty of lavish Belle Époque villas to choose from, when you consider that residents include the mega-rich and mega-famous like Elton John, you can imagine the price tag.
Totally at the other end of the scale is the local hostel tucked away in the forest - accommodation is self-catered and dormitory style. Somewhere in between there are lots of very elegant apartments to let with excellent sea views.
On the heights of Nice, beautiful stone house of around 500m² with swimming pool benefiting from a beautiful hills view.
Set on the hillside of Nice, overhanging the Méditerranean sea and located into the most beautiful residential quarter of the town, this 400m2 villa is planted in a 3000 m2 enclosed garden and surrounded by a natural parc.
This beautiful 195m2 villa with city and sea view is located just a few minutes form the centre on Nice.
For rent in Nice Mont-Boron, on the heights, a villa of about 200 m², benefiting from a nice sea view with terraces and garden.
On the heights of Nice, beautiful stone house of around 500m² with swimming pool benefiting from a beautiful hills view.
Set on the hillside of Nice, overhanging the Méditerranean sea and located into the most beautiful residential quarter of the town, this 400m2 villa is planted in a 3000 m2 enclosed garden and surrounded by a natural parc.
In the centre of Nice, 2 bedrooms flat with a really nice terrace where you can enjoy a sunny lunch.
Villefranche-sur-mer, for rent, nice 2 bedroom duplex apartment of 85 m² floor space located on the heights of Villefranche with panoramic sea view.
Petit Negresco Studio is a charming apartment situated in a private part of the famous hotel ''Le Negresco''.
Beautiful and bright 40m² apartment with a modern decor close to shops , beach and restaurants.
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
The 5-star Luxury Boscolo Exedra Nice is located in the centre of Nice, a few minutes from the old town, the boutiques of Place Masséna, the famous Promenade Des Anglais and the Conference Center.
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
Take buses no.81 or no.100 to get to Cap de Nice (bus stop Maeterlinck) or bus no.14 to go directly to Mont Boron.
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
Ideally located in a smart residence in the heart of the town with it's own swimming pool, this two bedroom apartment offers sea views over the Beaulieu bay and St Jean Cap Ferrat.
SOLE AGENT- MONT BORON - CAP DE NICE - nestled in a small private lane, you will discover this beautiful neo-Provençal villa in a peaceful setting on the side of a rock, facing southwest towards the sea.
Co-Exclusive: Mont Boron - located just 2 km from the Mediterranean Sea, this magnificent 306 sq m art deco villa enjoys breathtaking views of Nice and the sea. Facing southwest, it offers an exceptional living environment.
A penthouse apartment with a roof terrace overlooking the bay.
A refurbished Belle Époque villa in the heart of Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
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See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town throughout the year. The most popular public events take place along the Promenade des Anglais, including the Carnival in February, the Bastille celebrations in July and the Nice marathon in November. There are also plenty of live music and cultural festivals.
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