Carnaval de Nice
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
A tranquil oasis sat on the hillside above Nice with great views
High up above the hot crowds of Nice is a tranquil oasis with shady trees, panoramic views and, if you’re lucky, a cool breeze. Off the typical tourist trail, Cimiez lies about 2km north east of the centre of Nice.
Cimiez, an historic neighbourhood up on the hill behind Nice, is renowned for splendid Belle Époque architecture, its Roman ruins and its famous residents, Henri Matisse and Queen Victoria. You can reach Cimiez by taking the local bus no.15 from Nice, or take the lovely stroll uphill from the train station - it's not a strenuous walk and should take you about 20 mins, taking you past some wonderful buildings and gardens.
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.
Franciscan monks have been enjoying the serenity of Cimiez since the 16th century; the monastery houses hundreds of works of art and historical documents including the Pietà, Crucifixion and Deposition, by the Renaissance Italian artist Ludovico Brea, but the main draw is the beautiful gardens that look out over Nice and the surrounding hills.
Cimiez was once known as Cemenelum and was a Roman settlement. The ancient ruins are part of the nearby archaeological museum, which is free to enter and includes a Roman arena, amphitheatre, thermal baths, and paleochristian basilica. Inside the museum are many typical Roman artifacts as well as a rather jolly collection of headstones, coffins and burial paraphernalia.
More recent history can be seen in the splendid Belle Époque architecture; a calling card from the glamorous aristocrats that favoured Cimiez towards the end of the 19th century. The best examples can be found on Boulevard de Cimiez and Avenue de Arènes de Cimiez. Queen Victoria was fond of staying at the Hotel Regina when she was in town; there is a statue of her at the entrance, even though it is no longer a hotel.
Most people come to Cimiez to visit the Musée Matisse, a grand 17th century mansion that the artist lived in for many years. The museum displays many of his major works and is free to enter. If you're interested in art then the wonderful Chagall museum is nearby as well.
Cimiez was once a Roman settlement known as Cemenelum; you can see ruins, baths and the ancient amphitheatres in the grounds of the archaeological museum. There is also a 16th century Franciscan monastery, housing hundreds of works of art and a smalll museum with a beautiful garden overlooking the hills of Nice.
Founded as a photographic studio in 1958, and opened as a gallery in 1972, Jean Ferrero exhibited works from the School of Nice and the New Realism genre.
This museum moved to its current location in 1989 though it has been open since 1960. It houses a variety of objects, from ancient times to the Middle Ages, including the Roman town of Cemenelum.
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.
Located in the Baumettes neighbourhood, this Fine Arts museum is housed in an impressive 19th-century villa and contains an important collection of paintings and sculptures.
This astronomical observatory is located on top of mont Gros. It was built in 1881 and was designed by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera House, and Gustave Eiffel, the celebrated creator of the Eiffel Tower.
A small collection of some of Matisse's works and items from his own personal collection and that of his descendants are housed in an impressive 17th century Genoese mansion.
This long stretch of pebble beach in Nice runs along the Baie des Anges and is backed by the Promenade des Anglais.
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.
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 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.
This public beach sits at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais and is situated near the Lenval hospital.
In a Regency-style dining room decorated with magnificent 18th century woodwork, Jean-Denis Rieubland proposes two menus, "Découverte" and "Chantecler".
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
La Réserve has been refurbished throughout in an eye-catching style of the 1930s. Its superb location boasts stunning panoramic views and you can enjoy lunch on the terrace overlooking the water, or dinner at nightfall with exquisite views over the Baie des Anges.
Oliviera offers you a short but ever varying menu of its specialties with a choice of olive oils from its shop.
The restaurant is situated on the end of the Rue Obscure, a 13th century covered way.
Located on Place Saint François, famous for its fish market, this restaurant follows the tradition of Parisian brasseries, offering a typical French menu.
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
This night club is one of the highest rated discos in Nice. Some of the most reputed DJs are constantly invited here to perform to the satisfaction of the public thrown in a raving dancing trance.
This local and friendly wine bar is the perfect place to stop for a midday snack or to try some of the local wines from the region.
With a Gothic interior mixed with wall frescoes and a friendly atmosphere, this is one of Nice's nicest drinking spots.
Located behind the Acropolis, the AMF centre is one of the largest bowling alleys in France.
A vibrant pub in the heart of Nice's busy quarter, the Old Town. Popular with locals and tourists alike but especially the International crowd.
If you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of Nice and are in need of some quiet repose, bring a picnic and spend a few lazy hours in the park overlooking the coast below, lounging under the shade of the olive trees or strolling round the rose gardens.
The park is popular with locals and often hosts music concerts and other events during the summer evenings.
Cimiez boasts beautiful architecture, the best examples of the Belle Époque style can be found on Boulevard de Cimiez and Avenue de Arènes de Cimiez, including the old Hotel Regina where both Queen Victoria and Matisse stayed.
A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the South of France.
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
A trip for intermediate riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads in Provence.
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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.
They adapt to the overall level of the group so that everyone can spend an unforgettable day together whether you are a family of beginners or a group of experienced kayakers.
Located in the harbour of Nice this diving school enables beginners, intermediates and confirmed divers to explore 25 diving sites.
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).
Located on Carras beach in Nice, Jet Evasion rents licence-free jet skis & sea scooters.
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
This celebrated Provençal inn combines elegant accommodation with a private collection of modern art by renowned 20th-century artists.
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
Tucked inside the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Hotel Le Saint Paul offers timeless charm, artistic flair, and refined hospitality in a Relais & Châteaux setting.
Charming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
Buses 15, 17, 20, 22 and 25 all stop nearby at “Arenes”, or it takes about half an hour from Place Garibaldi on foot. Our advice is to get the bus uphill and then stroll back down the Boulevard de Cimiez to have a gander at all the grand residences.
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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.
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.
Le Chauvain, 16 renovated apartments in the centre of Nice.
South-facing terrace flat in the heart of the city, a stone's throw from the tramway and shops.
Ideally located in the picturesque coastal town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, along the glittering French Riviera, this newly renovated building invites you to experience the perfect blend of Mediterranean charm and contemporary comfort.
Find out all about what is happening in Nice and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this cosmopolitan city.
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.
See allUpcoming Events