Nice Hotels

Located in southeast France, Nice is also the capital of Côte d'Azur, very much accessible to tourists due to its international airport and trains linking it to Paris. The city is packed in both summer and winter holidays, making the Promenade des Anglais a crowded hub for people basking under the glorious sun.

If you've had your fill of art in the French capital, expect another heaping portion in your plate when you visit Nice. It is home to some of the finest museums in the world hosting works of Chagall, Rodin, Monet and Matisse. And, one more fine creation you must not miss after a day in the beach, is the local cuisine prepared mostly with olive oil, made from Nice's very own olive groves of course!

Attractions

The seaside of Nice remains a top favourite amongst visitors and locals alike who adore the wide shorelines and the blueness of the sea. Relax at the Promenade des Anglais as you watch people jog or stroll along the lovely coastline. It can get crowded, though, during peak season so if you are looking for a lesser hectic pace, try the hill town Cimiez.

Roman in influence and possessing every bit of French elegance, the small town of Cimiez bears witness to history and culture in all of Nice. Enjoy the scenic ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, baths, and the Archaelogical Museum nearby. The landmark Hotel Regina used to be a retreat for no less than Queen Victoria herself during her holidays in the French Riviera. Art lovers would want to drop by and admire the timeless masterpieces of Matisse and Chagall in their respective museums.

To have a more thorough look at the city's architecture, the churches and palaces in Vieux-Nice area are all worthy of a visit! Be in awe at the baroque styles of both the Basilica of Saint Reparate and Palais Lascaris. If you feel weary from taking pictures of these magnificent attractions, drop by the Glacier Fenocchio to sample its well-loved gelato! After this treat, you can head for either the Cours Saleya or Marche Saleya to feed on your appetite for shopping.

Another important section of Nice is Promenade du Paillon where you will find expo centers hosting major events in Europe and a little further up is the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Events

February marks the biggest revelry in all of Nice and that is the Carnival. Watch out for parades, food fests, fireworks and musical activities during this event which traces its origins from the 14th century. The mood is much like Mardi Gras which carries on for two weeks.

In March, the folkloric festival celebrating gourds comes alive in the gardens of the Cimiez monastery for the Festin des Cougordons. See how the common household fixture becomes a work of art. Held also in the same town, La Fete de Mai enlivens the atmosphere in Nice with its focus on folk music and theatre. Fishermen toast to their patron saint Peter during Fete de la Mer in June with traditional ceremonies and parades.

Then in July, the Cimiez gardens play venue once more to the Jazz Festival where audiences can expect world-class musicians in town for this major annual event.

Climate

• Winter (November to February) 6-16°C; mild with strong winds

• Spring (March to May) 7 - 20°C; generally pleasant

• Summer (June to August) 17 - 29°C; clear skies and sweltering heat

• Fall (September to October) 13 - 22°C; gets milder and less humid