No French Riviera itinerary is complete without a stop in Nice. Nice is also a great base city in the French Riviera because of its proximity to many other beautiful seaside towns. Below I have detailed when to visit, what to see, days trips from Nice, the best luxury hotels, and top restaurants in the city.
When to Visit
The best time to visit the French Riviera and Nice France is in the summer. The summer will provide the warmest temperatures, longest days and least amount of rainy days. Below are the average temperatures, highs and lows, in Nice for each summer month.
- May: high 68, low 58
- June: high 74, low 65
- July: high 80, low 70
- Aug: high 80, low 70
- Sept: high 75, low 65
Things to do and See in Nice
- Walk the Promenade des Anglais- lovely walk along the sea.
- Russian Orthodox Cathedral- a stunning church.
- Place Messena Square- the famous square of Nice.
- Vieille Ville or old town- wander around and do some shopping.
- Parc de la Colline du Chateau or Castle Hill- panoramic views at the top.
- Cours Saleya Market- produce flowers and other goods.
- Visit the beach- Many beach clubs to choose from.
- Musee Massena
- Closed Tuesdays
- Open 10am-6pm May 2- Oct 31
- Open 11am- 6pm Nov- April
- Tours by appointment
- Starting at 6 Euros
- Website
- Explore by sea. Take part in a boat tour or charter a boat for the day/afternoon. Enjoy the view of the shoreline from the sea.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral 
Place Messena Square 
View from the sea 
Place Messena Square
French Riviera Day Trips From Nice
- Eze- a lovely hilltop village with charm and stunning views. Only a 20-minute drive from Nice, you can take a taxi or Uber.
- Menton- Beautiful seaside town. Only a 38 min train ride away from Nice.
- Villefranche- Another beautiful seaside town. Villefranche is home to the Villa Rothschild, which is definitely worth a visit. You can visit the mansion and breathtaking gardens with an audio tour from 10 am-6 pm.
- Antibes- Yet another gorgeous seaside town but this one to the south of Nice. Home to the Musee Picasso and Le Fort Carre overlooking the harbor and sea. About 3o mins by car or train.
- Monaco- Famous for is glamour and lux Monaco is only about 30 mins away. To learn more about Monaco visit my Monaco Travel Guide.
Villa Rothschild 
Villa Rothschild 
Villa Rothschild
Best Hotels in Nice France
- Hotel Negresco
- The luxurious and historic hotel across from the sea.
- Website
- What my clients receive:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
- Buffet breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom.
- $100 USD equivalent to Food & Beverage credit.
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.
- Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Mediterranee
- The lovely 5-star hotel across from the beach.
- Website
- What my clients receive:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
- Buffet breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom.
- $100 USD equivalent to Food & Beverage credit.
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.
- Hotel La Perouse
- Beautiful hotel at the end of the Promenade.
- Website
- Hotel Beau Rivage
- A more modern approach to the French Riviera with a private beach area.
- Website
- Boscolo Exedra
- Luxury located more city center with a rooftop pool.
- Website
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of delicious cuisine in Nice. Here are some of the top spots.
- Michelin Star
- Pure & V
- La Chantecler
- Flaveur
- L’Aromate
- Jan
- Non-Michelin Star
- La Merenda
- Le Canon
- Peixes
- Cafe Marche
- Le Bistrot d’Antoine
- Les Pecheurs
- La Terrese
- Vegan Gorilla
- Le Plongeoir
Need more help planning your trip? As a professional Travel Advisor, it’s my job to design you the perfect French Riviera and Nice escape. Visit my travel planning page or planning process page to learn more.
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Full-service, luxury Travel Advisor/Agent. Travel Blogger. Married, dog mom, plant-based. Based in San Jose California but often traveling the world.
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