2-Day Fun-Filled Trip to Nice, France
Experience the charm and beauty of the French Riviera in Nice.
22 April 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
As a tourist, visiting Nice, France would offer a delightful blend of historical and modern attractions. You can wander through the Old Town, admiring the architecture, and browsing through the outdoor markets. With plenty of sunny beaches, world-class museums, and colorful nightlife, a trip to Nice, France promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check in at Hotel Windsor, a charming Art Deco hotel with stunning sea views
- Start the morning with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and a dip in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean
- Wander through the Cours Saleya market, where the colorful displays of fresh flowers, produce, and spices are a feast for the senses
- Visit the Matisse Museum, housed in a 17th-century villa and showcasing the artist's stunning paintings, drawings, and sculptures
- Catch the sunset from Castle Hill, a scenic lookout point with panoramic views over the city and the sea
- Dine at La Petite Maison, a cozy restaurant serving delicious Niçoise cuisine made with local ingredients
- Take a day trip to Eze, a medieval village perched on a rocky hilltop with breathtaking views and a charming labyrinth of narrow streets and shops
- Drive along the scenic coastal road to Monaco, the glitzy city-state famous for its grand casino, yacht-filled harbor, and royal palace
- Enjoy lunch at Le Louis XV, Alain Ducasse's Michelin-starred restaurant known for its impeccable Mediterranean-inspired gastronomy
- Stop by the Oceanographic Museum, a grand building dedicated to the study and conservation of marine life that also showcases aquariums, exhibitions, and a shark lagoon
- Return to Nice in time for a final sunset aperitif at Le Negresco, a legendary hotel with opulent Belle Époque decor and a fabulous bar overlooking the sea.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Nice, France by plane is to fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is located about 6 kilometers southwest of the city center of Nice. Many airlines offer flights to the airport, including Air France, Ryanair, and EasyJet. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or train to get to your final destination.
Car
If you have access to a car, driving to Nice can be a scenic and enjoyable experience. The A8 motorway connects Nice with major French cities like Marseille and Paris. However, traffic can be heavy during peak travel times, so it's best to plan accordingly and avoid rush hour traffic.
Train
If you are traveling from within France, you can take a train to Nice Ville train station, which is located in the heart of the city. The train station is served by TGV high-speed trains and regional TER trains, with connections to major cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. The journey time varies depending on your starting location.
Boat
While there are no direct ferry services to Nice, you can take a cruise to the nearby port cities of Marseille or Cannes and then transfer to Nice by train or car. Some popular cruise lines that stop in these cities include MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Alternatively, you can take a yacht or sailboat and dock at Nice's Port Lympia or Port de Nice marinas.
Bus
If you are on a budget, the best option to get to Nice by bus is to take a coach from major cities like Paris or Marseille. Eurolines and Flixbus are two popular bus companies that offer routes to Nice from various locations throughout Europe. The journey time can be long, but it's an affordable option for those looking to save money on transportation.