Things to see and do in Nice

Nice is one of France’s most captivating and sun-kissed cities. With its beaches, flower and food markets, world-class museums and Mediterranean climate, is there anything nicer than a Nice city break?

Why visit Nice?

Nice isn’t just worth a visit – it practically demands one. With endless sun, seaside charm, art, culture, and culinary delights aplenty, the capital of the Côte d'Azur will leave you wondering why you didn’t visit sooner. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, an art lover, or a sun worshipper, the French city is bursting with unforgettable experiences. 

On top of being a great choice for all kinds of travellers, Nice is a popular and friendly destination. It offers great transportation links to nearby hotspots, like Villefranche-sur-Mer and Monaco, it’s easy to get around, and has plenty of tourist-friendly features, including a wide range of accommodation and multilingual attractions and services.

The best things to do in Nice, France

Nice is jam-packed with exciting things to see and do. Whether you enjoy exploring museums or art galleries, parks or promenades - or simply soaking up the summer sun - there is something for everyone in this French city.

Visit Nice’s top attractions

You’ll find a variety of attractions to enjoy throughout your trip to this Mediterranean city.

Discover Matisse’s famous cut outs at Musée Matisse

The celebrated artist Henri Matisse lived in Nice on and off for nearly 40 years and did some of his most famous work here. Towards the end of his life, unable to paint or sculpt due to ill health, he turned to cut paper collages as his medium. The monumental pieces of colourful découpage are one of the highlights of the Matisse Museum, which should be top of your list of things to do in Nice.  

The museum is housed in a sumptuous 17th century villa in one of the most exclusive districts of the city. As well as the cut outs, visitors can view one of the world’s greatest collections of Matisse artworks and objects, many of which were donated by the artist himself and his family. The Matisse Museum is open daily except Tuesdays, and guided tours are available.

Discover the vibrant world of Henri Matisse.

Explore the Marc Chagall National Museum

Not many cities the size of Nice have two globally renowned museums dedicated to world-famous artists. Attracted by the quality of its light, Marc Chagall (1887-1985) was another great French modernist drawn to Nice. Chagall is best known for his use of colour and expertise in many mediums, from painting to stained glass. He lived in Saint-Paul-de-Vence just outside the city from 1948 to the end of his life. Chagall himself was instrumental in creating the museum in his name. 

Today, the Marc Chagall National Museum houses a diverse collection of Chagall’s works, including his biblical and spiritual canvases, engravings, sculptures and illustrated books. The museum is open every day except Tuesdays and is a short tram or bus ride (or 30-minute walk) from the seafront. 

Wander through the botanical garden and zoo at Parc Phoenix

An oasis of greenery in the business district, Parc Phoenix is a great place to take the kids. The zoo has ostriches, kangaroos, lemurs, marmosets, porcupines, flamingos, kookaburras and some very chatty parrots, plus there is a children’s playground. 

The botanical gardens are imaginatively laid out, with the main features being the lake and the 25-metre high glass greenhouse pyramid, the largest structure of its kind in Europe. Inside are seven different climatic zones. Elsewhere in the park you will find areas dedicated to cypress and olive trees, prehistoric plants, citrus fruits, a vegetable garden and a vineyard. Fun Phoenix fact: the park has 50 different species of palm tree! 

Experience the vibrant wildlife of Nice — visit Parc Phoenix.

Get creative at the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum

If it was not obvious by now, Nice is a mecca for art lovers. Another must-see is the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum (MAMAC), next to the Place Garibaldi. The MAMAC collection features 1400 works by 370 artists, with around 200 on display, and focuses on European New Realism and American Pop Art from the 1950s to the present day. 

As well as rooms dedicated to artists such as Yves Klein and Niki de Saint Phalle, MAMAC tells the story of the Nice art scene of the post-war period, which drew experimental artists from around the world. The building itself is one of Nice’s most striking, straddling two major boulevards on a tetrapod arch, its modern façade contrasting with the pastel colours of the surrounding historic buildings. 

Step inside the Notre Dame de l’Assomption Church

The Basilica of Notre Dame is the largest church in Nice. It was built in the 1860s in the neo-Gothic style, inspired by the design of the cathedral of Angers, with two similar square towers. Its rose window features scenes from the Assumption of Mary, and it is notable for more beautiful stained glass windows in the nave and chapels. 

Step inside the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice and discover its breathtaking architecture and rich history.

Go sightseeing in Nice

It’s no surprise that this gem on the French Rivera dazzles with breathtaking seaside views, charming streets and colourful markets galore.

Stroll the Promenade des Anglais

The Promenade des Anglais is a 4-mile long waterfront walkway between the main road and the beach on the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). It is the main artery of Nice, thronged with runners, cyclists, dog walkers, couples and families from dawn to dusk, and with revellers during the night. It is the place to see and to be seen, but more prosaically to get all the way from the airport in the west to the United States Quay in the east. 

It gets its name from the English aristocrats who built it in the 19th century when Nice was emerging as a fashionable winter holiday spot. The ‘English Walkway’ is one of the icons of the city. It has hosted the Tour de France several times, most recently in 2024 when it hosted the final stage of the race - the first time the Tour de France had ever finished outside of Paris.  

Promenade des Anglais at sunset

Browse the colourful flower market

When visiting Nice you have to go to the flower market, or Marché aux Fleurs, which has been held in the city since 1897. It is one of the most famous markets in France and takes place six days a week in the square near the Old Port. Locals and tourists throng the market, which includes fruit, vegetable, food and drink stalls along with the ubiquitous flower traders. 

What better way to spend a morning than strolling around the food stalls, smelling the floral aroma and tasting the samples conveniently on offer? It is a delicious assault on the senses which will almost certainly leave you with a bouquet or two and a bag of fresh produce for your supper. The food market closes by 1.30pm but the flower stalls are open until 5.30pm. 

Explore the bustling flower market and brighten your day with fresh blooms!

Soak up the atmosphere in Nice old town

The narrow streets of the old town make for a pleasant walk at any time of the day, but particularly early morning and in the evening. The setting sun illuminates the oranges and yellows of the buildings in even more beautiful hues, while the bells of churches ring and snatches of conversations come and go. 

Among the treasures of the old town is Place Rosetti, which is the site of Nice’s compact and beautiful cathedral and bell tower. Cafés and restaurants spill out onto the piazza which gets extremely busy in summertime. Also head for the Lascaris Palace museum, a baroque mansion with a lavish interior.  

Climb Castle Hill for panoramic views

Nice was overlooked by a castle for hundreds of years until it was destroyed in 1706 on the orders of Louis XIV, who had recently captured it. While the castle is no longer there, the hill on which it stood is one of the main attractions of Nice. There are 92 steps from the Promenade des Anglais, and a lift built into the rock also goes most of the way up. 

The main viewing area affords breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges and the Old Port. There is also an artificial waterfall, cafés, cathedral ruins and a moving memorial to the victims of the terrorist attack on the Promenade in 2016.  

Take in breathtaking views of Nice and the Mediterranean—climb Castle Hill for a summer day you won’t forget!

Unwind at Nice’s beaches

You’ll find no shortage of sun and – pebbles - in Nice. The famous French beaches are lined with small, round stones, known locally as galets, rather than sand. It’s these stones that give the sea its sparkling blue appearance. While they enhance the region’s beauty, they are less pleasant underfoot – so it’s a good idea to bring swimming shoes to stay comfortable on the beach and in the water!

Equipped with your swimming shoes, you’ll find no less than 25 public beaches to explore in Nice, as well as 14 “private” beaches.

Plage de Lenval is perfect if you’ve brought your four-legged friend on your trip. The pet-friendly beach is a great spot to play fetch and enjoy a bit of doggy paddling.

For a free beach, head to places like Beau Rivage, Fabron, Voilier and Coco Beach.

Plan your trip to Nice in France

Plan your trip to Nice with essential travel advice – find everything from the best time to go, to how to get around the city with ease.

Where is Nice in France?

Nice is on the French Riviera in the south of France, and is the second largest city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. 

Drive to Nice from Calais

There are a few different routes you can take to drive to Nice from Calais. The fastest route is around 12 ½ hours long via the A26, and passes plenty of noteworthy stops en route for travellers who prefer a more scenic trip. Break up your journey by stopping in Arras, Reims and Lyon.

For an even more scenic road trip, take the D1075 to pass into Belgium and through Luxembourg before heading south to Nice. The drive will take you past cities like Lille and Mons and is a great way to experience more of Europe while only adding around 5 hours to your journey. 

How to get around Nice

With everything just a short stroll away, Nice is ideal for exploring on foot. Many areas are fully pedestrianised and with so much to see and do, and the sun on your side, walking through the city is one of the best ways to experience all it has to offer.

You’ll find plenty of car parks available once you arrive and with ample public transport options, you can easily get around by bus, tram, train or bike.

The best time to visit Nice

As a summertime destination, Nice is the busiest between June and August when temperatures can reach a toasty 27°C. The best time to visit to enjoy the warm weather, without the peak season crowds and prices, is during the months on either side of these, in May and September.

Start your visit to Nice with LeShuttle

Nice is more than nice. It is vibrant, beautiful, exotic, passionate and warm – very warm, in fact, even in the winter months! Nice could be your ultimate destination or just one part of a road trip to the south of France. Whatever your plans, LeShuttle can get you on the first part of your journey from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes.

Book your trip today.