TRAVEL TIPS
NICE
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW The city of Nice is located in a spectacularly
CLIMATE
beautiful part of the French Riviera, one of the
Nice has a typically Mediterranean climate
most picturesque regions of France. A truly
with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is
cosmopolitan tourist destination attracting
very moderate and mainly concentrated in the
visitors from all around the world, the city is
months of September to March.
a particularly popular destination for couples, honeymooners and sun-worshipers.
Spring starts mild and rainy in late March, and is increasingly warm and sunny towards June.
Capital of the Côte d’Azur’s, Nice is the 5th largest city in France and one of the most
Summers are hot, dry, and sunny with
visited cities after Paris, mainly by English,
temperatures often reaching as high as 30°C
American, Scandinavian and Italian tourists.
(86°F). Rainfall is rare in this season, and a typical July month only records one or two
Nice is nicknamed Nice la Belle, meaning
days with measurable rainfall.
Nice the Beautiful because of its rich bluegreen sea, diverse shopping, splendid dining,
Autumn generally starts sunny in September
and lovely art-deco façades. Nice boasts of
and becomes more cloudy and rainy towards
stretches of white sandy beaches and is close
October, while temperatures usually remain
to the famous town of Cannes.
above 20°C (68°F) until November.
Being a vacation resort, it also hosts many
Winters are characterized by mild days with
festivals throughout the year, such as the
temperatures ranging from 11°C (52°F) to 17°C
Carnaval de Nice and the Nice Jazz Festival.
(63°F), and cool nights 4°C (39°F) to 9°C (48°F).
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BEST TIME TO VISIT
people of Nice, the Nicois, take their summer
Nice is a year-round destination. Unlike much
holiday, shut up shop and even restaurants and
of Provence and the Cote d’Azur, the city
head to the North of France. I f you paln on
benefits from being surrounded by protective
visiting Nice in the summer, June and July are
hills. This means Nice, rarely has the blustery
better months to visit.
Mistral wind in the same ferocity as other more exposed towns in the area. The Mistral is a strong, cold and usually dry regional wind, which comes from the north or northwest and affects various parts of the country including the Nice area. Many people prefer to avoid visiting Nice in the
TRANSPORT BUS AND TRAIN There are three main bus networks that serve Nice and the surrounding towns and villages.
August as it can be very hot, there are often lots of traffic jams and the beaches tend to be
Lignes d’Azur is the bus and tram network
crowded. Many of the French take their annual
for Nice which covers all of Nice and some
holidays en masse in August and as the French
outlying areas as well. The buses are
mostly take their holidays in France, there is often a mass exodus to the South. Conversely August is also a month when many of the
numbered 1-99. The 98 and 99 are the express buses that go to Nice airport
Note that the 7-day pass is good for unlimited travel on buses and the tram, and includes trips to the airport. If you plan to stay for a week or more, or think you may use the system a lot, then buy the 7-day pass on arrival at the airport, and begin to use it on your trip into the city. If you buy a single-journey ticket, it’s a good discipline to hang on to your ticket which ever line or route you are taking as inspectors are often about. If you don’t have your ticket, you could be asked to get off the bus or to pay a fine. Buses start to run at around 06.00 a.m., but many of them terminate as early as 19.00 p.m., and routes to the outer lying areas of Nice may run only three or four trips a day, and not at all on Sundays. The Ligne d’Azur tramway network is by far the easiest means of public transport in Nice. Its tramline stretches in an arc across the city. The Ligne d’Azur tramline runs from 4.30 a.m. till 1.30 a.m. The TAM network has a series of buses or coaches that link the main towns along the Cote d’Azur with Nice and the main ones are the 100, 112, 200, 400, 500 and the new 100 express goes from Nice to Monaco.
The third network is the RCA which operates express buses that serve towns other than Nice.
THE GARE ROUTIERE OR BUS STATION It’s a starting point for many of the bus journeys and for arrivals and departures to other countries. The Bus Station, unbelievably is only open during Office Hours and is closed on a Sunday.
TAXIS Taxis in Nice are usually white, with a light on the roof when available. You can wave
A single bus fare will get you quickly around
your hand to flag one down. Taxi fares are
Nice. Tickets are valid for one hour once
expensive. However, there are fixed rates
stamped. Daily and 14-trip tickets can be
from the airport which are better value. The
purchased as well as a Nice by Bus pass, which
taxi meter shows the fare, but extra fees may
can be valid for one, five or seven days and
occur, for example with luggage to be handled.
includes a return trip to the airport.
ON FOOT
With a one-day or longer-term ticket visitors
Most of Nice’s attractions are within walking
can hop on and off any available service
distance of the centre so visitors can easily get
whenever they like.
to most places on foot.
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ATTRACTIONS OLD NICE (VIEUX NICE)
THE BEACHES There are 20 public beaches in Nice all along the Promenade des Anglais. In addition, there are 15 private beaches. These are interspersed among the public beaches. On the private beaches you
Situated between the Promenade des Anglais
pay for a lounge chair, umbrella and towel (if
and Boulevard Jean Jaures, the old part of
you want one). Each private beach has a beach
Nice is a delight to explore on foot. As well as
restaurant and private facilities.
many beautiful buildings and squares, the old town is a maze of narrow streets. Tucked away
COLLINE DU CHATEAU
down these are many small shops, restaurants
Situated on the hill between the Old Town
& bars. Buildings in Old Nice date back to
and the harbour, this park is a big favourite
the 16th century. This can been seen by the
with locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by a
pointed arches above some of the shops which
typically Mediterranean backdrop of pine trees,
have been restored, especially on Rue du Pont-
carobs, figs and aloes, the park’s impressive
Vieux and Rue de la Prefecture. The quaint
waterfall, children’s play area, breathtaking
charm of Old Nice has been attracting people
views over the city, medieval ruins and
for decades. The charming narrow streets can
Maritime Museum are all part of its appeal.
be quite noisy during the summer months.
The ruins of the Roman Chateau sit on top of
PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS
the rocky hill and climbing up the 213 steps to reach the observation platform on top of the
To Nice residents, the Promenade des Anglais
Naval museum 90 metres above Nice is well
is La Prom and it’s the centre of Nice life.
worth the effort. Visitors are rewarded with
On Sundays, bicyclists, baby strollers, and
a panoramic view of Nice‘s Old Town and the
whole families can be seen strolling along the
Mediterranean coastline. There is an asenceur
Promenade. It has also become a favourite
(a lift) from Rue des Ponchettes at the foot
place for skateboarders and in-line skaters.
of Bellanda Tower which will take you three quarters of the way up. The castle “park” closes
A picturesque waterfront boulevard, Promenade des Anglais is also perhaps Nice’s most popular
at around sunset. Admission to the park is free.
tourist attraction. Facing the Mediterranean Sea,
CATHEDRALE SAINTE REPARETE
the promenade is lined with seaside hotels,
There are many churches and cathedrals in the
villas, cafes, restaurants and shops.
Old Town of Nice, but the Cathedrale Sainte Reparate is one of the most historic. It is
The Promenade has its blue chairs (chaises
located in the Place Rossetti, the central square
bleues) and cabanas perfect for a lazy time
of the Old Town, and there’s a very interesting
along the Mediterranean and for contemplation
story behind the name. The Cathedrale Sainte
of the azure blue water of the Bay of Angels
Reparate was built in the 1650 to honour the
(la Baie des Anges).
young martyr from Palestine whose body was washed onto the shore of Nice many
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centuries earlier. Only 15 years old, the boy
into the side of Colline du Chateau. The Port
became the patron saint of Nice and received
can also be reached from the Old Town and
the name Sainte Reparate. The exterior of the
Place Garibaldi along Rue Cassini.
cathedral is impressive with many columns and ornamental carvings, plus a dome of
MONASTÈRE NOTRE DAME DE CIMIEZ
ceramic tile, and the cahtedral’s 18th century
Lying above the Roman ruins of Cemenelum in
bell tower can be seen and heard from afar.
the Cimiez district of Nice stands the Monastère
Beautiful frescoes and plasterwork decorate
Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez. This was originally a
the cathedral’s elegant interior and their gold
Benedictine foundation, but was taken over
and ochre colours have been carefully restored.
by the Franciscans in the 16th century and
NICE’S OPERA HOUSE
extended in the 17th. The monastery’s museum shows how the Franciscan monks lived their
Nice’s Opera House, is a fine example of belle-
daily lives form the 13th to the 18th centuries.
epoque architecture, It was destroyed by fire
Inside the monastery church are several
in 1881 and was re-opened in 1885. As well
medieval masterpieces. The monastery is open
as having their own dedicated philharmonic
to visitors from Monday to Saturday - 08:30 to
orchestra, opera and ballet company, hosts
12:30 and 14:30 to 18:30. Admission is free.
co-productions with visiting companies. The Asian Arts Museum is situated in the heart of Parc Phoenix at 405, Promenade des Anglais – Arénas. The museum is built on a lake and
WHERE TO STAY
was designed by the Japanese architect Kenzo. Asian arts and Western culture harmoniously
Being a major tourist destination all year
mix here and the museum houses classical
round, Nice has a remarkably comprehensive
works and contemporary creations. The tea
selection of accommodation, catering to all
pavilion evokes the aestheticism of the Zen
tastes and budgets. You can stay in a B&B,
ceremony. Admission to the museum is free.
fancy hotels or even rent your own apartment.
NICE PORT
If you are planning to visit between June and
Few Nice sights can rival its Old Port bordered
August it is essential that you make some
by colourful pastel buildings and filled with boats
arrangements regarding accommodation in
of all size. Try to go in mid-afternoon when the
advance. Due to the high quantity of hotels,
sun’s golden rays fill the port with colour.
it’s relatively easy to find a room in Nice during the off-season, even at short notice. The most
The Port is found on the east side of Colline du
reasonable rates are found during the period
Chateau. Visitors can walk around the front of
between late October and January.
the hill along new the balcony-styled walkway. Along the way, you will pass a large interactive
Accommodations close to Promenade des
sundial and the War Monument which is built
Anglais are the most popular among tourists.
DINING OUT Nice has much more to offer than just its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches and wonderful architecture. It’s also a proud centre of southern French cuisine. Hundreds of restaurants, bars, cafés and taverns offer a wide variety of local and international fusions to be enjoyed in truly heavenly surroundings. The sunny boulevards of Nice are lined with exceptional restaurants for every taste and budget. Promenade de Anglais is home to some of the most prestigious establishments in the city, all featuring a wonderful view of the sea. Some restaurants offer lesser-known regional specialities. If you are looking for a nice place to spend the evening over a glass of beer and a snack, the Old Town, is a labyrinth of vibrant pubs and bars. Creative drinks and a friendly atmosphere await visitors there and traditional wine cellars offer a taste of some of the finest local wines and cheeses. Although there are no longer fishermen hauling their catch into the port, you can eat fish and seafood in one of the many restaurants bordering the port. The eastern bank is where to go for dining. There are restaurants there of all price ranges. For deserts Nice is an ice-cream heaven offering different flavours, creatively decorated melbas, crushed nut cream and mixed sorbets. There’s probably no better place in Nice to hide from the burning sun than in its
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ice-cream parlours (Glaciers). Try some of the
sandwiches and fresh fruit, and enjoy a
indigenous flavours to the South of France such
wonderful beach picnic on a sunny day.
as rosemary, thyme, lavender, tomato-basil, vanilla and pink peppercorn, black olive, or lemon verbena.
SHOPPING
When in Nice, you should also try Nice’s wonderful pizzas and Italian pasta and socca, a local kind of pancake made from chick pea flour. If your budget doesn’t allow you to eat in restaurants too often, Nice has a number of chain supermarkets offering food for much lower prices. You can buy ready-made meals,
After Paris, Nice is France’s premier spot to see and be seen. Fancy boulevards and promenades lined with designer boutiques, street markets and antique shops make Nice every shopper’s paradise. Nice is a great city to shop for fashion, shoes, jewellery, trendy and stylish home ware and gourmet specialities.
A popular place to start is the Old Town and
In summer, Nice hosts an interesting local arts
Cours Saleya, famous for its fruit and flower
and crafts fair that offers a unique chance to
market. There are many souvenir and tourist
catch a glimpse of the quality and character of
shops and one-off boutiques in this area plus
the locally produced decorative goods.
many cafes, bars and restaurants for time out between stores. Magenta Square and the streets surrounding it located at the core of the historic centre of the city, is also a good place to shop. Art and antiques fans will be delighted with the little artistic studios and curiosities shops situated along the narrow streets around the Cathedral.
STREET MARKETS Cours Seleya market — Traditional open-air flea markets are an inseparable part of Nice’s landscape. Called marchés, they usually take place in the main squares of the town, such as the most popular Marché aux puces at Cours Saleya. There, you can find everything from rare books and precious antiques to vintage
Familiar high street shops are in the modern
clothes and old records. Also, numerous food
city centre where you will also find the French
markets offer fresh organic fruit, vegetables,
chains plus the big designer names. The main
cheese, meat and fish. Don’t miss the
shopping high street in this area is avenue Jean
picturesque flower market (marché aux fleurs)
Medecin which runs the north-south length of
at Cours Saleya, where apart from beautiful
the modern city centre.
flowers you can buy exotic plants such as lemon trees or bamboo. The obligatory flea
Rue Paradis and Rue de Suède are home to
and antiques market is held on.
the most famous fashion studios, including the original shop of popular brand Façonnable, today
Les Puces — Nice Port is famed for its antique
boasting hundreds of branches worldwide. Rue
shops, but the Flea Market (Les Puces), located
Masséna has the enormous Galeries Lafayette,
on Quai Papacino overlooking Nice Port, is
second in size only to its Parisian branch.
also an excellent place to find a bargain. This
Avenue Jean-Médecin and Rue de Verdun are
permanent, covered market sells a cross-
filled with the outlets of popular chains.
section of the antiques available elsewhere.
Avoid shopping in close proximity to the beach,
Marcheé aux puces —The items in the Marché
where prices are a couple of times higher than
aux Puces in Place Rossetti range from fine
in the other parts of Nice.
antiques to bric-a-brac. It’s not unusual to stumble across some genuine Gallé or Müller
The ideal time to shop in Nice is during the
glasswork. American costume jewellery pieces
sales which are held twice a year, January and
from the fifties are found alongside authentic
July, and run for about six weeks. The French
rings with magnificent stones. Tableware,
word for sales is soldes.
paintings, curios and sets of silver cutlery can
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be purchased here too, as well as rugs, African
There are €2, €1, 50-cent, 20-cent, 10-cent,
artwork, old cameras and gramophones,
5-cent, 2-cent, 1-cent coins. The Euro
rosary beads and hats. Those who are
banknotes have common designs on both
interested in them will also find used books
sides and are issued in €500, €200, €100,
(including sought-after collector’s editions)
€50, €20, €10 and €5 notes.
stuffed animals and classic toys. Each stallholder has a permanent spot and specialty.
CURRENCY The Euro, denoted by the symbol € (or EUR), is the official currency of France. The Euro is divided into a hundred cents, sometimes called Euro cents. All circulating coins have a common side showing the value and a map in the background. The coins also have a national side showing an image specifically chosen by the country that issued them. Euro coins from any European Union(EU) member state may be freely used in any nation that has adopted the Euro.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
33 (4)93 17 112 18 15
COUNTRY CODE CITY CODE POLICE POLICE SECOURS (FROM A MOBILE PHONE) POMPIERS (FIRE STATION) SAMU (MEDICAL EMERGENCIES)
NICE AIRPORT CÔTE D’AZUR
33 (4) 93 21 30