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Nice Vacations, Tours & Travel Packages

  • Cote d'Azur
  • French Riviera - a popular France vacation stopover
  • Nice
  • Place Massena
  • Port of Nice

Nice is the fifth largest city in France and is the capital of the Alpes Maritimes located on the southeast coast of the country on the Mediterranean Sea. It is also the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast.  

Why visit Nice on a France Vacation?

The natural beauty of the Nice area and its mild Mediterranean climate came to the attention of the English upper classes in the second half of the 18th century when an increasing number of aristocratic families took to spending their winters there. The city's main seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais (‘the Walkway of the English') owes its name to the earliest visitors to the resort. It has been home to some of the Western culture's most outstanding painters. Many of their works are in the city's museums. Among its many attractions on trips to France are its beautiful beaches, lovely seaside promenade and interesting museums.

When is the best time to take a trip to Nice?

Blessed by a sunny, temperate climate, Nice attracts visitors from around the World. You don’t necessarily go bathing or generally sit on the beach as the beaches of Nice consist mainly of pebbles. 

Nice has a hot summer Mediterranean climate and mild winters with moderate rainfall. It is one of the warmest Mediterranean climates of its latitude. Summers are hot, dry, and sunny. Rainfall is rare in this season. Winters are characterized by mild days and cool nights. Days can be either sunny and dry, or damp and rainy when on France tours. 

Geographically, Nice consists of two large bays. Villefranche-sur-Mer sits on an enclosed bay, while the main expanse of the city lies between the old port city and the airport across a gently curving bay. The city rises from the flat beach into gentle rising hills and is then bounded by surrounding mountains that represent the Southern Ligurian Alps range.

Top things to do on a Tour of Nice

Promenade des Anglais

The Promenade des Anglais is a long seaside walkway that stretches along the Mediterranean coast. Built in the 1830s, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Baie des Anges. Here, you can find a good selection of restaurants specializing in various types of cuisine including Nicoise, French, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish and Italian. There is also a large selection of cafés where one can sit and enjoy an aperitif. There are also plenty of small boutiques selling clothing, shoes, and souvenirs.

Marche aux Fleurs

The main outdoor market in Nice is called the Marche aux Fleurs and can be found in the old city (Vieux Nice). Fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers can be purchased at this city market at reasonable prices. Another attraction is the Russian Cathedral, completed in 1912 just prior to the Russian Revolution. The onion-shaped dome can be found close to the central railway station. 

Nice Art Museums

For those interested in art, while on a France vacation, there are a number of excellent galleries. The Chagall Museum (Musee Chagall) features the world's largest collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures by the artist Marc Chagall. The Musee des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum) features works from great Impressionist and post-Impressionist artists including Monet, Renoir, Duffy and Sisley. The Matisse Museum (Musee Matisse) features drawings and paintings by the artist Henri Matisse. 

Best Day Trips from Nice

Nice is an excellent centre for visiting other major resorts in the Cote d'Azure on trips to France. The town of Antibes is a relatively quiet community located just west of Nice where you can visit Europe's largest yacht harbour and also the Picasso Museum. 

Antibes has a lovely sandy beach and an interesting old town that dates back to the fifth century. Juan les Pins is a popular beach resort again located just west of Nice. It has a lovely sandy beach and plenty of hotels and restaurants. 

A little further east is Cannes, best known for its Film Festival held in the city each May. The community attracts the rich and famous to its expensive shops, boutiques and restaurants. It is also a port-of-call for many expensive yachts.

The city of Monte Carlo is located in the Principality of Monaco just a little way east of Nice.  This attractive city is of course known for its world-renowned casino but Monte Carlo is also one of Europe's leading resorts and includes such attractions as Monaco Cathedral, the Napoleon Museum, the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, and the Prince's Palace, all of which are located in Monaco-Ville.

Nearby Provence is a very picturesque region just north of Nice. It encompasses the inland towns and cities of Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon, Grasse, Nimes, and Vence as well as the bustling port city of Marseille.

Extend your Stay in Europe

Consider an additional stopover to your France Tours on one of Goway's other European tours. You can also choose from a London vacation, an Amsterdam vacation or a Belgium vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from France.

 

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Nice, France

  • Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Combine cultural experiences, sunny skies, and blue waves on this 10-day vacation through France. Tour the City of Light before zipping south to Aix-en-Provence to see the famous Luberon villages. Then reach Nice on the French Riviera and explore its eclectic mix of Roman ruins, glamorous mansions, and spectacular views.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 3,949
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    France See Trip Details

  • Essence of Provence & the French Riviera: Avignon, Aix-en-Provence & Nice

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: See the quintessential highlights of Provence and the French Riviera in 9 days. In Avignon, visit the famous Pope's Palace, Les Baux and St. Remy de Provence. Explore the lively city of Aix-en-Provence and the charming hilltop villages of Luberon. Finally, discover Nice, Eze, Monaco and ritzy Monaco.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 3,410
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    France See Trip Details

  • France Deluxe: Paris to Nice

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Spend 7 days discovering Paris and the French Riviera. Enjoy a privately guided tour of the City of Light before visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower. Travel outside the city to visit the Palace of Versailles, the former royal residence. See beautiful coastlines in Nice and uncover the glitz and glamour of Monaco and Monte Carlo.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 3,541
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    France See Trip Details

  • Art & Adventure: Paris, Aix-en-Provence & Nice

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Trace the footsteps of Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh and admire masterworks of Impressionism on this unique journey through France. Start in Paris where you’ll tour the Musee d’Orsay and visit Versailles. Continue south to explore Provencal villages, Roman ruins, and the stunning coastline of the French Riviera.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 3,292
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    France See Trip Details

  • Essence of Nice

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Soak in the sun and culture of France’s most popular vacation getaway on a four-day stay in the French Riviera. Staying in first-class accommodations in Nice, you’ll enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Mediterranean coastline and head on day tours of nearby Monaco and Cannes.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 950
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    France See Trip Details

  • Nice: Le Negresco: Stay of Distinction

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Spend 4 days overlooking the crystal clear Mediterranean coast at the iconic Le Negresco Hotel, walking the halls once shared by Dali, Princess Grace of Monaco, The Beatles, Louis Armstrong, Sir Elton John, and many more. Discover the rich history and elegant culture of Nice and Cannes on private-guided tours along their world-class waterfront promenades, historic Old Towns, ancient ruins, immersive museums, and delicious museums and cafes.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 2,559
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Stays of Distinction
    France See Trip Details
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