Clients planning Paris often ask what to add if they have extra days, and Nice is my go-to answer for anyone craving Mediterranean glamour without leaving France. It’s a completely different pace and palette from Paris — turquoise water, pastel buildings, and a slower, sun-soaked rhythm that makes a strong case for splitting a France trip in two.
Nice anchors the French Riviera and makes an easy jumping-off point for Monaco and the rest of the Côte d’Azur. This guide covers when to go, what to do, and how it fits into a broader France itinerary.
Why Nice, Why Now
Nice gives you Mediterranean glamour, a colorful old town, and beach-club culture, all in a walkable city that’s easy to combine with a Paris-based itinerary via a short flight or a scenic train ride. It’s a strong fit for couples, luxury travelers drawn to the Riviera’s reputation, and anyone who wants France’s food and culture with a beach-vacation pace.
It also works well as a base for exploring Monaco, Cannes, and the smaller hilltop villages that make up the rest of the Riviera.
When to Go
Late spring (May and June) and early fall (September) offer warm, swimmable weather without peak summer crowds and prices. Summer (July and August) is peak season, hot and crowded, especially around the Cannes Film Festival in May and the general Riviera rush in July and August. Winter is quiet and mild by French standards, a good option for a low-key city-focused visit.
What to Do
The Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s iconic seafront walkway, is made for a slow morning or evening stroll. Vieux Nice, the old town, is packed with colorful buildings, markets, and some of the best food in the region — the Cours Saleya market is worth a morning on its own.
Castle Hill offers the best panoramic view over the city and the bay, especially at sunset. And a day trip to Monaco, about thirty minutes away by train, or the perched village of Èze, are both easy, worthwhile additions to a Nice-based stay.
Insider Tips
Nice’s beaches are largely pebble rather than sand, so water shoes are worth packing. The train along the coast between Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and the smaller Riviera towns is scenic and efficient, and often a better choice than driving given limited and expensive parking in the busier towns. Restaurants directly on the Promenade des Anglais are priced for tourists — a few blocks into Vieux Nice usually gets you better food for less.
Getting There and Around
Nice has its own international airport with direct flights from major U.S. cities during peak season. The city center and old town are walkable, and the regional train makes day trips along the coast easy without a car. Nice connects to Paris by direct high-speed train in about six hours, or a roughly ninety-minute flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Nice?
Three to four days covers Nice itself well, and a full week allows time for day trips to Monaco, Cannes, or Eze along the coast.
Is Nice easy to combine with Paris?
Yes — Nice connects to Paris by a roughly ninety-minute flight or a direct high-speed train of about six hours, making it a natural addition to a longer France itinerary.
Are Nice’s beaches sandy?
No, most of Nice’s beaches are pebble rather than sand, so water shoes are worth packing for comfort.
Nice pairs naturally with a stop in Paris for a fuller France trip — take a look at my full France travel guide for how the two fit together. If you’re ready to build out the details, reach out and let’s start planning.
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