Nice Travel Essentials

Our Nice Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in France. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips.

It’s all compiled in this Nice Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes.

1. When is the best time to travel to Nice?

Nice has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures ranging from 9ºC in winter to 24ºC in summer.

1. Most rainfall occurs from October to April, yet with an average of only 5-7 rainy days per month.
2. June-August is peak tourist season, with hotel and flight prices rising accordingly.
3. April-May and September-October are great times to visit. The weather is pleasant, you’ll avoid the peak season throngs, and flight and hotel prices are more affordable.

2. Nice basics

1. Primary language: French
2. Plug types: C, and E
3. Electricity: 220-240 V
4. Currency: Euro (€)
5. International dialling code: +33 4
6. Emergency telephone number: 112

3. How to get to my hotel in Nice?

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport sits 6 km southwest of the city centre as the crow flies. One of the busiest airports in France, it features 2 terminals and 2 runways. Nice Airport is home to a great range of dining and shopping options as well as facilities including banking and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to reach Downtown Nice:

1. A taxi takes around 15-20 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found Gate A1 in Terminal 1 and Gate A3 in Terminal 2.
2. You can also use Uber in Nice Airport.
3. The Airport Bus Express Lines can take you to the city centre in around 20-30 minutes. The bus stops can be found Gate A0 in Terminal 1 and Gates A2 / A3 in Terminal 2.
4. Saint-Augustin Train Station sits a 15-minute walk away from the airport. From there you can get to central Nice in 7-10 minutes. It’s the cheapest way to reach Nice city centre.
5. Car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall of each terminal. The Car Rental Centre sits in front of the Terminal 2. You can get there by free shuttle bus from Terminal 1.

Nice-Ville Railway Station

Built in 1867, la Gare de Nice-Ville – Nice-Ville Railway Station - is a historical landmark located in the heart of Nice. Modern equipment has been added since its construction, yet the station still keeps its original style. Served by the Southeast TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse – High Speed Train), it’s home to a few restaurants and coffee-shops as well as to 1 newsstand and 1 convenience store. From here, you can get anywhere in the city by bus, taxi or rental car.

4. How to get around Nice?

Travel tips

The Old Nice and the port can easily be explored on foot. It covers a 1 sq km area in which you’ll find many landmarks and attractions such as the Nice Opéra, the Lascaris Palace and the Cours Saleya Market. Besides the Old Town, Nice is quite extended. The beachfront – la Promenade des Anglais – is almost 5 km long, and the whole city covers over 70 sq km. You’ll have to use the public and private transport services at hand to get around the city.

5. The Ligne d’Azur networks

1. Ligne d’Azur operates public bus and tram networks which cover the entire city.
2. 130 bus routes and over 9 km of tramway lines are at hand for you to travel around Nice at affordable rates.
3. Solo ticket are valid for 74 minutes. 1-day passes are also available.
4. Tickets and passes can be purchased in ticket vending machines at Ligne d’Azur stations, in authorised dealers (they have a Ligne d’Azur sticker on display) and online. You can also download the NFC Nice Ticket app.
5. You can also purchase a French Riviera Pass which gives unlimited travel on Ligne d’Azur buses and trams for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The French Riviera Pass includes as well free access to over 20 museums and attractions.

6. Taxi

1. Taxis can be hailed down on the street in Nice, unless there’s a taxi rank nearby.
2. You can easily find cab stands outside hotels and near the main attractions and shopping areas.
3. You can also call Taxis Nice (06 10 82 11 71), Taxis Riviera (04 93 13 78 78) or Taxi Mariana (06 64 26 34 59), just to name a few. Note that the fares start at the point the taxi departs from to pick you up.
4. Rates are higher at night and on weekends.
5. Normally, taxis must accept the payment of the fare by credit card, but it’s better to ask the driver before you get in.
6. Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory but it’s common to give a 2-5% tip if you’re satisfied with your driver’s service.
7. Uber and the Around Me apps are also popular in Nice.

7. Cycling around Nice with Vélo Bleu

1. Vélo Bleu is the name of Nice’s bike-sharing scheme.
2. It features over 175 stations in Nice, Cagnes-sur-mer and Saint-Laurent du Var.
3. The city has around 125 km of cycle tracks.
4. You can register for a short-term use in the Vélo Bleu stations or online.
5. 1-day and 1-week tickets are available.

8. What are the main annual events in Nice?

Fête de la Musique

1. What: Free national music festival. Musicians and bands take the streets to perform. The city sets up stages in various locations.
2. When: 21st June
3. Where: All around the city

Carnaval de Nice

1. What: Started in 1876, the Nice Carnival attracts over 1 million people. Expect floats, parades, the throwing of tons of flowers to the public, and a traditional fairground.
2. When: February/March
3. Where: Along the Promenade des Anglais and in many locations throughout the city

Nice Jazz Festival

1. What: Nice Jazz Festival showcases world-class jazz artists. Notable past artists to have performed here include Louis Armstrong and Django Reinhart, just to name a few.
2. When: July
3. Where: Jardins Albert 1er

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