Where to stay

Stay in a hotel in the Old Town (Vieux Nice) for the famous flower market, historic buildings such as the 17th-century Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, and stunning artwork at the Musee des Beaux-Arts. The family-friendly Cimiez neighborhood is brimming with ancient culture, including Roman ruins in its museum and scattered throughout the park. Choose from elegant hotels dating from the 19th century. Accommodations in the New Town area are close to world-class museums, lively bars, and nightlife hotspots. Stay near the Centre Ville-Gare to see a show at the Theatre Athena. The neighborhood has good hotels and is close to Nice Train Station for day trips. Café culture is important throughout the city. Every neighborhood is perfect for people-watching while sipping a cappuccino or latte.

Although technically outside Nice, Villeneuve-Loubet at the mouth of the river Loup is only a 20-minute drive from the city center. Hotels are within walking distance of the large Vaugrenier Park for observing wild birds, walking through woodlands, and enjoying a picnic. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, known for its contemporary art museums and galleries, is another great place to stay a little distance outside Nice. The lush, green hilltop village has historically attracted many artists, including Matisse and Picasso. Animals lovers might like to book accommodations in Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Just a few miles from Nice, this neighborhood features a special area for birdlife that's home to more than 260 species and has many sea creatures in its waters.

Accommodations in Gambetta provide golden sandy beaches on your doorstep, alongside a great museum and the Basilique Notre-Dame de Nice. To the east, hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer offer shallow and inviting waters, making the neighborhood a great choice for sunny beach days for families with kids. Alternatively, hotels in La Californie are only steps from the sand. For a coastal stay away from city bustle, charming Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a popular option, with two sandy beaches not far from Nice city center. The seaside town of Villeneuve-Loubet lies farther west, with lovely beaches, quaint hotels, and a museum celebrating the famous French chef, Auguste Escoffier.