The underrated French city that has a ‘bit of everything' with picturesque beaches and new cheap hotels
While it may happily soak up the glamorous associations of nearby
4
The idyllic beach at Nice in the South of France
Credit: Getty
WHY SHOULD I GO?
NICE has a bit of everything. Great food, scenery and swimming.
But it never feels like you need to elbow your way through its quaint streets.
It is also one of France's brightest cities, with a reported 147 days of sunshine a year making it a great choice if you want to bask in the rays while also getting a top-notch culture fix.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?
ONE of the best things about
Read More on Travel
As you get your steps in alongside the palm trees, look out for the iconic hotel Le Negresco, which hosted
Pack comfy shoes to walk 30 minutes up to the Colline du Chateau — a park from which you can get the best views of the city.
It's smart to hop on a tram (€10, or £8.39, return) outside the airport to get into the centre after landing — it takes just over half an hour.
BUCKET LIST ATTRACTIONS?
THE cute Old Town comprises a series of winding alleys that have hardly changed from the 1700s and are made for wandering, complete with colourful, shuttered facades.
Most read in Beach holidays
Between the many historic squares and churches, you will find plenty of adorable shops selling handbags, jewellery and other stylish items.
Or head to the flea market Les Puces de Nice, a treasure trove of affordable designer clothing.
Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport
Need an energy boost? Stop off at the Frisson coffee shop which serves dainty pastries and ice cream.
Enjoy art at the Matisse Museum (€10, or £8.39, entry), before a free walk through the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre in the Jardin des Arenes de Cimiez.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
LUNCH on delicious Mediterranean cuisine beneath a chic, striped parasol at the laidback Hotel Amour Plage (part of Hotel Amour Nice) in a prime position on the promenade.
Then retreat to the beach club's sunloungers beside the beach.
4
Hunt for bargains at the flea market
Credit: Getty
For a dinner you can dress up for, head to Taulissa above the five-star Le Victoria hotel.
Dine on mouthwatering Provencal dishes — including plenty of fish and seafood options — with panoramic views of the city.
For more of a local feel, try the friendly Rouge wine bar, whose small
I FANCY A DRINK
EASE into the evening with a sunset visit to Babel Babel, for a range of natural wines and a sea view.
Later, Place du Pin and the adjacent Rue Bonaparte are full of bustling cocktail bars with terraces.
4
Enjoy a seaview from Babel Babel cafe
Credit: Alamy
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
THE Old Town is arguably best, not only for its charm but for practical reasons too — it's close to all the key sites you'll want to visit.
EasyHotel Nice Old Town has had a multi-million pound refurb, and is a stone's throw from all the action.
4
Relaxing by the crystal sea
Credit: Getty
There is an all-you-can-eat continental breakfast buffet (£10.49, per person) — including croissants, of course — and the handy option to store luggage at €5 (£4.20) per item for up to 12 hours before or after your stay.
GO: NICE
GETTING THERE:
EasyJet flies from Gatwick to Nice from £38.99pp.
See
STAYING THERE:
Rooms at EasyHotel Nice Old Town is from £85 per night on a room-only basis.
See
MORE INFO:
See
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The ‘deliciously juicy' €8.99 bargain bottle from Lidl & ‘wonderful white' on promo that must be tried by wine lovers
WITH September creeping up on us, the diary is beginning to fill up with events, including many that wine-loving consumers can attend. And October will bring more exciting wine-themed days, including the return of Spanish Food and Wine week (now actually a fortnight), which is usually one of the highlights of the year. 4 Rosé wine, red wine and white wine glasses and delicatessen on terrace table Credit: Getty Images - Getty But we kick off with our two favourite Polish wine lovers -Maggie and Maja - who take the wines from their home nation to Waterford on September 5 for a special evening that starts at 6pm.. Their wines, which are garnering a lot of praise and a growing fan base, will be part of a special evening at the award-winning Momo restaurant, on Patrick Street in Waterford city. The night will feature a six-course tasting menu, including 'the best from the Irish Sea' paired with six glasses of exceptional Polish wine. Places are quite limited so it is imperative that early bookings are made. To avoid disappointment visit Eventbrite now to guarantee your table. IT'S back to school for those who want to dip their feet into a Wine Appreciation delivered in a fun and informative way. The eight-week course, at Castleknock Community College beginning on September 23, would particularly suit those who want to learn a little about their favourite tipple. Led by wine specialist and educator Sinead Smyth, the course invites curious wine lovers on a journey through the vineyards of the world - no passport required. Each week, participants will taste a range of wines from around the world while exploring topics such as popular grape varieties, iconic wine regions, how to read a wine label, and the art of food pairing using everyday ingredients. You can book your place online at Castleknock Community College''s website. 'Run don't walk to Aldi' shoppers say as experts hail supermarket's Whispering Angel dupe as tasting 'better' Regular diary dates will appear here. Springfield Estate Albariño 2022 (ABV 13%) 4 €23rrp @ good independents Grape: Albariño ABRIE and Jeanette Bruwer fell in love with Albariño – after tasting it in Argentina! Now they are the purveyors of one of the finest Albariños from South Africa, lovingly crafted in Robertson, 150kms east of Cape Town. A complex and rich wine with a pale lemon colour and a nose with floral notes, along with peach, apricot and grapefruit. The characterful palate has bright acidity, layers of citrus and stone fruit, with a streak of salinity and minerality. Must be tried. Enjoy with: Shellfish, white flat fish Irish Sun Star rating: **** Mingorra Colheita Branco 2024 (ABV 12.5%) 4 Currently €11.99 on promo @ Molloys Liquor Stores Grapes: Verdelho, Alvarinho, Viognier A QUITE unusual blend, but one that works in this wonderful white from Portugal's Alentejo region. A pale yellow colour when poured, it has a nice citrussy nose of lime and tangerine, with just a touch of tropical fruit. Nicely balanced palate, with good freshness and acidity. Prominent notes of citrus and a nice, persistent finish. Enjoy with: Seafood and pork dishes. Irish Sun Star rating: *** THIS WEEK'S MUST TRY BARGAIN BOTTLE UNDER A TENNER OUR promise is to bring Irish Sun wine lovers a taste-tested wine each weekend for under a tenner. The cost of glass, packaging, labelling and transport have sky-rocketed in recent years. So, finding excellent value tipples is getting harder - but we have sourced some great wines and will bring you a super sipper recommendation every weekend. Torre de Ferro Reserva 2022 (ABV 13.5%) 4 Currently €8.99 @ Lidl Outlets Grapes: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro Preto THIS will be one of my autumnal reds this year – a deliciously juicy wine from Portugal's Dão region. A deep ruby red in the glass, with heaps of blackberry, spicy vanilla and dark, soft fruit aromas. It has a big, rounded palate with well-integrated tannins, fresh acidity, red fruit notes and satisfying length. Enjoy with: Red meat roasts. Irish Sun Star rating: ****
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I ditched the UK to live in a cheap African country – but there's one thing my kids beg me to get it when I visit home
Plus, scroll down for moving house tips EXPAT ESCAPE I ditched the UK to live in a cheap African country – but there's one thing my kids beg me to get it when I visit home A WOMAN has revealed how she ditched the UK for a cheap country in Africa. Natalie, originally from the UK, packed up and left with her husband and two sons in tow. 3 Nat and her family of four ditched the UK for Zimbabwe Credit: tiktok/@naturallyfakemum 3 Surrounded by stunning scenery, the pair haven't looked back on their move Credit: Getty Advertisement 3 But she did say there was one home comfort missing Credit: tiktok/@naturallyfakemum Now, the mum lives in Zimbabwe but comes back to visit her family. And when she does, she always makes sure to bring something back for her kids that isn't available in the African country. Taking to social media, she said: "I live in Zimbabwe and I've just got back from visiting my family in England for two weeks without my kids, without my husband and I promised them one thing. Advertisement "That I'd bring them a McDonald's back." READ MORE ON REAL LIFE STORIES SEA YA I quit UK for 'Europe's Maldives'…childcare's free & bills are less than a KFC meal Although travelling from her hometown of Leicester back to Zimbabwe takes around a day, she was able to collect the McDonald's and bring it with her. She said she picked it up before getting to the airport so they would cool down before putting them in plastic bags. "The London baggage scanner guy pulled the most disgusted face when seeing the McDonald's on the scanner," she added. Advertisement "I even kept the packaging and got them a barbecue sauce," she added. When she finally got home, she put the nuggets and chips in the air fryer to crisp them back up and put them in their packaging. When her kids came through the kitchen, they legged it over to their rare lunch. I ditched the UK & bought a house for the same price as a summer holiday The clip has since gone viral on her TikTok account @naturallyfakemum with over 89k views and 3,200 likes. People were quick to share their thoughts on Natalie's extreme lengths. Advertisement One person wrote: "Omg do they not have McDonald's in Zimbabwe?" Another commented: "This is on another level of 'Mum can you bring McDonald's home please.'" "Oh bless them, that was brilliant, their cute faces.. Super Mummy," penned a third. Moving house hacks 1. Declutter Before You Pack Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items to lighten your load. 2. Create an Inventory Make a list of all your items. This helps keep track of everything and ensures nothing gets lost in the move. 3. Use Quality Packing Materials Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. This will protect your belongings during the move. 4. Label Everything Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking much easier and more organized. 5. Pack a 'First Day' Box Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents. This will keep you from rummaging through boxes on your first day. 6. Take Photos of Electronics Setup Before unplugging your electronics, take photos of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything at your new place. 7. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items Pack books and other heavy items in rolling suitcases. This makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of injury. 8. Colour-Code Your Boxes Use different coloured stickers or markers for each room. This will help movers quickly identify where each box should go in your new home. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Super grim & dangerous." "Are they still alive after eating it?' claimed a fifth. Advertisement "Alive and still kicking, 7 days later," replied Natalie. Someone else added: "Could you not just keep the packaging and cook some fries and nuggets?"
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Swap Majorca for these ‘destination dupes' where you can get a beer for under £2 and beaches with no crowds
Plus, many have a mix of history, hiking and great beaches SANDS GREAT Swap Majorca for these 'destination dupes' where you can get a beer for under £2 and beaches with no crowds LOVE Majorca, but want to find somewhere else with less crowds and new spots to explore? Well, here are six pretty alternatives. Majorca is becoming busier and busier each year with tourists. 8 There are many great alternatives to Majorca including Mdina Credit: Getty Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here So, the people at Eurochange have found six lesser-known holiday spots across Europe, that are similar to the popular Balearic destination. Mdina, Malta Mdina is known as Malta's old capital, surrounded by historic walls. If you have a soft spot for Majorca's capital city, Palma, then you are bound to love Mdina in Malta. Although it is much smaller than the Majorcan city, Mdina has many similarities to Palma in terms of its warm, year-round climate and the gorgeous, quaint, cobbled streets you can wander in its old town. Dubbed the 'silent city', it is known for its peaceful ambience, with very limited road traffic. Mdina is also one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city, with a history dating back 4,000 years. From its towering city walls, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the island. It's also worth a visit for Game of Thrones fans. It has been used as a filming location for a number of scenes in the epic drama! You can catch a direct flight to Valletta from select UK airports. The Sun explores Majorca 8 Mdina is a historic city dating back 4,000 years Credit: Getty For example, you could fly with Ryanair from Edinburgh on August 19 and return on August 27 for £110. Or you could fly with Ryanair from Bournemouth on August 27 and return on August 31 for £162. There is plenty of accommodation still available throughout August too, with stays as little as £22 per night. And for when you're there, the average price of a beer is €4.00 (£3.19) and a meal will set you back around €18.00 (£14.34). La Gomera, Spain The volcanic island of La Gomera is the second smallest of the Canary Islands and features rugged yet breathtaking landscapes. If an adventure or hiking holiday is your thing, La Gomera is a must visit. Known for its dramatic landscapes, lush forests, steep cliffs, and volcanic formations, the island is also home to the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the island is not as well known for its beaches as other Canary Islands, it does have some secluded stretches of black sand. Like other islands in the region, La Gomera benefits from pleasant temperatures throughout the year too. And, its low light pollution means it's an excellent spot for stargazing. 8 Or you could head to La Gomera, which is the second smallest of the Canary Islands and used to be a volcano Credit: Getty You can get a flight to Tenerife from Edinburgh on August 15 and return on August 21 for £74 with Jet2. Or you could fly from Glasgow on August 19 and return on August 23 for £107 with Jet2 and TUI. Hotels on can also be found for August as low as £50 per night. When there, you can also expect to spend around €2.50 (£1.99) on beer and roughly €15.00 (£11.95) per meal. Llafranc, Spain Llafranc is one of three coastal towns that can be found in the Palafrugell region of Girona, Spain. Llafranc, a coastal town in the Costa Brava is a great alternative option for those who love Majorca's beach resorts. Boasting a picturesque crescent-shaped beach with crystal-clear waters, it is the ideal relaxing swimming and sunbathing spot. The town is also part of the Camí de Ronda, a coastal path that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and connects to quaint nearby towns like Calella de Palafrugell, also well worth a visit. The spot is good for foodies too, with the coastal town being well-known for its fresh seafood restaurants and traditional Catalan dishes. 8 Llafranc is also in Spain and features sprawling sandy beaches Credit: Getty You could fly direct from Belfast to Girona on August 18 and return on August 23 for £85 with Ryanair. Or you could head off from Bournemouth Airport on August 24 and return on August 27 for £98 with Ryanair. For those in the capital, you could grab a flight with Ryanair from London Stansted on August 20 and return on August 22 for £98. There is still some availability for hotels in August, with some rooms as low as £126 per night. When in Llafranc, beers cost around €3.00 (£2.39) and the average meal costs €14.50 (£11.55). Carvoerio, Portugal Carvoeiro in Portugal is known for being a relaxed resort town, away from the more busy Algarve resorts. A lesser known spot in Portugal's popular Algarve region, Carvoerio is another stunning, relaxed coastal town, suitable for families, couples or solo travellers. If you're up for a little exploring when you're there, it's definitely worth visiting the 'Algar Seco', a unique rock formation in the sea which you can swim up to, or you can even take a kayak or boat trip at dawn or sunset for some truly incredible views. You could hop on a flight from Aberdeen to Faro on August 18 and return on the August 24 for £71. 8 In Portugal, you could head to Carvoerio for just £67 Credit: Getty Or you could head from Birmingham Airport on August 17 and return on August 24 for £67 with Ryanair. Airbnb stays are still available from £22 per night in August. When in Carvoerio, beer on average costs €2.50 (£1.99) and a meal is around €12.00 (£9.56). Lassithi, Crete Lassithi is located at one end of the island of Crete, in Greece and features numerous mountainous villages. If you're looking to escape the crowds this summer, then Lassithi is a fantastic holiday spot, offering a peaceful, authentic Greek experience, with very reasonable prices too. Lassithi's coastline is much less developed and often more secluded than those in Majorca, so you won't need to worry about being able to get a secluded sunbathing spot. This region is also a must visit for foodies, some of the best Greek produce is made here including olive oil and honey. You could also visit one of the many olive oil farms in the region as well. 8 Lassithi in Crete is known for its many olive oil farms Credit: Getty Flights from Newcastle to Heraklion on August 15 and returning on August 20 cost £109 with Ryanair. Or you could head from Nottingham on August 15 and return on August 22 for £124 with TUI. Airbnb stays are still available in August from £32 per night. And when in Lassithi, you will be able to pick up a pint for around €5.00 (£3.98) and a meal for €11.00 (£8.76). Salina, Sicily Finally, Salina is one of the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily and features fewer crowds than Majorca. It attracts far fewer tourists, but that doesn't mean it's any less beautiful. As part of the 'Aeolian Archipelago' landscape, Salina offers unique volcanic scenery, including two dormant volcanoes, which are fantastic hiking spots. Though Salina does feature fewer beaches than Majorca, there are often less crowds. 8 The Salina in Sicily features crystal clear waters Credit: Getty Living up to its Italian roots, Salina is also known for its authentic Sicilian cuisine. You're likely to see local ingredients such as capers, sweet Malvasia wine, and fresh seafood on the menu. You can hop on a flight from Edinburgh to Palermo on August 20 and return on August 28 for £205 with Ryanair and easyJet. Hotels are still available on from £70 per night for August. And when you are there a beer will set you back €5.00 (£3.98) on average and a meal around €12.00 (£9.56). These are the hidden gems loved by locals on Spain's biggest island including secret bars, and cheap beach clubs. Plus, the tiny 'Bali of Europe' town right by Africa has beautiful beaches and £20 flights from the UK.
