The underrated French city that has a ‘bit of everything' with picturesque beaches and new cheap hotels
NICE 'N' EASY The underrated French city that has a 'bit of everything' with picturesque beaches and new cheap hotels
WITH relaxing beaches and super sightseeing – plus just a two-hour flight away – Nice on France's stunning Cote d'Azur makes for an easy sunny getaway.
While it may happily soak up the glamorous associations of nearby Cannes and St-Tropez, this spot on the Med needn't break the bank.
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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 Nice is just how walkable it is, the piece de resistance being a stroll along the seafront Promenade des Anglais.
As you get your steps in alongside the palm trees, look out for the iconic hotel Le Negresco, which hosted Elizabeth Taylor and The Beatles.
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.
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.
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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 Mediterranean sharing plates are just as unmissable as the contents of its cellar.
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.
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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.
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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.
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