France
Nice
France
Nice
Updated Jun 11, 2025
Overview
Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, captivates visitors with its blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Stroll through the winding streets of Vieux Nice, where colorful buildings house local bistros and artisan shops. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Cours Saleya market, sampling regional delicacies and vibrant flowers. For a taste of local life, join the pétanque players in Place Garibaldi or explore the hidden Monastère de Cimiez gardens. Nice's culinary scene shines with socca, pissaladière, and fresh seafood, best enjoyed with a glass of Provençal rosé.
Best time to visit. Visit Nice from April to June or September to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. These shoulder seasons offer warm temperatures ideal for beach days and sightseeing, while avoiding the peak summer tourist influx and allowing for a more authentic experience of the city.
City stats
Population
342,637
Land area
28 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
350 BCE
Official langauge
French
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Alpes-Maritimes
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F - 45°F | 55°F - 42°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:55 am | 5:20 pm | 6 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| February | 58°F - 46°F | 56°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:30 am | 5:55 pm | 5 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| March | 61°F - 49°F | 60°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:50 am | 6:30 pm | 5 days 1.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| April | 64°F - 52°F | 64°F - 51°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:55 am | 8:05 pm | 6 days 2.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 70°F - 58°F | 71°F - 57°F | Sunny | 6:15 am | 8:40 pm | 5 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| June | 76°F - 64°F | 78°F - 64°F | Sunny | 5:55 am | 9:10 pm | 3 days 1.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| July | 82°F - 69°F | 85°F - 69°F | Sunny | 6:10 am | 9:05 pm | 1 days 0.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| August | 82°F - 69°F | 85°F - 69°F | Sunny | 6:40 am | 8:30 pm | 2 days 0.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| September | 77°F - 64°F | 78°F - 64°F | Sunny | 7:10 am | 7:40 pm | 4 days 2.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| October | 70°F - 58°F | 70°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 6:50 pm | 7 days 5.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| November | 63°F - 51°F | 62°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:20 am | 5:10 pm | 7 days 4.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| December | 58°F - 46°F | 56°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:55 am | 4:55 pm | 6 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrates the beginning of the new year. Public holiday with festive atmosphere. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Easter Monday | Varies (March or April) | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday. Day of rest and family gatherings. | Limited services. Plan activities ahead. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebrates workers' rights. Public holiday with demonstrations and parades. | Expect closures. Plan alternative activities. | ||
| Victory in Europe Day | May 8 | Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. Official ceremonies held. | Some closures. Patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Ascension Day | Varies (May or June) | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension. Often creates a long weekend. | Plan for reduced services. Popular travel time. | ||
| Whit Monday | Varies (May or June) | Christian holiday celebrating the Holy Spirit. Often creates a long weekend. | Expect some closures. Plan activities ahead. | ||
| Bastille Day | July 14 | French National Day. Celebrations, parades, and fireworks across the country. | Festive atmosphere. Plan for crowds. | ||
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Catholic holiday honoring the Virgin Mary. Religious processions in some areas. | Some closures. Popular vacation time. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Honors Catholic saints. Families visit cemeteries to remember loved ones. | Expect some closures. Solemn atmosphere. | ||
| Armistice Day | November 11 | Commemorates the end of World War I. Official ceremonies and remembrances. | Some closures. Patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' birth. Family gatherings and festive spirit. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nice Carnival | February - March | Vibrant parade with colorful floats, street performers, and masked revelers celebrating Mardi Gras. | Exciting but crowded. Book early. | ||
| Nice Jazz Festival | July | Renowned music festival featuring international jazz artists performing in various venues across the city. | Great time to visit for music lovers. | ||
| Fête de la Musique | June 21 | City-wide music celebration with free concerts and performances in streets and public spaces. | Lively atmosphere, worth experiencing. | ||
| Nice International Triathlon | October | Major sporting event attracting athletes from around the world for swimming, cycling, and running races. | Exciting for sports fans, minimal disruption. | ||
| Fête du Château | June - July | Cultural festival on Castle Hill featuring music, dance, and theater performances in the open air. | Enjoyable local event, no travel issues. | ||
| Nice Ironman | June | Grueling triathlon event with swimming in the Mediterranean, cycling in the Alps, and running along the Promenade. | Exciting for spectators, some road closures. | ||
| Les Plages Électroniques | August | Electronic music festival on the beach featuring international DJs and a party atmosphere. | Fun for music fans, minimal disruption. | ||
| Nice International Film Festival | May | Annual film festival showcasing independent films and emerging filmmakers from around the world. | Great for cinema buffs, normal city operations. |
1 | Learn basic French phrases like 'Bonjour' and 'Merci'. Always greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' when entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving. It's considered rude not to do so. |
2 | Dress neatly in public. Avoid athletic wear, shorts, or flip-flops in cities. French people tend to dress more formally, even for casual outings. Blend in to avoid looking like a tourist. |
3 | Don't assume everyone speaks English. Start conversations in French, even if it's just to ask if they speak English. This shows respect for the local language and culture. |
4 | Keep your voice down in public spaces. French people generally speak more softly in public. Loud conversations, especially in restaurants or on public transport, are frowned upon. |
5 | Embrace the leisurely pace of meals. Lunch and dinner are social events that can last hours. Don't rush through your meal or ask for the check until you're ready to leave. |
6 | Tipping is not expected as service is included in the bill. However, it's common to round up or leave small change for good service in cafes and restaurants. |
7 | Always say 'Excusez-moi' (Excuse me) before asking for help or directions. The French appreciate politeness and good manners in social interactions. |
8 | Learn about French cuisine and try local specialties. Avoid asking for menu substitutions; it's often seen as rude. Instead, embrace the chef's creations as they are. |
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