Dreaming of a weekend getaway that combines stunning Mediterranean beaches and beautiful architecture? With its sun-kissed coastline, vibrant streets, and a rich history that weaves seamlessly with contemporary charm, Nice promises an unforgettable experience for a weekend getaway.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through every step of planning your perfect weekend in Nice, from the moment you arrive to the moment you bid farewell to this coastal gem. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler to the region, I've got you covered with tips and insights to ensure your time in Nice is nothing short of magical. To make your trip even easier, I've also written two articles on what to do and where to eat in Nice, so don't hesitate to check them out!
How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway to Nice
Getting to Nice: Your Gateway to the French Riviera
Plane
There are various convenient ways to reach Nice. For international travellers, the most common option is to fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, a modern and well-connected aviation hub offering direct flights from major cities worldwide. Once you land, you'll find the airport conveniently located just a short distance from the city centre, making it easy to start your Nice adventure right away. Be sure to check visa entry requirements beforehand.
To get to Nice city centre from the airport you can take the tram n°2 towards Port Lympia. This line serves the airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), links the city centre at "Jean Médecin" station, and the port at "Port Lympia" station. Trams run to the airport approximately every 8 minutes on weekdays and it costs 1.70€ for a one-way ticket. Tram 2 timetable.
You can also take the bus n°12 towards Palais des Expositions which serves the Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna and the old town. The "Aéroport/ Promenade" stop is opposite Terminal 1. A one-way ticket also costs 1.70€.
Bus If you're coming from a European country or another French city, then the bus might be a more affordable option. The majority of buses drop you off at Terminal 1 at Nice airport, from where you can also take the tram or bus. Make sure to book your bus online in advance. In France, the best-known companies are Flixbus and Blablacar, they are reliable, efficient and serve all major European cities.
Train If you're already in France, you can easily reach Nice by train. Nice station is in the city centre and serves the whole of France with high-speed trains and TER (regional trains). You can book your tickets via the SNCF website. Nice station is also served by trains from Italy.
Car
If you're planning to come by car, be aware that Nice is a pedestrianised city, making it difficult to get around and find parking spaces. It is therefore preferable to park your car outside the city at a Park and Ride, which will allow you to easily park your car and take the tram into the city centre. Alternatively, you can opt for the city's underground car parks, but these are fairly expensive.
Where to Stay: accomodation in Nice
In order to plan the perfect weekend getaway in Nice, one must take into account accomodation! Nice is a fairly expensive city when it comes to finding somewhere to stay. Depending on your budget, you can opt for a youth hostel, an airbnb or a hotel.
Youth Hostel
If you're travelling on a budget, then I'd recommend a youth hostel when staying in Nice. You can find plenty of them on Hostel World, the price for a bed in a dormitory varies between 29€ and 45€ per night.
Airbnb
If you're on a slightly higher budget then I'd recommend an airbnb. We rented an airbnb with my cousin for our weekend in Nice and the advantage is that you have your own space and cooking facilities. I highly recommend the airbnb we stayed in, it was spacious, clean and not far from the Promenade des Anglais. The terrace was a real bonus!
Hotel
If you have more money to splash then you will certainly enjoy the many hotels Nice has to offer. The Westminster Hotel & Spa is very well known and overlooks the Promenade des Anglais and the sea. The price of a standard room starts at around 300€ per night during the peak season. There are obviously cheaper hotels in Nice but all tend to come at a higher price that the two previous options.
When to Go: Finding The Perfect Time to Experience Nice
Nice enjoys a microclimate that contributes to its worldwide renown, and it is one of the sunniest cities in France! There are approximately 2,694 hours of sunshine a year in Nice, or around 112 days! Rainfall, often in the form of violent thunderstorms, is concentrated in autumn and spring. The average annual temperature is 16°C, with temperatures reaching around 30°C in summer.
This makes Nice an ideal year-round destination, although you will enjoy the beaches and sea less in the winter despite the mild temperatures. It also depends on how busy you want it to be during your stay, as Nice is jam-packed in the summer during June, July and August. From September onwards, the number of tourists decreases and the temperatures remain very pleasant, as do the months of April and May despite the higher chances of rain. In winter, the city may seem a little more dead but there's still plenty of entertainment and at least you'll have more peace and quiet in the sunshine! Accomodation will also be cheaper during the off season months.
Getting Around: Navigating Nice with Ease
As I mentioned above, Nice is a pedestrianised city, so you can guess that the best way to visit Nice is on foot! The old town itself isn't very big, and it's easy to get from one end to the other. The beaches are also within walking distance, as is the Parc Mont Boron.
If you want to visit the villages around Nice and you don't have a car, then I recommend taking the train. From the station you can get to Menton, Antibes, Cannes and Cap Ferrat by taking the TER trains, which have regular departures from Nice. What's more, it's really cheap - when we were there in June, the return fare was 11€ that same day. Over a weekend we didn't have time to explore the surrounding area, but now you know! You can also take the tram to get from A to B, the lines are well served and efficient.
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I hope you found this article on how to plan the perfect weekend getaway to Nice helpful and informative. Feel free to leave a comment below, sharing your thoughts, experiences, or any questions you may have. I would love to hear your stories and insights. Also, don't forget to explore my other articles on travelling for more exciting content !
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