Nice is Nice Part II

In the first part of this article, we discussed Nice and what to see if you are only able to visit for a short time.  In this part, I’ll give you some ideas of what to do if you are visiting for a week or more as well as provide some travel tips to make the most of your trip.

I hope that you are not intimidated by Nice because in the last few decades, Nice has catered to the average traveller (instead of the ultra rich) and you’ll find that it is a huge bargain compared to Cannes and Monaco.

Getting Around
Most of the main tourist areas are relatively compact and within walking distance to central hotels.  If you want to venture further out, Nice has a great public bus system and taxis are plentiful and easily arranged from your hotel.

If you have secured a central hotel, you may want to forego a rental car because it is best to explore the area on foot and parking prices are pretty steep.  Getting around on a bike is another great way to see the city.

Tours
Well, if you so desire, you can book a double decker, open top bus tour.  These tours are in English and are available through Nice Le Grand Tour (departures are every 30 minutes from 9:30am to 6:30 pm).

Another popular tour is available from the Nice Convention Visitors Bureau, which offers weekly 2.5 hour walking tours in both French and English.  These informative tours focus on Nice’s unique history and architecture.

Or, for something different, there is a 40-minute city tour on the Little Tourist Train, which departs every 30 minutes everyday from June to August (10 am – 7pm) check with the operator for days and times during other months.

Beaches & Water Sports
Not surprisingly, water sports and lounging on the beach are popular pastimes in the Nice area.  If you’d like to enjoy the water, try swimming in the gorgeous waters of the Baie des Anges.  You will find plenty of public and private beaches dotting the stretch along the Promenade des Anglais.  Be warned though, these aren’t the sandy beaches of the Caribbean; these beaches are all smooth pebbles so you may be more comfortable wearing water shoes (or sandals).  Of course, public beaches are free – but you may find the crowds troublesome.  Another option is to pay for the private beaches where your entry fee includes a lounge chair, umbrella, showers, change rooms etc.  These private beaches run from 10€/day and depending on the beach, it may also have bar service, waterfront restaurant and water sport rentals.

If you’re intent on partaking in water sports, why not check out the waterskiing, parasailing, and windsurfing offered by different outfits along the Promenade. 

Shopping
If your idea of fun is browsing the shops, then you won’t be disappointed in Nice.  With almost 7,000 shops, you’ll find many different ways to kiss your Euros goodbye!  You’ll find Nice to have an amazing selection of locally produced food, high-end boutiques, Provencal crafts and wonderful markets.

Nice really is a treasure trove of historic architecture, wonderful cuisine, breathtaking sea vistas, amazing shopping and so much more!  If you’re interested in booking a trip, check out the affordable and exciting packages available from Virgin Vacations!

Posted by on 07/06 at 09:51 AM

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