A Visit to Nice, France: Beauty, Markets, and the Mediterranean

There are places in the world that feel instantly relaxed the moment you arrive. Nice, the sparkling capital of the French Riviera, is one of them.

The light feels softer. The air smells faintly of salt and espresso. Palm trees line seaside boulevards, and the rhythm of life seems designed around long lunches, evening strolls, and the slow appreciation of beautiful surroundings.

Whether you arrive by train, plane, or a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast, Nice makes an ideal base for exploring the French Riviera — while offering plenty to enjoy right in the city itself.

Arriving in Nice

By Train: The Elegant Gateway to the Riviera

Most travelers arriving by rail will step off the train at Nice-Ville Station.

This 19th-century station sits just a short walk from the heart of the city. Its ornate façade hints at the golden age when aristocrats and artists first began flocking to the Riviera.

From the station you can easily:

• Walk about 15–20 minutes downhill to the sea

• Take a tram directly to the old town

• Grab a quick taxi or rideshare

The walk toward the coast is especially pleasant, passing cafés, bakeries, and classic French apartment buildings with pastel shutters and flower boxes.

Flying into Nice

The main airport serving the region is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, one of the busiest airports in France after Paris.

What makes this airport unique is its location — the runway literally extends into the Mediterranean, meaning your landing approach gives you incredible coastal views.

Direct flights from the United States often originate from:

• New York City

• Atlanta

• Philadelphia

Many travelers also connect through major European hubs such as:

• Paris

• London

• Amsterdam

• Frankfurt

Getting into town from the airport is simple:

• Tram Line 2: about 20–25 minutes to downtown

• Taxi: roughly 15–20 minutes

• Bus: economical and frequent

Unlike many international airports, the city feels almost immediately accessible.

The Heart of Nice: Place Masséna

Your exploration of the city will almost certainly lead you to Place Masséna, the grand plaza that forms the beating heart of the city.

This wide, sun-filled square is surrounded by Italian-style red buildings with green shutters, a reminder that Nice was once part of the Kingdom of Sardinia before becoming French.

Here you'll find:

• Street performers

• Open plazas perfect for people watching

• The main tram lines connecting the city

• Easy walking access to both the beach and the old town

Suspended above the square are modern sculptures known as the “Conversation in Nice” statues, which glow in different colors at night.

From here, almost everything worth seeing in Nice is within walking distance.

Exploring Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Just a few minutes from Place Masséna lies the historic maze of streets known as Vieux Nice.

The atmosphere changes immediately as you step inside.

The streets narrow. Laundry hangs between buildings. Gelato shops compete with bakeries and tiny restaurants serving traditional Niçoise dishes.

This is the Nice many travelers imagine. Wandering here you’ll discover:

• Small wine bars

• Handmade soap shops

• Local art galleries

• Hidden church squares

It’s the kind of neighborhood where getting lost is part of the experience.

The Famous Farmers Market

One of the highlights of Old Town is the colorful market at Cours Saleya Market.

This lively open-air market runs most mornings and is considered one of the best markets in southern France. You’ll find tables overflowing with:

• Fresh Mediterranean vegetables

• Local olives and tapenades

• Herbs and spices

• Cheeses from nearby Alpine farms

• Fresh bread and pastries

• Flower vendors filling the square with color

If you want a simple but perfect Riviera breakfast, grab:

• A warm croissant

• A few slices of fresh melon

• Local cheese

• And a coffee from a nearby café

Then sit in the square and enjoy the morning activity.

Walking the Promenade des Anglais

The most iconic walk in Nice runs along the Mediterranean on the legendary Promenade des Anglais.

This sweeping seaside boulevard stretches for miles along the bright blue water of the Riviera.

Originally funded by wealthy English tourists in the 1800s, the promenade remains one of the most beautiful seaside walks in Europe.

Expect to see:

• Joggers and cyclists

• Couples strolling at sunset

• Rollerbladers cruising along the smooth paths

• Locals sitting in the famous blue chairs facing the sea

At sunset, the promenade becomes magical as the Mediterranean turns shades of gold and pink.

Visiting the Beach in Nice

Unlike many sandy beaches, the coastline in Nice is mostly smooth round pebbles.

The main public beach is Plage Publique de Nice, located right below the Promenade des Anglais.

Beach Tips

1. Bring water shoes The rocks can be uncomfortable without them.

2. Pack a towel or beach mat Pebbles don’t hold sand but they can be hard on your back.

3. Consider a beach club Private beach areas rent chairs and umbrellas for the day.

4. Swim early or late The water is clearest and crowds are lighter in the morning or evening.

The reward is stunning: clear turquoise water with the Alps rising in the distance behind the city.

Climb Castle Hill for the Best View

For the best panoramic views of the Riviera, walk up to Castle Hill.

This hill once held a medieval fortress but today is a peaceful park with:

• Gardens

• Waterfalls

• Shaded walking paths

• Incredible viewpoints

From the top you can see both:

• The curve of the Promenade des Anglais

• The colorful rooftops of Old Town

It’s one of the most photographed views on the French Riviera.

Easy Day Trips from Nice

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Nice is how easy it is to explore other famous Riviera destinations.

Monaco

Just 25 minutes by train from Nice is the glamorous micro-state of Monaco.

Highlights include:

• The royal palace

• The harbor filled with superyachts

• The legendary Monte Carlo Casino

Even if gambling isn’t your thing, the scenery and architecture make it worth visiting.

Other Easy Riviera Stops

Nice also provides quick rail access to several beautiful coastal towns:

• Villefranche-sur-Mer – a stunning harbor just minutes away

• Cannes – home of the famous film festival

• Antibes – historic old town and Picasso connections

• Menton – colorful town near the Italian border

The regional train along the coast may be one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe.

Why Nice Is One of Europe’s Best Travel Bases

What makes Nice special isn’t just the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.

It’s the combination of:

• Walkable neighborhoods

• Incredible food

• Historic streets

• Easy public transportation

• Immediate access to some of the most famous destinations in Europe

You can spend the morning browsing a market in Old Town, swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon, and be sipping wine in Monaco by evening.

That combination is hard to beat.