There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Nice each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1: New Year's Day (national holiday) May 1: Labour Day (national holiday)On the first of May, it is customary to offer a sprig of lily-of-the-valley to close ones. Many vendors occupy the pavement on that occasion!
May 8: Victory Day (national holiday)Commemorates the Allied victory in Europe that ended World War II on this day in 1945. Various ceremonies are held around town.
July 14: Bastille Day (national holiday)This holiday celebrates both the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, the key event marking the beginning of the French Revolution, and the end of the privileges enjoyed by the clergy and the aristocracy. In Nice, the festivities take place on the Promenade des Anglais, where free concerts, activities and a spectacular fireworks display take place late in the evening.
August 15: Assumption Day (national holiday)This celebration, still very popular in Nice, is marked by the faithful with several religious processions and ceremonies through the streets.
Third weekend in September: European Heritage Days (celebrated nationwide)The aim of the European Heritage Days is to open up numerous sites and monuments, many of which are normally closed to the public. A great opportunity for a lovely stroll through the city to admire architectural treasures!
November 11: Remembrance Day (national holiday)On this day, citizens gather at the war memorial in Nice to commemorate the signing of the 1918 Armistice officially bringing an end to the First World War.
December 25: Christmas (national holiday) December 31: New Year's Eve (national event)On the night of December 31st, the atmosphere is particularly festive on the streets of Nice, with families and friends celebrating the new year.
Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 5/41 | 13/55 | 69/2.7 | Not the best period to go |
February | 6/43 | 13/55 | 45/1.8 | Good period to go
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March | 8/46 | 15/59 | 39/1.5 | Not the best period to go |
April | 10/50 | 17/63 | 69/2.7 | Not the best period to go |
May | 14/57 | 21/70 | 45/1.8 | Good period to go
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June | 17/63 | 24/75 | 34/1.3 | Good period to go
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July | 20/68 | 27/81 | 12/0.5 | Good period to go
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August | 20/68 | 28/82 | 18/0.7 | Good period to go
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September | 17/63 | 24/75 | 73/2.9 | Good period to go
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October | 14/57 | 21/70 | 133/5.2 | Not the best period to go |
November | 9/48 | 17/63 | 104/4.1 | Not the best period to go |
December | 6/43 | 14/57 | 93/3.7 | Not the best period to go |
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is located about 7 kilometres (4 miles) west of the city centre.
The best options for getting around Nice are by bus or bicycle, or on foot. Due to often heavy vehicle traffic, works involved in the creation of a new tram line and rather expensive parking, getting around the city by car is not recommended.
One tram line operates in Nice, running through the middle of the city, complemented by the network of bus lines. A second tram line is expected to be fully operational in Autumn of 2019. It will cover a distance of 11.3 kilometres (7 miles), with some 20 stations.
Lignes d'Azur operates a network of bus lines that offers extensive coverage of the city as well as 23 nearby towns and is known for its reliability and efficiency. At night, you can use five routes of night buses known as “Noctrambus”.
Fares (also valid for tram):
Vélo Bleu public bike-sharing system:
Nice and especially some of its districts, such as the maze of narrow streets in Vieux Nice and the port area, are also delightful when explored on foot.
Upon your arrival in Nice, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organise your stay.
Nice Tourist OfficeOffers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Nice counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsThere are no vaccination requirements for visitors to France. For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:
There are no specific food safety risks. French government authorities promote good hygiene practices and put in place strengthened control procedures for sites especially frequented by tourists during the summer months.
WaterTap water is safe to drink in Nice.
As a general rule, a visa is required to enter France. Foreign nationals in the two categories listed below are not required to carry a visa for stays of 90 days or less:
For stays of more than 90 days, a long-stay visa is required.
Travellers from all other countries must be in possession of a visa, regardless of the length of their stay. Visa applications must be submitted to the nearest French Embassy or French Consulate in the country of permanent residence well in advance of departure.
For further information, visit the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Nice, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Here are a few basic French phrases that will make your stay in Nice a little easier:
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: Bonjour (morning)
Thank you very much: Merci beaucoup
I don't understand: Je ne comprends pas
Could you repeat ?: Pouvez-vous répéter ?
What time is it ?: Quelle heure est-il ?
Sorry: Pardon
Excuse me: Excusez-moi
I'm looking for (…): Je recherche (…)
How much is (…)?: Quel est le prix de (…) ?
Do you have (…)?: Avez-vous (…) ?
Where can I find (…)?: Où puis-je trouver (…) ?
Tipping
In Nice like elsewhere in France, a service charge is always included in the bill. If you are particularly pleased with the service, you may certainly leave a few extra euros on the table. But this additional tip is neither expected nor necessary.