Nice, France sites, things to do
 

My family is going to Europe for 16 days and the last 5 days of the trip will be spent in Nice. We have nothing scheduled or planned and would like some suggestions. My son is 18 and I think he will find plenty to do but would like to hear people's favorites. We are staying at the Hotel Splendid on Victor Hugo if you have any comments about the hotel. Thanks!

Hi Jodi<BR><BR>I went to Nice In April and had an amazing time.. If you have a spare day, you must take the 20 minute train ride to Monaco, it's just amazing. You drive along the coast line, the views are great. Visit the Casino in Monte Carlo (take passports and sensible dress, no beach wear). Put a few euros in the friut machines in the lobby, then go into the main casino to watch the rich gambling, and usually loosing thousands! Around the harbour you can celebrity spot, and see all the very plush cars, boats and restaurants. We also walked around the race track. We found somewhere very reasonable to eat right by the start line too. I imagine these things might appeal to an 18 year old. It's a thousand times better than Cannes.

I don't know the hotel, but the Avenue Victor Hugo is a lovely street lined with beautiful old trees. You're also a very short walk from the train station where you'll find a terrific modern train that runs up and down the coast, e.g., Monte Carlo 30 mins., Antibes 20 mins., Villefranche sur Mer 5 mins. In Nice, there's the beach of course, although it's all pebbles not sand, the old town, and the port area--each with its own attractions. Lots of great museums if anyone's interested.

Hi, <BR>We where in Nice 2 weeks ago and had a great time.. I also suggest (if you have the time) to visit a small village named "St-Paul-de-Vence".. it's a tiny village aprox 15 min from Nice (between Nice and Canne)..this a the place where artist like Picasso used to paint etc etc.. really worth the detour !!<BR>Have a great time in Nice and don't forget to bring beach shoes.. as you will need a pair if you want to go to the beach..(but you can always by a cheap pair at one of the beach stores)<BR>

Nice is a great place to station yourself! I agree with Sonia that the 20 minute ride to Monaco is a must. I also really had a great time spending a day in Cannes. The beach is huge and gorgeous! It is sand where as in Nice it is large flat rocks. It's fun to walk around Cannes as everything is so pretty.<BR><BR>Also the Matisse museum is in Nice.

My husband and I spent 3 days in Nice last year and really loved it. Walking along the Promenade des Anglais and through the old city were delightful. If you like art, you can visit the Matisse museum and the Chagal museum. There is a very interesting Russian Cathedral to visit and a convent,and you can visit the outdoor markets, Le Chateau area and the harbor. There was also a very interesting cemetary in terms of large and unique sculptures up by Le Chateau.

A stroll through Vieux Nice is a must.. That is the 'old town' section of the city, very colorful, espec. if they are having a market day. Cool little shops and cafes. I had fun riding the "Train de Touristique" thru Nice; it's a get on / get off kind of deal; pick it up on the Promenade. Also enjoyed St Paul de Vence.

I also recommend going to Monaco...visit the Grimaldi Palace, great view of the harbour. Another place noone's mentioned is Eze, a mountain villag. You park at the base and walk up and into the old town along narrow winding streets.

Jodi:<BR>We had friends who stayed at the Splendid last year on a Smithsonian art tour. Hotel has quite an interesting history. Look at explaination in rear of lobby. <BR>A bit cold and impersona for my tastes but well located close of Promenade Anglais and the beach. Just down the street (Victor Hugo) is AVe. John Medcin and great shopping and the pedestrian zoine Place Medcina (spelling ??) is just afew blocks away.<BR>Hope this was of help.<BR>ALso, hotel was very kept and professional desk clerks.<BR>

Does anyone have a website for the Hotel Splendid? Thanks...xoxoxSue

I went to Nice when I was 16 and have since travelled many places, but there is truly something special about Nice. If you have time visit Eze a beautiful little village. There is an amazing seafood restaurant Boccaccio's the crab's were bigger than the platters! MAke time for the beach, Monaco and lots of shopping!

Jill was Boccaccio in Eze or Nice? We love crabs!

Bocaccio's is in Nice, on the pedestrian only street near Place Messina. Great food.But ask about the dish for a speciality of the area is salted cod and they mean salted!The English menu is not very descriptive. Got stuck in the WC, the door was warped and les garcons had a good time with this!

<BR>a) Climb to the top of the Chateau<BR>b) Visit one of the many musuems<BR>c) Walk & Shop in the Old City<BR>d) Spend an afternoon on the Beach<BR>e) Go to Antibbe, Cannes and/or Monaco for a day trip<BR>f) Take some time to relax when you are here, it is a great city to just spend a day walking, looking, eating etc.<BR><BR>g) there is one English speaking pub in the old city called Waynes, it is a nice place to stop when you feel like you want to hear your own language again.<BR><BR>