Nice

Carnaval de Nice

The Carnaval de Nice takes place each year in February and March in the southern French city of Nice.

For two weeks the festivities attract visitors from around the world.

The Carnaval de Nice features parades, fireworks, theater performances, live music, and and DJ shows on the French Riviera.

Over a million people converge on Nice for the event to watch the flower parade and dance in the streets. Visitors can also enjoy watching the parade floats with their wacky large-headed papier mache characters.

Most of the Carnaval de Nice festivities take place on the Promenade des Anglais, which runs along the waterfront.

Best Day Trips from Nice, France

Building in Monaco
Monaco

It’s easy to get from Nice to other towns and cities in Provence and along the French Riviera. Train and bus connections are plentiful, and most places are readily accessible. Here are some of the best day trips from Nice:

Antibes
Just a short train ride away, Antibes is a peaceful town with great beaches, shopping, and museums.

St. Paul de Vence
The hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence attracts art and history lovers alike. It is easy to get there by bus from Nice, and makes for a great day trip.

Monaco and Monte Carlo
Monaco and Monte Carlo are another great day trip from Nice. The palace in Monaco is a must-see, and Monte Carlo’s over-the-top luxury is a stunning sight to behold.

Eze
Closer and more accessible than St. Paul de Vence, Eze is another hilltop town that is famous for its art galleries and pretty streets.

Cannes
Famous for its annual film festival, Cannes is a great place to visit at any time of year. The large beaches and lovely seaside promenade attract visitors from all over the Cote d’Azur.

Grasse
For perfume lovers, Grasse is the perfect place to visit. It is the home of the Fragonard perfume factory, and visitors can tour the museum and explore new scents.

Aix-en-Provence
Less than two hours by car from Nice, Aix-en-Provence is one of the prettiest and most well-loved cities in the region. Don’t miss the markets, the fountains, or the great cafes.

Marseille
While some people view Marseille as a gritty port city, it has its share of charm if you know where to look. The city features beautiful churches and cultural heritage, and some great seafood restaurants.

Avignon
A bit further afield, Avignon can be done in a day, but also works well as an overnight trip. The city’s famous bridge, churches, and medieval streets make it one of the most popular places to visit in southern France.

Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is one of the most famous beach towns along the Cote d’Azur, and makes for a great day trip when the weather is warm.

Whatever you choose for your day trip from Nice, make sure to dress for the season. If you are visiting in the summer, bring sunscreen and plenty of water, and if you are visiting in the winter, take an umbrella along in case of rain.

Top 4 Art Museums in Nice, France

Most people visit Nice for the beaches, but the city has its share of cultural attractions, too. Below is my list of the top 4 art museums in Nice:

1. Fine Arts Museum / Musee des Beaux-Arts
Address: 33, avenue des Baumettes, Nice, 06000, France

Housed in a 19th century mansion, the Fine Arts Museum in Nice boasts of a collection of over 6,000 works from the 17th century to the mid-20th century. The museum showcases works by French and other European artists, including Rodin and Picasso.

2. Modern and Contemporary Art Museum / Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain
Address: Promenade des Arts, Nice, 06364, France

Nice’s Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, or MAMAC, showcases American and European art from the 1960s to the present, including New European Realism and American Pop Art.

3. Matisse Museum / Musee Matisse
Address: 164, ave des Arenes, Nice, 06000, France

The Matisse Museum houses many great works by Matisse, who lived in Nice from 1918 to 1954. The Matisse Museum’s permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and some of the artist’s possessions. The museum is located right next to the Roman ruins, which are also worth a visit.

4. Chagall Museum / Musee Chagall
Address: avenue du Docteur Menard, Nice, 06000, France

The Chagall Museum in Nice houses a great collection of Chagall’s paintings, engravings, Old Testament gouaches, lithographs and stained-glass windows. Chagall himself was involved in the design of the museum, and the space compliments his work beautifully.