Nice Flights And Sights

The capital of France's glorious Riviera, Nice gleams with a suave sophistication while managing to stay laid-back. Terracotta-clad buildings crowd the narrow streets of the Vieille Ville (Old Town) providing welcome shade for the patrons of the antique shops and bistros nestled at their feet. If you can resist the lure of the cool turquoise waters in the Baie des Anges, discover magnificent ceilings and stuccoes that bewitch the eye in the Baroque Palais Lascaris.

Things to Do

Belle Epoque mansions lord over the unceasing procession of fashionistas, rollerbladers and beachgoers on the seafront promenade des Anglais. Admire the gracious palm-lined boulevard from the top of Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill), the perfect spot to see the bay sweep round to the distant Cap d'Antibes. Relaxing olive shaded grounds surround the Italianate Musée Matisse. Step inside to see works like La Nymphe dans le forêt, donated by the artist to mark his affection for his adopted home.

Shopping

Fur-coated dames lead their diamante-collared dogs as they browse along rue Paradis, home to France's great fashion houses such as Chanel and Sonia Rykiel. Colorful stalls fill open-air Cours Saleya, where you can lose yourself in a dazzling kaleidoscope of flowers or dig out a bargain at the famous antique market. Stuff your suitcase full of sweet goodies and Provençal signature treats, fruits confits, from Confiserie Auer, one of the oldest chocolatiers in Nice.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Once the market in Cours Saleya is cleared, tables and chairs from the surrounding bars form an unruly patchwork, filling the square with lively chatter. Start the evening here, as the locals do, and watch street performers dazzle with acrobatic escapades. Sip an aperitif with locals at La Civette and then listen to music fill the night air at the magnificent Opéra de Nice. The roulette ball clatters in the art deco hotel Casinos on the waterfront.

Restaurants and Dining

Barrels of basil-flavored olive oil squat in the doorways of the Old Town's pavement bistros, betraying Nice's Italian heritage. Even with this influence, French cuisine still reigns, and local favorites include Provençal lamb stuffed with fragrant garlic and rosemary or a salty Salad Niçoise, which marries local olives and anchovies with Dijon vinaigrette. Treat yourself to award-winning cuisine on the seafront in the world famous, pink-domed Hotel Negresco, the launching pad for many top chefs.

Revel in the beautiful light and vistas of the French Riviera with American Airlines flights to Nice, France. With its location along the shores of the Mediterranean, it's a perfect destination to discover the ageless allure of the Cote d'Azur. With information on the best things to do in Nice, it's easy to plan a carefree, relaxing trip.

One of the best-known activities in Nice focuses on the beautiful shores and seascape. There are over a dozen private beaches and 20 public beaches for simply relaxing under the Mediterranean sun. The public beaches are located along the Promenade des Anglais, which itself serves as a focal point of Nice. At the Promenade des Anglais you can go for a jog, let the kids play, ride a bike or simply sit on a bench and gaze at the water without getting sand in your shoes. If, however, putting your feet in the sand is your goal, you'll be happy with your options. Choose a public beach, which is free to access, or a private beach, most of which charge a daily fee if you are not a guest of one of the hotels. The private beaches offer changing facilities, restaurants, chairs, umbrellas and towels, which ensure a truly enjoyable day along the shore.

If you'd like to explore more of the city, opt to go on a tour of museums, another of the most popular things to do in Nice. In fact, Nice ranks second, only behind Paris, for the number of museums and galleries in any city in France. The Fine Art Museum (Musee des Beaux Arts) houses a staggering quality of exhibits, ranging from the 13th to the 20th century. Here you'll be able to view works by Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, Jean Honore Fragonard, Edouard Vuillard and Pablo Picasso, among many others. The Modern Art Museum (Musee d'Art Modern et d'Art Contemporain, or MAMAC) features modern and contemporary pieces from the 1960s through present day. The Natural History Museum (Musee d'Histoire Naturelle) focuses on the forces of nature that shaped the region. The Terra Amata Museum (Musee d'Archeologie de Nice - Site de Terra-Amata) features a reconstructed prehistoric hunting campsite; the museum was built on the site where the historic discovery was first made. There is also a museum devoted to Henri Matisse (Musee Matisse) housed in a renovated 17th-century villa that includes the artist's personal collection. There's another museum dedicated to Marc Chagall (Musee National Marc Chagall) that features his paintings, sculptures, stained glass windows, sketches and more. And that's just a partial list of museums in Nice!

If you're wondering where to start pursuing activities in Nice, the Nice City Sightseeing Small Group Tour gives a wonderful overview in about three hours, offering plenty of picturesque photo ops. If you'd like to explore more of the French Riviera outside of the city, think about the St. Tropez Small Group Day Trip From Nice or the Monaco and Eze Small Group Day Trip from Nice. The city's ideal coastal location affords you many opportunities for discovery.

Fly to Nice and soak up the unique charm of France's fabled Cote d'Azur. Browse our flights and book your trip today!