Lifestyle in Nice

The laid-back lifestyle in Nice beckons as one of the main attractions of this Mediterranean city. In the summer, you can take advantage of the beautiful weather and head to one of the beaches. You’ll find yourself quickly adopting this relaxed way of life, lounging on outdoor terraces, sipping espressos in the morning, or having a glass of rosé along the Promenade des Anglais in the afternoon.

The 35-hour French work week and five weeks of paid annual leave are two major perks of living in Nice, while the unhurried pace of life draws retirees looking for a place to unwind. Nice’s lifestyle also gives professionals plenty to do in their spare time. Many residents make the most of the promenade for running or cycling, and there are numerous outdoor activities in the region, such as hiking or rock climbing.

While most activities in Nice focus on the outdoors, there are also plenty of museums and cultural sites to visit. The Matisse and Chagall museums are located in the Cimiez area, just a bus ride away from the centre of town. There is also a modern art museum in Place Garibaldi and an Asian art museum along the promenade in Parc Phoenix.

English speakers will find a large English community in the area and a variety of pubs in town. You can often find free language exchanges at these pubs. These are a great way of mingling with the locals while learning French.

Shopping in Nice

Shopping in Nice offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for the latest designer wear or vintage attire, a fully-equipped department store or a quaint boutique. Most of the shops line Jean-Médecin, a street that runs through the centre of the city alongside the tram line. Here you’ll find large shops such as Galeries Lafayette and FNAC, along with other chains such as H&M, Zara and Sephora.

If you’re in the mood to window-shop or check out the designer shops, be sure to walk down Avenue de Verdun and the Rue de Paradis with luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Chanel. Other French shops, such as The Kooples and Longchamp, are also in this area.

Strolling through the Old Town, you’ll find a variety of shops selling Italian leather, jewellery, and all types of spices and products typical of Provence. There are also plenty of vintage shops where you can score a Chanel bag for a great price on a good day. It is worth bearing in mind that many of the smaller shops still close during the two-hour break from 12pm to 2pm daily.

Sales take place twice a year in France, in January and July. If you can hold out, prices continue to get lower throughout the length of the sale.

Eating out in Nice

Eating out in Nice is a matter of Mediterranean magic, as the city borders Italy and sits on the sea; many of its restaurants are known for their seafood and Italian cuisine. The port has a variety of restaurants to choose from, with outdoor tables facing the harbour.

You can also take a walk into the Old Town and pick from one of the restaurants lining the Cours Saleya with fresh seafood on display outside. Although this may be one of the more touristy areas, it is great for people-watching or enjoying the flower market during the day and jewellery stands at night in the summer.

Moules frites and salade niçoise are two must-have dishes, but Nice also has other specialities that are particular to the region. Some dishes include pan bagnat (a salade niçoise served as a sandwich in a bun), tourte de blettes (a Swiss chard tart), pissaladière (an onion tart), farcis (stuffed vegetables), and socca (a crêpe-like pancake made with chickpea flour). Head into the heart of the Old Town and try a sampler platter of Niçoise specialities and sit down at a picnic table in the shopping area.

A service charge is usually included in the bill, but many people leave a few euros as a tip if they enjoyed the food.

Nightlife in Nice

The nightlife in Nice strikes a perfect balance between its flashier neighbours, positioned like the laid-back little sister between two places known for their extravagant parties – Cannes and Monaco. Most locals in Nice will go out for a drink in the Old Town at one of the bars, but there are also places to go if you’re in the mood to dance. Most bars close promptly at 2am, although a few will stay open until around 4am. If bottle service is out of your budget, there are plenty of happy hour options and bars catering for students.

Those looking for a casual drink can stop by one of the busiest streets in the Old Town, the Rue de la Préfecture. There are some great venues for sitting at outdoor tables and taking in the atmosphere.

Outdoor activities and sports in Nice

The options for outdoor activities and sports in Nice are many for those who take advantage of the city’s exceptional Mediterranean climate and varied geography. You can enjoy cycling or jogging along the famous four-mile (7km) Promenade des Anglais or venture into the nearby Alps for hiking and climbing adventures. Water sports enthusiasts will love the clear blue waters, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and sailing year-round.

For sports fans, Nice’s OGC Nice football club plays at the Allianz Riviera stadium, offering exciting matches throughout the football season. Tennis courts, golf courses, and various fitness facilities scattered across the city provide plenty of options for staying active during your time in Nice. The annual Prom’Classic running event along the Promenade des Anglais each January marks a sporty start to the year.

See and do in Nice

There is an abundance of sights and activities to see and do in Nice. From sprawling gardens and bustling promenades to fantastic art galleries and imposing cathedrals, there is plenty to explore in ‘Nice la Belle’.

Promenade des Anglais

You’ll love a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Built by Englishman Reverend Lewis Way in 1820, the promenade was originally just a footpath. It has since grown into a grand palm-lined seaside boulevard complete with underground tunnels for traffic, which means the promenade is always filled with strollers, skaters and cyclists. It is fringed by exquisite gardens and lined with opulent buildings such as the Villa Masséna Musée and the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée hotel and casino.

Parc de la Colline du Château (Castle Hill Park)

A site of significant history, Castle Hill was the first area of Nice to be settled by the Greeks two thousand years ago. In 1706, the citadel, which was considered impenetrable, was destroyed by King Louis XIV. Nowadays, you can stroll through the lush grounds, meander along winding paths and enjoy the waterfall, the two on-site cafés and the unrivalled panoramic views of the city and its harbour.

Musée Matisse

Art lovers, and especially fans of the genius that was Henri Matisse, simply have to visit the Musée Matisse during their time in Nice. The stunning collection of paintings and sculptures is housed in a lovely and historic Genoese villa, which is surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and an olive grove. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions.

Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

You might be forgiven for thinking you’ve somehow landed on the Red Square when you see the Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas. This extraordinary structure was built by Tsar Nicholas in 1912 and designed in the Muscovite style with onion domes, a peculiar sight in the centre of Nice. Visitors are permitted inside but should respect rules and traditions, as it is still used as a place of worship.

Jardin Albert 1er

Perfect for a family day out, the Jardin Albert 1er boasts sweeping lawns, leafy trees, fountains, a wonderful rose garden, playgrounds for the little ones and even a vintage carousel. The venue becomes an open-air theatre during spring and summer, hosting concerts and music festivals.

Meeting people and making friends in Nice

There are numerous channels for meeting people and making friends in Nice, thanks to the city’s welcoming international community. The outdoor lifestyle presents perfect opportunities to connect with locals and fellow expats through beach volleyball matches, cycling groups along the Promenade des Anglais, or hiking clubs exploring the nearby Alps. Language exchange meetups happen regularly in local pubs, helping you improve your French while building your social circle.

Nice boasts several established expat organisations that host regular events. The British Association offers support to new arrivals and organises social gatherings, while the American Club of the Riviera runs neighbourhood networking groups in Nice and surrounding areas. Business Club Côte d’Azur hosts international meetups where English is the main language. For those keen to give back, volunteering with local charities or community projects provides meaningful connections.

Useful links

• Meetup: Nice
• AngloInfo: French Riviera Clubs and Societies
• American Club of the Riviera
• Business Club Côte d’Azur