Nice

Nice Travel Guide (French Riviera, France)

Located close to the Alps, on the French Riviera, the city of Nice in France is opulent and ignores winter. It offers beautiful sights with its blue sea, promenade des Anglais walk, its historical city center with the many colorfull façades and extravagant villas and palaces. The city has its own 'Art de Vivre' that is personified by the bustling markets, its Mediterranean cuisine, inspired artists that have left their print, art galleries and luxury hotels and cafés.

A bit of History

Human occupation dates back to more than 400 000 years around Nice where a prehistoric site was found - Terra Amata. Originally on a prehistoric beach, tools from the Lower Paleolithic Period were found and traces of early domestication of fire. Centuries later, a Ligurian tribe, the Vediantians, occupied the Cimiez hills. Around the 3rd century BP, Phoceans from Marseille created Nikaïa (the victorious) from which Nice takes its name.

During the Carolingian times, the Saint Pons Abbey is founded and Nice is then part of different kingdoms such as the one of Provence or Burgundy. Nice will finally reintegrate the kingdom of Provence in 972. In the 13th century, the lower town, where the actual historical part of Nice is today, begins to develop itself and at that time the city is perfectly integrated to the Kingdom of Provence. 

Until 1382, Nice knows a long period of peaceful times interrupted by the Civil War that takes place between the Anjou and Duras families. Unable to join either of the families, the council of Nice decides to place the city under the protection of the Count of Savoie. Nice will remain under the protection of the House of Savoie until 1860.

Under the French Revolution, Nice becomes French for a few years starting in 1793 and Bonaparte will stop 3 times in the City preparing the conquest of Italy. In 1814, the Paris peace treaty gives back Nice to the House of Savoie. This is about the time when tourism develops itself with numerous English residing here during the winter time. In 1860, a vote is carried out to decide if the House of Savoie and Nice will become Italian or French. A large majority of the population votes to have Nice integrate France. 

In 1864, the train arrives in Nice and this particular event definitely increases the notoriety of the town as one of the most popular tourist destinations. The visit of Royals, rich & famous such as Queen Victoria at the end of the century, give Nice an International prestige. By the 1920's, tourism has developed during the summer and winter seasons. 

Our Private & Shared Day Trips from Nice

Departing from Nice or Cannes, we offer private tours and shared tours that are conducted by Expert local tour guides in recent and comfortable air conditioned vehicles. Whether on a full day tour or half day tour, rest easy with the expert guidance of our professional, English-speaking guides and explore with us the gems of this opulent region.

Our most popular destinations include the small villages of the region such as Saint Paul de Vence or the medieval village of Eze, breathtaking panoramic views of the côte d’azur or famous destinations such as Cannes, Monaco and a tour of the french riviera.

Other great possibilities include shore excursions to Monaco, shared sightseeing tours to luxury towns Cannes and St. Tropez, in addition to a Nice market visit and cooking class. Wine tasting is also on your program with visits to carefully selected wineries located just outside of Nice.

Please note that some sites of the Côte d azur such as St Paul de Vence can be very busy at some times of the season and for planning reasons your driver guide will indicate drop off and pick up meeting points.