Nice Homes & Apartments

Found right on the French Riviera, Nice is brimming with beaches, bars and beautiful sights to explore. You'll enjoy year-round sunshine - perfect for promenade wanders - with a delicious cuisine to keep you energised each day. Throw in sparkling views of the Mediterranean sea and this is truly heaven on Earth, meaning its popularity among the rich and famous is hardly a surprise.

With our luxury holiday homes, villas and apartments in Nice, you'll have a brilliant base to uncover this city's delights - as well as a wonderful spot to return to and relax in after a day spent adventuring.

Why visit?

  • Jazz has rippled its way through the city since the 1920s, providing the perfect soundtrack to your trip.
  • Beyond music, you'll find centuries of history worth uncovering in Nice - the Romans founded the city back in the 1st century.
  • Even without a set itinerary, there's so much to take in by simply wandering its cobblestone streets.

Find out more about Nice


Why stay with us?

Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked luxury rentals in Nice have this in spades.

We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking homes, apartments and flats in Nice that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations.

Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you are looking for tips on local restaurants, advise on which key attractions to visit or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.

Read more Read Less

Luxury Rentals in Nice: Our Top Picks

Why visit Nice

No matter what time of year you visit, there will always be something to see and do in Nice. While the summer is obviously popular for the beautiful blue skies it brings, visit in February and you'll get to enjoy their annual carnival - one of the biggest in the world, it dates back to 1274 and sees everyone get all dressed up as they throw flowers around. 

Come Christmas time, you'll find a charming market sprawling through the city, decorated with thousands of twinkling lights - a truly magical display that will have you feeling as warm inside as a visit in hot July.

With our luxury Nice apartments and villas, you'll be at the heart of it all. But if you're hoping to explore more of the South of France, we've got holiday homes across the French Riviera, Provence-Alpes and Corsica too.

Things to do

Of course, you'll want to make the most out of Nice's glorious year-round sunshine. Head to Promenade des Anglais, a 7km stretch along the seafront that was built back in the 1800s by English expats - hence the name. You'll find shops, bars and restaurants galore with beautiful views of the ocean as you go.

For a quintessentially French experience, head to Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya. Located in the Old Town, this flower market is classic Instagram fodder, so whether or not you buy any fresh blooms, you can still enjoy a fragrant wander before buying a fresh pastry from the food stalls.

If you want a break from being outside all day, there are so many museums to explore throughout your time in Nice. For art fans, prioritise Musée Matisse - it traces the career of the beloved artist, who lived in this city for almost 40 years. But if you're more into your music, the Palais Lascaris boasts an impressive collection of ancient musical instruments.

As sunset approaches, it's time to head up La Colline du Château, a hill that was once home to a medieval castle. You'll be rewarded with the most beautiful city views, passing a waterfall as you go - so pack a picnic and take it all in.


Foods to Try

When holidaying in Nice, you'll be inundated with 5-star eateries and French delicacies to try. A hearty favourite, daube niçoise is a beef stew that also features bacon, carrots, porcini mushrooms, and brandy, plus lots of local herbs and spices.

For vegetarians, fried courgette flowers will become an instant favourite - sometimes they even come stuffed with cream cheese. Despite its humble beginnings, ratatouille is also widely served, simply made up of Mediterranean vegetables.

For those on a budget, there are also various street-food favourites on offer. For a meal on the move, we'd suggest trying a pan bagnat - a round sandwich filled with everything you'd usually find in a Niçoise salad. Don't miss a slice of pissaladière - a thicker pizza cousin that's covered with tomatoes, anchovies, black olives and various fresh herbs.

Another portable meal, chickpea-based socca pancakes are made with olives before being loaded with spices. Then, to end your day on a sugary note, sample a slice of tourte aux blettes - a pie that's made with chard and typically served with apples, grapes or pears. Nothing beats a fresh slice on a cool night with a glass of white wine on the side!

 Fried courgette flowers


Why it's perfect for a getaway

  • Great for babies: There are many playgrounds across Nice, entertaining tiny tots with treehouses, swings and slides.
  • Great for kids: Consider buying a Pass Isabelle Famille at the local train station - at around €35, it covers unlimited travel for one day for two adults and two kids.

  • Great for teens: There are so many different museums in Nice, so you're bound to find something to suit their interests - history, animals or art?
  • Great for couples: go wine tasting together - there is a wealth of wineries in the city's vicinity. Rosé is a particular speciality in the region.

  • Great for large groups: rent a boat! You can opt for yacht rentals with or without a skipper and spend a day exploring the open seas that lap the shore of Nice.

Top tips

  • Dine out at lunch: For those staying in an apartment in the city and still want to try local delicacies, enjoy them at lunchtime - restaurants typically offer deals then compared to pricier dinners.
  • Free tours: These are great for helping you get your bearings before heading out solo. Be sure to tip at the end if you have a good time!

  • Pick your beach: Not all Nice's beaches are soft and sandy - some are made up of shingle, which is harder to sit on. Do your research to avoid disappointment.

What Oliver loves

Whether you've come to dance the night away or kick back on the beach - perhaps even a bit of both! - Nice has something for every type of traveller to enjoy.

Towns and villages near Nice

There's plenty to do in Nice to keep you busy, but if you're looking to extend your visit to this beautiful region, there are several day trip options available. Covering hilltop villages, quaint little towns and and even a royal principality, there's something for everyone to enjoy exploring here.

Want to extend your trip further? We offer holiday homes to rent across the South of France, covering Provence-Alpes, Languedoc and much more.

Oliver’s Hidden Gem

The small medieval village of St-Paul de Vence served as inspiration for Picasso in the post-war period, leading to dozens of galleries being created in the decades since. That beauty continues in the streets with traditional cobbled paths and shrubbery.

The population of Saint-Tropez is said to increase by ten times come summer as visitors flock to the iconic beach resort. Once an inspiration for impressionist painters, today it's more the home of influencers and celebrities, with all the designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants and golden sand they could ever dream of. Come here to capture the most envy-inducing snaps!

A bustling town complete with its own historic Old Town, Antibes is somewhere you'll likely want to stay for more than a day. When you're not wandering its cobblestone streets, hopping from cafe to cafe or uncovering the Picasso museum, be sure to take some time to simply lie out on the sand - it's a holiday after all!

While it may be classified as the second smallest country in the world, this royal principality has built up quite the reputation among the rich and famous. Used for many car-chasing scenes - a particular favourite of the James Bond franchise - plus the Formula 1 Grand Prix, it has a certain energy that's palpable from the moment you arrive. Casino, harbour or palace? You pick.

Sat 400m above the Mediterranean Sea on a picture-perfect hilltop, the medieval village of Eze invites you to step back in time and embrace a slower pace of life. Offering you panoramic views, romantic winding roads and locally owned boutiques, it's a treat for all the senses. Want to get your steps in? Try the steep Nietzsche Path down to the beach.

For a welcome dose of glitz and glamour, head to film-buff favourite Cannes. While celebrities may flock here every May for the annual film festival, there's much more to discover throughout the year, including murals across the city dedicated to different silver screen icons. Boutiques, 5-star bistros and beautiful gardens also await.

There's no doubt about it - Grasse is the perfume capital of the world. Inviting you to explore that title at the International Perfume Museum, Grasse is also home to fields upon fields of orange blossom, roses, lavender, and other favourite flowers. Don't miss the 12th century cathedral on your visit - it's filled with many religious works of art, including three Rubens paintings.

Nice travel: Getting there and around

The airport in Nice is one of France's largest and busiest, with regular flights departing to and from domestic and international destinations. It's also only 20 minutes from the city centre and you can quickly cover the journey by tram, bus or taxi.

The flight time from the UK is approximately 2 hours, with Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways among the airlines that service this route.


By foot

Nice is a pretty compact city, so your main way of getting around should definitely be by foot. Just be sure to pack shoes that are made for daylong adventures - while quaint, some of the cobblestone streets can be unforgiving!


By car

There are plenty of car rental companies at the airport and in the city if you prefer to drive yourself around. However, keep in mind that parking can be tricky to come by and there are many one-way streets to contend with. You'll also have to remember to drive on the right!


By taxi

Taxi ranks can be found at the airport and train station, but otherwise you're best off using ride-share apps like Uber. They charge fairly reasonable rates, allowing you to get from A to B in the fastest way possible.


By bus

Buses are operated by the Lignes d’Azur network, with around 3100 bus stops across the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Area. Single passes start from as little as 1.50 euros, while a book of 10 tickets costs 10 euros. You can also buy tickets that work across the trams too.

Most trams and buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp for accessibility.


By tram

Our top choice for getting around Nice is the tram network that runs from the city centre and connects you to all the major attractions. It is efficient and reliable, and it takes you all the way to and from the airport.


By bike

Like to stay active while on holiday? You'll be pleased to learn that Nice has many dedicated cycling lanes, as well as a bike-share system called Vélo Bleu. With around 1300 bikes spread out across 160+ docking stations, it's a scenic way to get around, charging 1.50 euros to release a bike and then the first 30 minutes are free.

Top tips

  • Not all taxis have card machines, so it's best to always have some cash at the ready when not using an app like Uber.
  • If you're set on hiring a car, go for a smaller model - it'll be much easier to navigate the limited parking and narrow streets.
  • For those planning to ride the bus or tram multiple times, buy a booklet of tickets to get a discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nice famous for?

Nice is a city located on the southeast coast of France and is famous for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and historic Old Town with its charming narrow streets and colorful buildings. It's also widely renowned for its vibrant art scene, museums, and galleries, as well as its world-class cuisine and wine.


How many days do I need in Nice?

To explore the main attractions of Nice, including the Old Town, Promenade des Anglais, museums, and beaches, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. But, why rush the journey? A week in Nice would allow for more relaxed exploration and nearby day trips.


What is the best time to visit Nice?

The best time to visit Nice is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. July and August are peak tourist seasons with hot temperatures and crowded beaches, while winters are mild but can be rainy.


Is Nice expensive to visit?

Compared to some other popular tourist destinations in Europe, Nice can be considered slightly expensive. If you plan ahead and avoid the peak seasons, you can find affordable accommodation, food, and activities and on top of that you'll be dodging the massive crowds that flock there every year.


What are the most beautiful areas in Nice?

Nice has several beautiful areas to explore, including the charming Old Town, the scenic Promenade des Anglais, and the panoramic Castle Hill. Not to mention, the upscale Cimiez neighborhood and the hilly Mont Boron with its stunning villas and sea views are also worth a visit.


From the blog...