where to stay in nice

Where to Stay in Nice France: A Guide to the Best Areas and Hotels

Bonjour and welcome to Nice, the sparkling gem of the French Riviera! As I’m getting ready to go to TBEX (a travel creator conference) at the end of the month– I decided to spend the last three days in the French Riviera, Nice before heading back home. Upon doing research for my trip– I figured I write this article to help those of you wanting to know what we all want to know– where is the best area to stay in Nice France?

If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting city, you’re in for a treat. Strolling along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, getting lost in the colorful alleys of Vieux Nice, and indulging in world-class cuisine are just a few of the delights.

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Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/where-to-stay-in-nice-france/

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But before you can soak up all that Nice has to offer, you need to decide where to stay. Not to worry though – I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide on the best places to stay in Nice.

where to stay in nice

Where to Stay in Nice France & Best Hotels in nice france

No Time To Read All? Here’s a Quick Highlight

If you’re short on time, here’s a snapshot of our top picks for where to stay in Nice:

  • For sightseeing and first-time visitors: Vieux-Nice (Old Town) (Where I stayed!) 
  • For beaches and families: Carré d’Or & Promenade des Anglais
  • For art and culture: Cimiez
  • For shopping: Jean-Médecin & Carré d’Or
  • For nightlife: Vieux-Nice, Le Port & Carré d’Or
  • On a budget: Gambetta-Fleurs

Now, let’s explore each area in more depth, including some fabulous hotel and apartment recommendations.

Best Nice France hotels & Nice accommodation 

Hotel NameLocation
Palais Saleya Boutique hôtelVieux-Nice
Hôtel Nice Beau RivageVieux-Nice
Hôtel RossettiVieux-Nice
Le NegrescoCarré d’Or
Anantara Plaza NiceCarré d’Or
Hyatt Regency Palais de la MéditerranéeCarré d’Or
Le Dortoir Boutique SuitesCarré d’Or
Ibis Styles Nice Vieux PortLe Port
Hôtel Le Saint PaulLe Port
NH NiceCimiez
Best Western Hôtel Lakmi NiceJean-Médecin
Arome HotelJean-Médecin
Hotel du CentreJean-Médecin
AC Hotel Nice by MarriottGambetta-Fleurs
Hôtel Amour NiceGambetta-Fleurs
Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor HugoGambetta-Fleurs

Best area to stay in nice france 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Nice France and which areas are best, here’s a more detailed breakdown of each area in Nice and my recommended hotels in Nice France.

Vieux-Nice (Old Town)

 Vieux-Nice, the enchanting historic heart of the city, is hands-down the best area to stay for sightseeing and soaking up the quintessential Nice charm. Its labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, colorful Baroque buildings, lively squares and markets make it a delight to explore.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/where-to-stay-in-nice-france/

Top attractions in Old Town nice:

  • Cours Saleya Market: A bustling flower and produce market that transforms into a lively night market
  • Palais Lascaris: An opulent 17th-century baroque palace, now a museum
  • Place Rossetti: A vibrant square with al fresco cafes in the shadow of the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
  • Castle Hill: Climb up for panoramic views over the red-tiled roofs of Nice

The Quai des États-Unis, with its famous blue chairs lining the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges, fringes the southern edge of Vieux-Nice. This scenic promenade is home to some of the best public and private beaches in Nice.

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Where to Stay in Nice france for first time: Vieux-Nice 

Helpful Tip: Vieux-Nice gets very lively in the evenings, so if you’re a light sleeper, request a room facing away from the main squares.

Carré d’Or & Promenade des Anglais 

Vieux-Nice
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For those dreaming of balmy beach days and scenic strolls along one of Europe’s most iconic waterfronts, the Carré d’Or and Promenade des Anglais area is the place to stay. The “Golden Square” is Nice’s most prestigious neighborhood, known for its Belle Époque architecture, high-end hotels and chic boutiques.

Lining the Baie des Anges are pebbly public beaches and private beach clubs where you can rent sun loungers and enjoy waterfront dining. Kids will love splashing around at the beach and playgrounds along the Promenade.

The area offers plenty to explore beyond the beach too:

  • Villa Masséna Museum: Learn about Nice’s history in a sumptuous 19th-century villa
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts: Fine arts museum housed in a magnificent Belle Époque mansion
  • Albert I Garden: Lush gardens with Roman ruins and a playground
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Where to Stay in Carré d’Or & Promenade des Anglais: Hotel in nice france by the beach

Helpful Tip: Prices tend to be highest along the Promenade, but you can still find some well-priced gems tucked along the side streets.

Le Port East of Vieux-Nice

 the trendy Le Port district offers a glimpse into local Nice life. Pastel-hued Italianate buildings housing restaurants, cafes and one-of-a-kind boutiques line the picturesque port, where luxury yachts bob next to fishing boats. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and people-watching.

Must-sees in Le Port include:

  • Place Garibaldi: Majestic square with arcaded buildings and the Chapelle du Saint-Sépulcre
  • Notre-Dame-du-Port: Neoclassical church with a richly decorated interior
  • Les Puces de Nice: Nice’s famous flea market selling antiques, bric-a-brac and local crafts
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Where to Stay in Le Port: Best Nice hotels 

Helpful Tip: Ferries to other French Riviera towns like Cannes, Monaco and St. Tropez depart from Nice’s port, making it a handy base for day trips.

Cimiez Perched on a hill overlooking Nice, Cimiez is a tranquil residential area steeped in history. It was once the site of a grand Roman city and later a favorite vacation spot for Queen Victoria. Today, it’s known for its world-class museums nestled amidst olive groves and elegant Belle Époque architecture.

Key attractions in Le Port include:

  • Musee Matisse: Museum dedicated to the work of artist Henri Matisse who lived in Nice
  • Musée Marc Chagall: Features the largest collection of works by Marc Chagall
  • Archeological Museum of Nice-Cimiez: Roman ruins and artifacts displayed in an olive grove
  • Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez: Franciscan monastery with serene gardens and a church with 15th-century frescoes

Where to Stay in Cimiez Nice France:

  • Mid-Range: NH Nice
  • Apartment: Sunny State of Mind

Jean-Médecin Nice France

Cutting through central Nice is the Avenue Jean-Médecin, the city’s main shopping thoroughfare. International chains, French department stores like Galeries Lafayette, and cafes line the avenue, but the real star is the awe-inspiring Place Masséna. This sprawling square with its checkerboard tiles, fountain and palm trees is Nice’s beating heart.

Just off Place Masséna is the lush Promenade du Paillon park with its famous mirror fountain – a hit with kids on hot summer days. For more green space and epic city views, head up to Castle Hill.

Where to Stay near Jean-Médecin:

Helpful Tip: Tram lines run the length of Avenue Jean-Médecin, making it easy to zip around the city.

Gambetta-Fleurs: where to stay in nice on a budget

Budget-conscious travelers should consider staying in the more residential Gambetta-Fleurs neighborhood. While a bit further from the main attractions, it’s just a short walk or tram ride away. You’ll find an authentic slice of Nice life here, with locally-owned shops, bakeries and restaurants.

The district also has some architectural gems, with Art Nouveau and Belle Epoque mansions lining the boulevards. And of course, the beach is never far in Nice – the Promenade des Anglais with its public beaches borders Gambetta-Fleurs to the south.

Where to Stay in Gambetta-Fleurs:

Helpful Tip: Place Magenta, just off the Promenade, has some lively bars and restaurants for evening entertainment close to “home”.

FAQ On Where To Stay In Nice

What area is best to stay in Nice France?

he best Nice neighborhood for you really depends on your interests and budget. Vieux-Nice is perfect for sightseeing and soaking up history, while the Carré d’Or is ideal for beach lovers and luxury travelers. Cimiez is great for art and culture, and Gambetta offers value for money. You can’t go wrong with any of them!

Is Nice a walkable city?

Absolutely! Most of Nice’s attractions are concentrated in the city center and along the coast, so it’s easy to explore on foot. The only exception is Cimiez, but it’s just a short bus or taxi ride from the center.

How many nights should I stay in Nice?

I recommend at least three nights to explore the highlights of Nice itself. But if you want to take day trips to other French Riviera hot spots like Cannes, Monaco or Saint Paul de Vence, plan for four to five nights.

Is Nice safe at night?

Nice is generally a safe city, but as with any tourist destination, stay vigilant especially at night around the train station and in northern parts of the city. Stick to well-lit, busy areas and take normal precautions with valuables.

Voila! With this guide in hand, you’re ready to choose your ideal base for exploring the wonders of Nice. Whether you prefer the charming cobblestoned alleys of Vieux-Nice, the grand boulevards of Carré d’Or, or the artistic haven of Cimiez, Nice has a neighborhood and hotel perfect for you.

All that’s left is to book your stay and start savoring all the delights this French Riviera gem has to offer. Bon voyage!

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