In the Old TownVieux Nice & Cours Saleya
Wander the ochre lanes of the Old Town, browse the flower and produce market on Cours Saleya, and try socca hot off the griddle.
Nice, France
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Nice
Nice is the capital of the Côte d'Azur — a walkable Mediterranean city where the pebble beaches of the Baie des Anges meet a maze of ochre lanes in Vieux Nice. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais, climb Castle Hill for the classic bay view, browse the flower and food stalls of the Cours Saleya, and use the city as a base for Monaco, Èze and Cannes — all a short train ride along the coast.
Nice, French RivieraClimate
Climate
20–28°C · sunny Mediterranean
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Mediterranean climate — hot dry summers around 27°C and mild winters that rarely drop below 10°C.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
1 CAD ≈ 0.68 EUR · cards accepted almost everywhere
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport, up to 90 days in the Schengen Area
Top Experiences in Nice
In the Old Town
On the seafrontPromenade des Anglais & Castle Hill
Walk the palm-lined Promenade along the Baie des Anges, then climb Colline du Château for the postcard view over the bay and rooftops.
Art & cultureMatisse, Chagall & MAMAC
See Matisse's work in leafy Cimiez, the Marc Chagall National Museum, and contemporary art at MAMAC near Place Garibaldi.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is required. It should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
Entry & visa: Canadians can enter France visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in France. Comprehensive travel medical insurance is strongly recommended.
Power & plugs: France uses 230V/50Hz with Type C and Type E plugs — bring a plug adapter and check that chargers are rated for 230V.
Time zone: Nice runs on Central European Time (CET/CEST) — six hours ahead of Toronto.
Best time to visit Nice
Apr – JunPeak season
Warm, sunny days and gardens in bloom before the summer crowds arrive.
Jul – AugHigh summer
Hottest and busiest, with packed beaches, festivals and the highest prices.
Sep – OctShoulder season
The sea is still warm, crowds thin out and value improves — a local favourite.
Nov – MarLow season
Mild and quiet with the lowest prices; some seaside venues scale back.
Where to stay
Nice neighbourhoods & districts
Nice is compact and walkable, so almost any central base puts you near the sea and the Old Town. Here's how the main neighbourhoods compare.
Vieux Nice
Old Town
A warren of ochre lanes, baroque churches and the Cours Saleya market — lively by day, buzzing with bars and restaurants at night.
Best for
- First-timers
- Foodies
- Nightlife
Carré d'Or
Golden Square
The smart shopping quarter between Place Masséna and the Promenade, home to designer boutiques and many of the city's best hotels.
Best for
- Couples
- Shopping
- Seafront access
Jean-Médecin
City centre
The main avenue and transport spine, with the tram, Nice-Ville station nearby and easy value for money a short walk from the beach.
Best for
- Value
- Getting around
- Day trips
Cimiez
Hillside north
A leafy residential hill of Belle Époque villas, Roman ruins and the Matisse Museum — calm and green, a short bus ride from the centre.
Best for
- Culture
- Peace & quiet
- Longer stays
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Nice
Nice is the perfect launch point for the Côte d'Azur. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or arranged from your hotel.
GlamourMonaco & Monte-Carlo
Half day · 4 hrs22 km east · 25 min by train
Visit the Prince's Palace, the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo and the harbour, then ride the coastal train back along the Riviera.
Insider tips
- Trains from Nice-Ville run every 30 min
- Smart dress needed for the casino
Hilltop VillageÈze Village & the Corniche
Half day · 4 hrs12 km east · 30 min by coach
Climb the medieval streets of Èze to the exotic garden for sweeping sea views, with a stop at a Riviera perfumery.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbles
- Best light for photos is morning
Riviera ClassicsCannes & Antibes
Full day · 7 hrs33 km southwest · 40 min by train
Stroll La Croisette in Cannes, then explore the old town and Picasso Museum of Antibes on a full day along the coast.
Insider tips
- Combine both by regional train
- Antibes market is best before noon
Art & VillagesSaint-Paul-de-Vence & Art Country
Half day · 5 hrs20 km northwest · 45 min by coach
Explore the walled hilltop village that drew Chagall and Matisse, its galleries, and the modern-art collection at the Fondation Maeght.
Insider tips
- Galleries close midday in winter
- Bring cash for small studios
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Good to know
Nice travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for France?
No. Canadian citizens can visit France visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, needing only a valid passport.
How long is the flight from Canada to Nice?
Seasonal direct flights are about 7h 45m from Toronto to Nice (NCE), with year-round one-stop options via European hubs like Paris and Frankfurt.
When is the best time to visit Nice?
April to June and September to October offer warm weather with fewer crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest; winter is mild and quiet.
Is Nice easy to get around?
Yes. The centre is very walkable, and the modern tram plus buses cover the rest. The coastal train links Nice to Monaco, Cannes and Antibes in under an hour.
What currency is used and are cards accepted?
France uses the euro (EUR). Contactless cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for markets and small cafés.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Canadian provincial health plans don't cover treatment in France, and comprehensive travel medical insurance protects you against costs.
Is English widely spoken in Nice?
French is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. A few French greetings are always appreciated.
Can I book day trips through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add excursions like Monaco & Monte-Carlo or Èze Village & the Corniche to your trip at checkout, or arrange them through your hotel.