A Visitor’s Guide to Nice

Nice is a famous tourist destination in southern France, on the coast of the Mediterranean, near where France meets Italy. The history of Nice goes back hundreds of millennium, as there is archaeological evidence to show that Nice was one of the earliest points of civilization in Europe. In its long history, the city of Nice has suffered and recovered from attacks made by various powerful states in a bid to control it. Nice is now a part of France.

The population of Nice is about 2 million, spread out within its area of about 70 kilometers, resulting in a population density of about 5,000 people per square kilometer. Thus, Nice is considered quite a densely populated city because, although its population of about 2 million is relatively small compared to many other cities, its total area is also relatively smaller. Nice’s population makes it the fifth largest city in France.

Nice is an important tourist destination, being only second to Paris in terms of tourist arrivals. It has one of the friendliest climates in Europe, which is a factor that draws hordes of visitors to the city each year. Indeed, since ancient times, rich Europeans have tended to flock to Nice to spend the winter there. The coldest temperatures in Nice arrive between December and February. Averaging 6 degrees Celsius, Nice’s winter is rather ‘warm’ for a European winter.

Likewise, summers in Nice can rather hot, running up to an average of 28 degrees Celsius in August. For most of the year though, the climate of Nice is rather friendly. The city also has some remarkable architectural features which draw many tourists. The city has managed to preserve most of its long history, and thus Nice’s main museums are remarkable places to visit.

Travel to Nice France should be easy. The city is home to Nice Cote d’Azur Airport, one of France’s most important airports, from where many international and local airlines operate regular flights. Nice is also accessible by rail – through its high-speed rail connection - and by road as well, if you are coming from Europe. There is also a ferry service, which connects Nice to St Tropez, Monaco, San Remo, La Corniche d’Or and Corcisa.

Nice is also one of the major ports where Mediterranean cruises ship make a stop. Getting around the city should also be effortless, with its well developed public transport system made up of buses and trains. Additionally, Nice boasts of a well developed tourism infrastructure – with hotels to accommodate tourist of almost any budget.