Holiday rentals and lettings in Nice (France)

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Nice?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Nice: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Nice: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Nice?

• Choice of accommodation: From Old Town apartments to villas with pools in the hills, Nice suits couples, families and larger groups.
• Where to stay: Vieux Nice for atmosphere, the Promenade des Anglais for the seafront, or Cimiez for calm and museums.
• What guests love: Over 300 days of sunshine, a pebbly Mediterranean shoreline, and world-class art and food on the doorstep.
• Best time to visit: Summer for the beaches, spring and autumn for sightseeing, and quieter, milder winters.
• Things to do: Wander the Old Town and flower market, stroll the Promenade des Anglais and tour the Matisse and Chagall museums.

Nice offers holiday lettings for every kind of trip, from cosy one- and two-bedroom apartments with balconies in the historic quarter to luxurious villas and mansions for large groups, and characterful B&Bs. Many enjoy panoramic views of the sea or the surrounding countryside, and there is something to suit couples, families and friends alike. Whether you want to be steps from the beach or tucked away in the hills, there is a self-catering base to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Air conditioning for warm Riviera summers
• A balcony or terrace for al fresco breakfasts
• A garden and pool at many of the larger villas
• Wi-Fi and a TV for comfortable longer stays
• Parking, a real bonus in a busy city

Wherever you base yourself, the beach and the Old Town are rarely far away.

What are the best areas to stay in Nice?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: Vieux Nice is best for atmosphere, while the Promenade suits beach days. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Nice through Holidu often highlight the sunshine, the ease of walking from the Old Town to the beach, and how well placed the city is for exploring the wider Riviera. Many mention the food, the markets and the world-class museums, and return for the rare mix of city life, seaside and Mediterranean glamour that Nice offers.

Capital of the Côte d'Azur, Nice sits on France's sun-drenched Mediterranean coast between the mountains and the sea. Blessed with over 300 sunny days a year, it pairs a beautiful Old Town with the famous Promenade des Anglais, grand architecture and outstanding museums. Vibrant yet relaxed, it makes a superb base for a holiday on the French Riviera.

✈️What is the best way to get to Nice?

Most visitors arrive by plane or train, then get around easily on foot and by tram. Here are the most common ways to get to the city:

• By plane: Nice Côte d'Azur is France's third-busiest airport, with direct flights from across the UK and Europe taking around two hours. It sits just west of the centre, and a quick tram ride or taxi brings you straight to the seafront and Old Town.
• By train: Nice-Ville station is on France's high-speed network, with scenic coastal connections to Cannes, Antibes and Monaco in under an hour. The train is a relaxed way to arrive and the perfect way to hop between the Riviera's towns without a car.

🥗Where to eat in Nice?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, La Petite Maison is one of the best rated restaurants in Nice. Below is a table showing top highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Charlotte recommends Bistrot d'Antoine in the Old Town: a bustling, classic French bistro serving generous Niçoise dishes and daily blackboard specials.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the warmest weather and liveliest beaches, while spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing in comfort. Winter is mild and quiet, a lovely time for museums, markets and coastal walks.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Beaches, festivals and warm evenings
• Weather: Hot and sunny, with warm Mediterranean water
• Atmosphere: Busy, glamorous and full of life

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Sightseeing, museums and gentler beach days
• Weather: Warm and pleasant, with fewer crowds
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with easier availability

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Culture, markets and quiet coastal walks
• Weather: Mild for the time of year, with bright days
• Atmosphere: Peaceful and authentic, away from the crowds

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Nice hosts recommend starting the day with a socca and a coffee at the Cours Saleya market before the crowds arrive, then heading up Castle Hill for the best view over the red rooftops and the Baie des Anges. Ask your host for their favourite hidden Old Town bistro too.

1. Wander Vieux Nice and the flower market
2. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais
3. Tour the Matisse and Chagall museums
4. Climb Castle Hill for the views
5. Take a Riviera day trip

1. Wander Vieux Nice and the flower market

   Vieux Nice, the atmospheric Old Town, is a maze of narrow lanes, ochre facades, galleries and cafés. At its heart, the Cours Saleya flower market fills the air with colour and fragrance every day except Monday, alongside stalls of local produce, olive oil and seafood. Take a free guided walking tour or simply lose yourself in the alleys, stopping for a socca or an ice cream along the way.

2. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais

   The Promenade des Anglais sweeps for four kilometres along the seafront, named after the wealthy English visitors who once strolled here with their parasols. Walk, cycle or simply people-watch from a bench, pausing for a swim off the pebble beach or a drink at a chic beach bar. With the blue Baie des Anges on one side and grand Belle Époque buildings on the other, it is the essence of Nice.

3. Tour the Matisse and Chagall museums

   Nice's extraordinary light drew generations of artists, and the city's museums are a joy. The Matisse Museum in leafy Cimiez holds one of the world's largest collections of his work, while the nearby Chagall Museum showcases his luminous biblical series. Between them they capture why Picasso, Renoir and so many others fell for the Riviera, and both are an easy bus ride from the centre.

4. Climb Castle Hill for the views

   Castle Hill (Colline du Château) rises above the Old Town and rewards the short climb with the finest view in Nice, out over the red rooftops, the port and the sweeping bay. There is no castle left today, but shady gardens, a waterfall and plenty of benches make it a lovely spot for a picnic. A lift saves your legs if you would rather not tackle the steps.

5. Take a Riviera day trip

   Nice is the perfect base for exploring the Côte d'Azur. Hop on the coastal train to glamorous Cannes, the ramparts of Antibes or the principality of Monaco, or head inland to the hilltop village of St-Paul-de-Vence. The Italian border is only 20 minutes away, putting San Remo within reach too. With so much on the doorstep, it is easy to fill a fortnight.