Aerial view of a beach in Nice, France
KISS THE FRENCH RIVIERA

Cruise to Nice (Villefranche), France

Although originally called "Nakaia," France's Nice is as delightful as its name suggests to English speakers. Take a bus or taxi into Nice's Old City to explore its history-spanning architecture and pristine French Riviera beaches with your Nice cruise. Or stick closer to Villefranche-sur-Mer, where your ship will dock, and take a day-trip to the mountaintop town of Eze. No matter how you spend your time in the de facto hub of France's Cote d'Azur, you'll enjoy the added benefit of being close to Italy, which means delectable pizza, fragrant espresso and the sounds of a second Romance language.
National Language French
Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Nice (Villefranche)

Eaves crashing on a beach in Nice, France

Hit the Beach

Eaves crashing on a beach in Nice, France

Eaves crashing on a beach in Nice, France

Hit the Beach

Not surprisingly, Nice is a great place for a day at the beach. Sun yourself at Beau Rivage along the Promenade des Anglais, where Nice's chic locals come to see and be seen, or walk a few minutes east or west or Villafranche-sur-Mer to find a quiet spot for a swim closer to the ship. The pristine Mediterranean waters instantly reveal why this place is known as France's Cote d'Azur — the Azure Coast.

The Matisse Museum in Nice, France

Go Back in Time

The Matisse Museum in Nice, France

The Matisse Museum in Nice, France

Go Back in Time

Stroll the streets of Nice's Vieille Ville to take a trip back in time. Visit monuments such as the Baroque-era Palais Lascaris and the city's 19th-century Russian Orthodox cathedral, or explore the bevy of museums — don't miss the one dedicated to Nice's prodigal son, artist Henri Matisse. You'll find Nice is more than just a pretty face.

A cliffside botanical garden in Nice, France
A cliffside botanical garden in Nice, France

View From Above

Take a day-trip to see a little more of France's Cote d'Azur. A particularly popular option is Eze, which is less than a half-hour away from Villefrance-sur-Mer by public bus. Cruise to Nice and walk from the main town up to its mountaintop fortress, which provides a priceless panorama of the entire French Riviera.

A Nicoise salad on a white and blue plate
A Nicoise salad on a white and blue plate

Local Cuisine

Nice is home to the popular salade nicoise, but the culinary delights here transcend cold starters. Stop at a street vendor and order a crispy socca chickpea pancake, or enjoy la daube nicoise, a slow-cooked beef stew soaked in rich red wine and served with tender gnocchi. You'll find some of the best eateries in the heart of the Vieille Ville with your Nice cruise.

An assortment of scented soaps in wooden crates for sale in France
An assortment of scented soaps in wooden crates for sale in France

Shopping

Bring the flavors of Nice along with you after a stop Galleries Lafayette Gourmand, which also offers a wide selection of fines wines from France's nearby Provence region. Shop for postcards, keychains and other local kitsch at Coqueto, hunt down high-end Southern French soaps, or take in the fresh scent of Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, one of France's largest outdoor flower markets.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Many of Nice's city beaches are rocky. Consider laying out on a couple thick towels, instead of your usual beach blanket.
2 While Nice is politically part of France, it has a long and proud Italian history as well. Don't be surprised if you hear Italian being spoken — and don't by shy to practice yours!

My Personas

code: