Where to Stay?
Nice — The Best Base Camp
Nice is the best base for the Côte d'Azur: centrally located, excellently connected by train, with an airport on the doorstep and the widest range of accommodations in all price categories. From here, you can easily reach Monaco (20 min.), Cannes (35 min.), Antibes (25 min.), and Menton (35 min.) by train.
- Old Town (Vieux Nice): Most atmospheric — winding alleys, market on the doorstep. Can be noisy at night. From 80€ double room.
- Promenade / Carré d'Or: Elegant, close to the beach and museums. More expensive: from 120€ double room.
- Port / Garibaldi: Up-and-coming district, authentic, good restaurants. From 70€ double room.
- Cimiez: Quiet, near Matisse and Chagall, but further from the beach. From 60€ double room.
Alternatives to Nice
- Antibes: More charming, quieter, family-friendly than Nice. Sandy beaches. From 70€ double room.
- Menton: The quietest and cheapest. Ideal for those seeking relaxation. From 55€ double room.
- Cannes: More glamorous, but more expensive. In summer from 150€ double room.
- Monaco: Extremely expensive (from 200€ double room). Only if budget is not a concern.
💡 Tipp
Book on the Côte d'Azur as early as possible — especially for May (Film Festival), July/August (high season), and February (Carnival). Outside these times, you can find good hotels in Nice from 60€/night. Holiday apartments in the hinterland (Grasse, Vence, Mougins) are significantly cheaper than on the coast.