The short version
- The fastest TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon takes 5 hours 42 minutes, and most trips take about 7. A flight is about an hour and a half.
- Tram line 2 runs from both airport terminals to the center and the port. A single ticket in town is €1.70.
- The old town, the Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna and the port are all close enough to walk between.
- The Matisse and Chagall museums are both closed on Tuesday. The Musée Matisse is €10, or €15 for a four-day pass to the city museums.
- The flower market on the Cours Saleya runs Tuesday to Sunday. On Monday the same square is an antiques market, 7:00 to 18:00.
- Late May, June and September give you a warm sea without the August crowds. Carnival runs February 9 to 28, 2027.
What to see
Start in the old town, Vieux Nice: tall ochre houses, narrow streets and the Cours Saleya market between the seafront and Castle Hill. Go in the morning for the market, and have socca, the chickpea pancake, for lunch.
Walk the Promenade des Anglais along the Baie des Anges. The beaches are pebbles, not sand. The public stretches are free, and the private beach clubs rent loungers by the day.
Climb Castle Hill, the Colline du Château, for the view over the bay and the port from 92 meters up. The park is free and open every day from 8:30, until 20:00 in summer and 18:00 in winter.
Take a bus up to Cimiez for the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall, both closed on Tuesday. The Chagall is €10, €12 during exhibitions, and free on the first Sunday of the month. The MAMAC, the modern art museum, is closed for renovation until 2028.
Getting there and around
The TGV leaves Paris Gare de Lyon and arrives at Nice-Ville, within walking distance of Place Masséna. There are about 14 trains a day, some direct and some with a change. Fares start at €19 on OUIGO and €25 on TGV INOUI when booked early.
Flights from Orly and Charles de Gaulle land at Nice Côte d’Azur airport, west of the center. Take tram line 2 into town; the airport return ticket is €10.
In town, you walk. Tram line 1 runs through Place Masséna and stops near the train station, and the buses go up to Cimiez.
Trains along the coast from Nice-Ville stop at Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco and Menton, so you can take day trips without a car. Our Riviera villages page has the fares and times.
When to go
July and August are hot and crowded, and the beaches fill by late morning. Book your hotel early if you have to go then.
Late May, June, September and early October are the best months. The sea is warm enough to swim, and the restaurants still have tables.
Winter is mild and quiet, and the museums and markets keep going. Carnival takes over the city from February 9 to 28, 2027, with parades and flower battles along the seafront.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the train from Paris to Nice?
The fastest TGV takes 5 hours 42 minutes from Paris Gare de Lyon, and most trips take about 7 hours. A flight is about an hour and a half, but add the trip to the airport and security. The train runs center to center.
How many days do you need in Nice?
Two days covers the old town, the seafront, Castle Hill and a museum. Stay four if you want day trips to Villefranche, Monaco or Menton by train.
Are the beaches in Nice sandy?
No. They are pebble beaches all along the Promenade des Anglais. The public stretches are free; the private beach clubs rent loungers and umbrellas.
Is Nice worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you want the city rather than the beach. It is mild, the museums and markets are open, and hotels cost less. Carnival fills the city in February.
Can I combine Nice with Paris?
Yes, and most people do: a few days in Paris, then the TGV south. Spend one of the Paris days with us. Our private Paris in a Day covers the Louvre, Montmartre and Notre-Dame in eight hours with a driver-guide.
Our Most Popular Day Trips From Paris
Louvre, Montmartre and Notre Dame in eight hours with a private driver-guide.
