Nice is located in the French Riviera in the picturesque region of the south of France, also known as the Cote d’Azur. Whether you prefer to travel on the speed rail or hop on one of the many affordable airlines, there are plenty of things to do and see in Nice’s many neighbouring cities.

The striking city of Monte Carlo can be seen in just a short day trip adventure. If you are visiting in the spring, the Cannes Film Festival is held in Cannes every year and is certainly worth the trip. And Nice itself is home to many music and art festivals as well. Nearly any time of year in Nice is time for a festival or carnival. The Nice Jazz Festival is one of the city’s most popular.

There are many squares in which to sit and relax while people watching. Place du Palais is the court district. Cours Salaya used to be known as the area where the more affluent would frequent. Place Rosetti, a pedestrian square with a fountain in the middle, is a local favourite for many when night falls. Definitely a must see! The architecture and history of Place Garibaldi and Place Massena are quite impressive as well. Many also prefer to sit in one of the various sidewalk cafés that also make for a great place to people watch while sipping on your café au lait.

The food in Nice is simply superb. This Mediterranean city takes full advantage of the seafood that is so plentiful just off their beautiful shores. If you are looking for a quick bite, a local favourite dish is the ever popular Niçoise Salad and Bouillabaisse. Bouillabaisse is a French style rustic stew made with various sea foods such as shrimp, mussels and calamari in a tomato base. This is usually served with baguette. Niçoise salad includes olives and boiled eggs topped with seared rare tuna on a bed of tomato and green pepper. This is another must try while you are here.

Other spectacular sights you won’t want to miss while visiting this beautiful land are The Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral with its ostentatious structure and the Hotel Negresco, a lavish hotel built in 1912 and located on the Promenade des Anglais. A romantic walk along the Promenade des Anglais at night is unforgettable with the streetlights shining over the calm water’s edge. There are many boat rental shops available to see the city line from the water which you will find as you walk along the sandy beaches of the French Riviera.

Rent a bicycle to see the beautiful scenery Nice has to offer. Cycling is a great way to get your daily dose of exercise while on vacation without actually feeling like you are working out. And of course there are the old thermal baths, Roman roads and arenas which have been excavated near the Hill of Cimiez which was once a Roman city.

In Nice you will enjoy a full range of accommodation options including the finest of five star hotels and more budget-friendly economical lodgings. Regardless of where you stay in Nice, you will experience the exquisite service and hospitality that France is renowned for. The Euro is the official currency. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. ATMs are available everywhere. In general, the climate in Nice is a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate in the summer months with temperatures from 20°C to 30°C. During the winter the temperatures dip to a bearable, mild 10°C to 17°C. Nice Côte D'Azur (NCE) is located 6km from the city centre. This is France's second busiest airport. France operates at 230 V, 50 Hz. Type E and C plugs may be found on some appliances, and will fit the Type E outlet. Type C outlets may be found in older buildings. Type A may be found in older buildings but is illegal. The official language spoken in Nice is French. A typical flight between Toronto or Montreal and Nice would have a flying time of about 7 1/2 hours. A flight from Vancouver or Calgary would take 10 3/4 hours. Consulate of Canada

Address: 10 rue Lamartine
06000 Nice

Tel: 04.93.92.93.22
Fax: 04.93.92.55.51

Email: canada-nice@amb-canada.fr
Hours: 9:00 am-11:30 am, Monday to Friday GMT+1 (GMT+2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Other than a couple of weeks where Daylight Saving dates differ, Nice is six hours ahead of Montréal and Toronto, eight ahead of Calgary, and nine ahead of Vancouver.