Flights from Wellington to Nice

Need to Know About Nice

If you are dreaming of experiencing the Mediterranean, Nice is the perfect place to do so. Located in the southeast of France, Nice is at the heart of the French Riviera, known to locals as the Côte d’Azur. The city centre of Nice is built along the Mediterranean Sea, making for some pretty amazing views. The beaches and sea are the main draw of the city, but there are so many exciting sides to Nice. The city is full of history, has beautiful French architecture, and has some of the best food you could imagine. Along with baguettes, wine, and traditional French pastries, Nice is known for its fresh fish and strong Italian influence. With its central location in the French Riviera, Nice is the perfect spot to base yourself during your holiday to the Côte d’Azur.

Many airlines offer cheap airfares to Nice from New Zealand. Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic, and Qantas offer hundreds of flights to Nice each week. Cheap flights to Nice are available from airports all across New Zealand, so you can be soaking up the beauty and culture of the French Riviera in no time.

When is the Best Time to Book Flights to Nice?

Since Nice is famous for its beaches and coastline, the city’s high season occurs in summer between May and August. During this time, weather is hot and sunny, and prices increase to accommodate the many tourists. If you aren’t looking to spend your days at the beach, you can score some amazing deals in winter. Temperatures are chilly, but there’s still plenty of sun to accompany your Mediterranean views. To experience great weather and great prices, book flights to Nice in April, September, or October. You can find deals on flights and hotels, and the weather is perfect. Some exciting holidays to experience in Nice include Bastille Day in July, Christmas festivities in December, and Carnival in February and March.

Travelling to Nice Airport

Nice Côte D’Azur Airport (NCE)

Nice Côte D’Azur Airport is situated just 6 km south of the city centre. Several public transport options are available from the airport to get you into Nice quickly and easily. The most affordable option is to catch a train one stop to Nice’s main station. The closest train station to the airport is Gare de Nice Saint-Augustin, which is a 1 km walk from the airport. Alternatively, you could catch a bus directly from the airport terminal into the city centre. The bus drives along the Promenade des Anglais, giving you a beautiful introduction to the city. The bus makes a couple stops along the Promenade des Anglais and terminates at Gare de Nice Ville, the city’s main train station.

What to do in Nice

Vieille Ville

This neighbourhood is Nice’s Old Town and is the most charming area in all of Nice. Vieille Ville is made up of narrow pedestrian roads lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes that will keep you coming back throughout your trip. The architecture throughout Vieille Ville is beautiful and quintessentially Mediterranean. Throughout your holiday, Vieille Ville is the place to go for delicious food and shops selling everything from souvenirs and clothing to wine and handmade pasta.

Promenade des Anglais

Running the length of Nice, this long street takes you past many of Nice’s best features. The entire road is alongside the sea, making for some beautiful views and beaches along the way. One of the most popular beaches to visit is Castel Plage, which is a beach club with lounges, a restaurant, and beautiful sea views. Promenade des Anglais will also take you past Place Massena, Vieille Ville, and ends by the scenic Nice Port.

Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill)

For the best view over Nice, head to the top of Colline du Chateau, which is located between Vieille Ville and Nice Port. You can ride a lift to the top or make the quick walk up 213 steps. From the top, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view over Nice, its beaches, and the Mediterranean. Along with the views, you can see a man-made waterfall and Belanda Tower on top of Colline du Chateau.

Explore the French Riviera

From Nice, you can easily catch the train to other cities and towns throughout the French Riviera. You can book trains for just a few euros each way. Cannes and Antibes are gorgeous coastal towns to explore, Eze is a medieval village in the mountains with great views of the Mediterranean, and Monaco is a small city that’s technically a separate country and is full of glitz and glamour.

Getting Around Nice

As a compact city, Nice is easy to explore on foot. You can walk almost anywhere in the city centre in less than 20 minutes. If you would like to catch public transport, Nice has a tramline that make stops throughout the city. The tram runs along Avenue Jean Médecin, which is the city’s main shopping street, and then continues past Vieille Ville and heads into the city’s hilly residential neighbourhoods. Another great way to experience Nice is by bicycle. Vélobleu bikes are available at 175 stations across the city. Ride bikes along the Promenade des Anglais and throughout the city, then return them to any of the Vélobleu stations when you are finished.