Car Hire Nice
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Nice Geography/Overview
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Nice is the major city of the well known French Riviera. It is very easy and quick to go to the Alps, Provence, Corsica and Italy from Nice. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its mild and sunny weather almost all year-round and also because of its attractions. From the narrow streets of the old town and the famous "Promenade des Anglais" to the heart of the city with its architectural and cultural heritage, "Nizza la Bella" has something for absolutely everybody!
Nice History
Nice is a very old lady indeed... You will be able to view some of the earliest examples of human habitation in Nice in the museum Terra Amata. But Nice, initially called Nikaia ("giver of victory"), was founded around 350 BC by the Greeks.
In the 7th century Nice joined the Genoese League formed by the towns of Liguria. From this date the city belonged successively to France and Italy until 1860 when Napoleon III and Victor-Emmanuel II, King of Sardinia, agreed that Nice would be handed over to France once and for all.
During 18th and 19th centuries, Nice was the playground of the rich and famous and is now attracting a multitude of travellers from all over the world.
Car Hire Nice
The best way to discover the great French Riviera region is by car. Car Hire with Auto Reservation Plus is cheap and affordable making it easy to travel in and around Nice.
From Monaco to St Tropez and via Cannes you will be able to enjoy the scenic views of coast. This Cheap Car Rental will also allow you to go to the Southern Alps for skiing in only one hour. Either with cheap car rental or with Luxury Car Hire, you won't miss, any of these small and beautiful villages, nestled in the hinterland such as Menton, St Paul de Vence and Grasse - the perfume capital of the world.
Practical Information about Nice
Getting to Nice
By Plane
The Nice Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the second largest in France. It is located at the very beginning of the "Promenade des Anglais" and only 3 miles from the city centre. Ensure that you take a window seat so you can enjoy the beautiful views of the coast and sea when landing.
By Train
Gare Nice-Ville is the main station for all trains coming to and from Nice. La SNCF (French National Railway Company) provides 11 regular connections from Europe and 20 daily connections to the largest cities in France. The T.G.V. (high-speed train) links Paris to Nice in 6 1/2 hours.
By Bus
Most buses pull into the Gare Routiere station in the town centre. Some local bus companies provide frequent travel through the French Riviera direct to destinations such as Genoa, Cannes, Antibes, Marseille and St Tropez. Eurolines however, do not provide many routes between Nice and other European cities.
By Sea
The port of Nice is situated in the heart of the city. Two ferry companies - Corsica Sardinia Ferries and SNCM Ferries - travel between Nice and Corsica. This is certainly one of the best ways to discover the Mediterranean Sea and Corsica.
Nice Tourist Information
There are three tourist information offices in Nice:
- 5, Promenade des Anglais
- Nice Cote d'Azur Airport- Terminal 1
- Avenue Thiers (Main Railway station)
Nice places/events not to be missed
Walk along the seafront on the Promenade des Anglais towards the Place Massena and discover the elegant buildings of the heart of the city. Do not miss the Museum of Contemporary and Modern Art which makes the relation between the New European Realism and the American avant-garde.
From there you will be able to go for a little walk in the narrow streets of the old town with a local speciality»pissaladiere (onion pizza), socca or enjoy a salade ni»oise and the flower market on the Cours Saleya.
Cultural life in Nice is also very interesting, have a look at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral near the train station (Gare Nice Ville) and visit the Chagall, Picasso (Antibes) and Matisse museums to admire typical French and Provencal paints.
Nice Annual Events
February: CARNIVAL (not to be missed!) and flower processions
March: The end of the Paris to Nice Cycle Race (Promenade des Anglais)
Festin des Cougourdons. This is a traditional festival taking place every spring with local folklore and decorated "cougourdons"
May: Cannes film festival; Monaco Grand Prix
June: Fete de la Musique, free concerts throughout the city
July: Nice Jazz Festival (in Cimiez)
Bastille Day Celebration (14/07), Fireworks Promenade des Anglais
September: F»te du patrimoine (heritage days)
December: Christmas Village: located in the city centre of Nice and many small villages around, it offers many stands with local arts and crafts, for original gift ideas.
Bain de No»l - Christmas dip in the Baie des Anges!
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