Nice Luxury Yacht Charter Destination Guide
Nice Charter Destination Guide - Chartering a Luxury Yacht from Nice
About Nice | Things to do | Local Guidance | Events | Points of interest | Map | Charter Types
About Nice
If you are chartering in the French Riviera, you are most likely to fly into the international airport in Nice, allowing easy access to numerous locations along the coastline to board your yacht. Nice is a hub for activities including art, theatre, nightlife and shopping. There will never be a dull moment when visiting Nice as there are endless events and entertainment options, not to mention it is in the centre of the Riviera allowing easy access to the glamorous nearby towns of Cannes, Monaco or Antibes!
Top Things to Do in Nice
Promenade des Anglais: A Victorian infrastructure and easily the most famous promenade in the world, the Promenade des Anglais is as fantastic as described by friends, newspapers and locals. The long, flat stretch runs parallel to the ocean and the town, providing an ideal spot to walk, run, cycle, or rollerblade for miles! You can't deny the Miami-like atmosphere as you people-watch beneath towering palm trees.
Hotel Negresco: Hotel Negresco is an iconic building, which you can’t miss due to the pink dome prominently staring out at the bay. Boasting two Michelin stars and gastronomy ‘inspired by the Provence’, it is clear why this restaurant attracts the elite clientele and is the most desirable hotel and restaurant in the city. The meals are inventive, showing true French style and class, and the cuisine respects the traditions of the country. Being sandwiched between the sea and the old town of Nice you can experience the best of both here, perfect for your final dinner as it is close to the airport!
Cours Saleya Market (Vieille Ville): The old town of a city is often the most enchanting and cultural, this is also true for Nice. The terracotta rooftops, colourful shutters and small, winding alleyways are merely a few contributors to the charm of Vieille Ville. This is where the fantastic restaurants are, impressive ice cream stores and socca stalls. Socca is the local delicacy of Nice, it is a chickpea pancake! Rich in culture, and local colours you will discover Sainte Reparate Cathedral, Fennochio and La Cours Saleya. The vibrant Marché aux Fleurs (flower market) and the Marché aux Fruits et Légumes (fruit and vegetable market) are held every day except Monday, when the Marché a la Brocante (Flea/Antiques Market) takes place. These outdoor markets are the backbone of Mediterranean lifestyle!
The Château: This attraction is not a château, but a park towering above the old town, with panoramic views of the beach, port and city! It is well worth a visit so you can have a bird's eye view, take fantastic pictures and experience the stunning surroundings. You can either take the lift, or, for the more active, there are stairs which spiral up the cliff so you can admire the view at a variety of levels / angles (whichever you would prefer!) When you reach the top there is a cafe, park, waterfall and play area; it's a great place to relax, socialise and absorb the city's sights.
Local Guidance
Nice is a city brimming with delicious, authentic and undiscovered restaurants! There is also an energetic nightlife due to the nearby University; so the city boasts cocktail bars, pubs and some clubs.
Top 10 French Riviera Restaurants
Restaurants
Rossettisserie: A popular, petite and family run restaurant in the heart of the old town. This is one for the meat lovers, as the meat is bought and cooked on the day you dine. You have the options of 4 meats, paired with roasted vegetables or potatoes. The food quality is consistent and delicious, and the service is friendly and warm.
Chez Palmyre: You can tell a restaurant is good if it is in high demand, and with the struggle to get a reservation all year round it is a clear sign that Chez Palmyre is maintaining their top reputation. Possibly one of the few remaining traditional Bistros of Nice, with a three-course meal for 17 euros but at a Michelin star quality!
Bars: Depending on what you're looking for, Nice has a variety of different style bars. For example if you are in the mood for a sunset drink on a rooftop balcony, then the Radisson Blu sky bar will do just the trick. Imagine looking out over gorgeous views of the promenade, as you sip a sundowner in the warmth. If you want a more upbeat venue, Mikados does great cocktails and is always busy! If you want to dance the night away with a young crowd, then Wayne's is calling you from the midst of the old town!
Beach Clubs: Beach clubs is certainly not something Nice is short of during the summer periods! Roughly every 200m there will be a new beach club on the promenade, so you are spoilt for choice! They are all similar in terms of pricing but offer a variety of services and atmosphere. For example if you are looking for a quirky vibe then Hi beach club is ideal, or for a more civilised day on the beach we recommend Beau Rivage.
Events
Being a major French city with many facilities, Nice often hosts major events and it may be worth coinciding your charter with something of interest to you, so remember to check the calendar! These events present great opportunities to reward employees or entertain clients.
Corporate Events and Entertainment Charters
Christmas Markets: It is worth mentioning Nice makes a spectacular effort over Christmas; there are markets in most towns along the French Riviera, but Nice goes the extra mile boasting a Ferris wheel, large market, LED castle, and impressive decor. Drink prosecco and eat mussels in Place Masséna, this is how Nice do Christmas rather than mulled wine and sausages! In the winter months, you can head to the ski slopes for just 4 euros on the bus, for an hour journey. Nice is one of the only places where you can sit on the beach and ski on the slopes in the same day!
Nice Carnival: Hosted in mid-February, this spectacular show draws the crowds to witness the extremely impressive floats on display. The procession has 18 floats that head to up to the Place Masséna for celebrations involving global dancers and musicians...
Points of Interest
Cannes: Cannes is one of the most vibrant and glamorous places to be on the French Riviera. Its name immediately evokes images of high French Riviera style such as the stars during the Cannes Film Festival, famous hotels including the Carlton, Majestic and Martinez, and the palm lined Croisette bordering the Mediterranean. Not to mention the gorgeous yachts that are always to be found there, and make the atmosphere even more exclusive and special.
Antibes:This town is heavily influenced by the yachting industry, as many key yachts and Boat Brokerages are based there, and 'yachties' fill the port and the bars. However, Antibes still has much to offer such as the Picasso museum, sandy beaches and town squares!
Monaco: This principality is encircled by France on three sides and backed by impressive cliffs and foothills leading to the Alps. Monaco and its famous gambling town of Monte Carlo has gained worldwide fame for its Casino, Formula 1 Grand Prix Race, rich and famous Residents (living there due to its liberal tax laws), and of course the yachts!
Map
Villefranche: Villefranche is just opposite Cap Ferrat, the most famous 'cap' on the French Riviera, and home to many of the most exclusive villas in the world.
Eze: It is a medieval village precariously perched on a rocky peak, overlooking the Mediterranean sea and dominated by a magnificent castle that dates back to the 12th century. With its narrow streets, red-brick roadways and boutique shops, Eze truly captures the essence of the Côte d’Azur.
Charter Types
Nice is an ideal port for a leisure charter; be it for a day charter, a long weekend or an extended holiday. There are superb destinations, itineraries and yachts for just about any need. See our French Riviera and Italian itinerary for a variety of ports and excursions that are popular along the coastline.
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Other French Riviera Ports: St. Tropez | Antibes | Cannes | Monaco | St Jean Cap Ferrat