Holiday rentals in Nice

Three iconic places to discover in Nice

Nice shines with its historic sites and Mediterranean landscapes. Three places embody the soul of the city: a legendary waterside promenade, a colourful neighbourhood and a hill offering panoramic views. Each one tells a story of Nice’s identity and is well worth a visit during your stay.

1. Promenade des Anglais

This coastal boulevard is the epitome of 19th-century Nice. Created as a result of the influx of the English community, it stretches for nearly seven kilometres along the Mediterranean. Holiday rentals located nearby offer direct access to this iconic promenade, where you’ll find palm trees, Belle Époque façades and lively terraces. Strolling along the light-coloured pavement overlooking the Baie des Anges at dusk creates a scene that is quintessentially Nice. It is a place where the promenade becomes an attraction in its own right.

2. Old Nice

The historic heart of Nice unfolds with its narrow, winding alleyways, lined with yellow, ochre and pink façades accented by colourful shutters. This baroque layout, a legacy of Piedmont, creates a unique atmosphere where time seems to stand still. The Cours Saleya market remains the hub of local life: exotic fruits, fresh flowers, spices and Nice specialities are laid out beneath the awnings. Getting lost in these alleyways, popping into a shop, or tucking into a socca or a Niçoise salad is to breathe in the very essence of the neighbourhood. Nearby holiday accommodation immerses you in the heart of this authentic way of life.

3. Colline du Château

Perched ninety-two metres above the city, this hill offers a panoramic viewpoint over the entire Baie des Anges and the harbour. The ruins of a medieval cathedral serve as a reminder of the site’s fortified past, whilst an artificial waterfall adds a touch of freshness to the visit. The climb offers a succession of views that change with every step, from the harbour below to the distant mountains. It is a special moment to admire Nice from these heights, particularly at dusk.

These three stops embody the different facets of Nice: its cosmopolitan modernity, its medieval charm and its connection to the sea. A complete stay combines all three experiences.

The ideal time of year to book a holiday rental in Nice

In Nice, every season paints a different picture of the city and the Côte d’Azur. The best time to visit depends on what you fancy: relaxing by the Mediterranean, hiking in the nearby mountains or exploring the city’s heritage in a more peaceful atmosphere.

Spring. Temperatures are gradually rising, the gardens are in full bloom, and the summer crowds haven’t yet taken over the beaches. It’s the perfect time to explore the old town on foot, hike up into the hills of the Nice hinterland or enjoy the terraces without sweltering in the heat. Holiday rentals with access to a balcony or small garden really come into their own at this time of year: you can enjoy them without being stuck outside in 35-degree heat.

Summer. The classic season on the Côte d’Azur: warm water, blue skies, long days. The beaches are packed, prices are soaring, but swimming and water sports make the buzz worthwhile. A holiday rental with air conditioning becomes a real asset. The nights remain mild, perfect for dining out in the restaurants of the Baie des Anges or for evening strolls along the Promenade des Anglais.

Autumn. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, Indian summers occur regularly, and the city returns to a more relaxed pace. The markets are brimming with Mediterranean fruit and vegetables. Holiday rentals become more affordable. It’s a quiet yet charming time of year to stay for a few weeks or a month without heavy rainfall.

Winter. Mild on the coast (rarely freezing temperatures), but often grey and damp. Comfortable, heated holiday lets are perfect for a longer stay, ideal for exploring museums and art galleries or going on excursions into the hinterland. Prices drop significantly, and you can enjoy Nice without the crowds.

A holiday let offers the flexibility to adapt to any season: a terrace for sunny days, a cosy interior for cooler periods, and a kitchen where you can sample produce from the local market at any time of year.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in Nice

A holiday in a holiday rental in Nice offers countless opportunities to get out and explore the city. From its artistic heritage to swimming in the Mediterranean and the flavours of Provence, you’ll find experiences that truly make your stay memorable. Here are three unmissable experiences that capture the very essence of Nice.

1. Visit the Matisse Museum and its unique collection

The Matisse Museum is housed in a beautiful Genoese villa perched on the heights of Cimiez. Here you’ll discover one of the richest collections of works by the French master: paintings, sculptures, drawings and cut-outs. The exhibition traces Matisse’s creative evolution over the decades, from his early Fauvist works to his final abstract compositions. The galleries are bathed in generous light that showcases every piece.

Address: 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice.

2. Swimming at the beaches of the Baie des Anges

The Promenade des Anglais runs alongside a succession of small beaches nestled against the pebbles. The turquoise waters of the Baie des Anges are perfect for swimming from spring onwards, whilst in summer the beaches fill with sun loungers and colourful parasols. Opposite, the promenade itself remains a destination in its own right: beach bars, restaurants and shaded terraces from which to watch boats and passers-by go by. This is where Nice breathes and lives to the rhythm of the Mediterranean.

Address: Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice.

3. Explore the Provençal market on the Cours Saleya

The Cours Saleya is the vibrant heart of Old Nice. Six days a week, vendors selling fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs take over this old cobbled street. A riot of colour: the reds of tomatoes and peppers, the yellows of lemons, the purples of aubergines, the pale pink of squash blossoms. The atmosphere thickens in the morning as the crowds come to stock up on provisions. In the evening, the market transforms into an even more colourful flower market. Also worth trying: panisses and socca, local specialities from Nice that you can nibble on whilst strolling.

Address: Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice.

Our travellers’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday rental in Nice

In Nice, comfort indoors is just as essential as being close to the sea and the promenades. Travellers choosing a holiday rental are looking for well-equipped spaces to make the most of their stay, whether it’s relaxing after a day of exploring or organising family meals. The facilities in an accommodation make all the difference between a simple base and a real temporary home.

• Air conditioning: essential in Nice, it guarantees peaceful nights even during the hot summer months.
• Fully equipped kitchen: for preparing meals, sampling local produce from the market and sharing moments around the table.
• Washing machine: handy for longer stays and allows you to travel with less luggage.
• Terrace or balcony: an outdoor space to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and admire the view.
• Parking or easy access: in a city centre, finding a parking space is key to a stress-free holiday.
• Access to the beach: being right next to or very close to the beach means you can go for a swim without wasting any time.
• Television and Wi-Fi: to stay connected or relax in the evening, whichever you prefer.
• Heating: useful during the cooler months of the year or at the start of the season.
• Optional baby equipment: a cot, high chair and baby bath allow families with young children to travel without the hassle of bringing their own.
• High-quality bedding: a good mattress and fresh bed linen are the basis for a restful night’s sleep after a day of exploring.

Every stay is unique: needs vary depending on the number of guests, the length of stay, the season and everyone’s expectations. A holiday rental tailored to your priorities will turn your days in Nice into authentic memories.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in Nice?

Prices for holiday rentals in Nice vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a one-bedroom flat, you can generally expect to pay between 60 and 100 euros per night in the low season, and between 90 and 150 euros in the high season. Family-sized properties, with two to three bedrooms, tend to cost between 100 and 180 euros per night in the off-season, and between 150 and 280 euros during the tourist season. For larger properties or upmarket accommodation with special facilities or sea views, prices can easily rise to 200 euros or more per night, reaching as high as 400 euros in summer.

These price ranges depend heavily on location: a holiday let near the Promenade des Anglais or the city centre commands higher rates than accommodation on the outskirts. The length of stay also plays an important role. Accommodation often offers discounted rates for weekly or monthly stays, making a longer stay significantly more economical. Cleaning fees or tourist tax, generally between 5 and 15 euros per night, are added to the advertised price.

Nice experiences significant seasonal variation: summer, Christmas and school holidays attract the most visitors, resulting in higher prices. Autumn, winter (excluding public holidays) and spring offer more favourable rates. To get the best deal on your stay, compare the available offers, read reviews from previous guests and remember to book several weeks in advance if you’re aiming for a popular period.