Week end Nice — ©COTE D'AZUR FRANCE / Camille MOIRENC

Weekend in Nice: 4 ideas for a painting holiday!

The cradle of art in France, the city of Nice has seen the birth of many world-renowned artists. The Côte d’Azur capital stands out for its strong artistic influences. During a weekend in Nice, step back in time and immerse yourself in the city of Matisse and Klein. This is a holiday in the colours of Provence that awaits you, tinged with museums and walks.

1. A weekend in Nice alongside Klein and Matisse

Matisse wrote “When I understood that every morning I would see this light again, I could not believe my happiness”. By staying in Nice, Matisse set the tone for making Nice a strong artistic place.

The MAMAC (Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain) is a good introduction to his finest works as well as those of illustrious painters such as Andy Warhol, Niki de Saint Phalle and Keith Haring. An idea for a must-do activity during your weekend in Nice.

Please note:
The MAMAC will be closed for works from January 2024 to January 2028.

Aside from the museums, the city of Nice abounds in these influences of the Masters, particularly through its colourful facades. During your holiday, head for the Port Lympia district! Its Place Garibaldi is lined with buildings with red, yellow and ochre facades, just like Nice Town Hall.

How about a colourful lunch?

Where to spend the night for a weekend in arty Nice?

Why not spend the night in a former artist’s studio during your trip? A wide range of accommodation (hotel, bed and breakfast, rental) is available in the heart of Nice, so you can live the life of Klein or Matisse for the duration of your stay!

→ Our selection of accommodation on the Côte d’Azur

In order to be just a stone’s throw away from the art venues during your weekend in Nice, book a hotel or rental near the MAMAC or in the Port Lympia district. As a bonus, you’ll have an unmissable view of the city of Nice!

→ Check out our hotels in Nice for your weekend

2. A natural weekend in Nice

Nice’s narrow streets, Promenade des Anglais and parks invite you to take a stroll: head for the city’s most beautiful green spaces. For starters, the Parc Phoenix invites you on a veritable olfactory journey as you explore its 2,500 species of plant. A fun and educational idea for a family activity that will appeal to the whole tribe.

Then follow the famous Promenade des Anglais to the Parc Honoré d’Estienne d’Orves. This park has over 500 olive trees! A place with the scent of Provence that will host your most beautiful walks and picnics facing the Mediterranean.

For a panoramic view of the big blue, it is at the top of the Colline du Château that we invite you to meet. Perched 80 metres above Old Nice, the Bellanda Tower offers an incredible view of the Bay of Angels!

Where to spend the night for a weekend in the Côte d’Azur 100% nature?

Let the Côte d’Azur’s unusual accommodation be your guide and experience a weekend in communion with our beautiful Provence!

→ Browse the Côte d’Azur’s unusual accommodation

Our weekend ideas on the Côte d'Azur

3. A weekend in cultural Nice

Baroque-style Lascaris palace, colourful 16th-century houses full of charm, Piedmontese-inspired arcades: the Vieux Nice district is brimming with typical Riviera treasures.

Looking for a good address for a gourmet lunch? The Place Rossetti is full of sunny terraces where you can sit down and enjoy the famous Tropézienne!

To continue your cultural weekend in the centre of Nice, the Church of Saint-Nicolas built under the patronage of Tsar Nicholas (19th century) ranks among the most beautiful Orthodox churches in Europe! History buffs? The Musée Masséna is home to Josephine’s famous diadem and Napoleon I’s death mask.

Who better than the people of Nice to tell you all about the city’s history? For a personalised tour, visit Nice Tourist Office to book your walk in the company of local guides, the Greeters!

4. A weekend in Nice 100% farniente

For you, a weekend rhymes with easy living, sunbathing and cool cocktails?

Then the beaches of the Côte d’Azur are perfect, especially in Nice! To start your vitamin D marathon, head for Carras beach, west of Nice. If sitting on your towel for hours on end isn’t for you, this Nice beach has a volleyball court! There’s also a Jet-Ski hire stand. Would you like to take a stroll on the Mediterranean and see Nice from a different angle?

Then head off a few minutes from Nice to the white sandy beaches and perfect your tan during your holiday. Here are just a few: Plage des Marinières in Villefranche-sur-mer, Les fossettes in Cap Ferrat and Plage de Mala in Cap d’Ail. Of course, hats and sun cream are a must!

Our ideas for accommodation for a lazy weekend in Nice:
For absolute relaxation, opt for a hotel with a spa! Here, hammams, saunas and massages rub shoulders with the deep blue sea for a zen-like stay!

Where to spend the night for a cultural weekend in Nice?
To be at the heart of Nice’s cultural attractions, nothing beats a hotel or bed and breakfast in the Vieux-Nice district. The advantage? Be just a stone’s throw from the places of interest, have lunch in the traditional restaurants in the centre and enjoy Nice’s activities until the end of the night!

Accommodation in Nice for your weekend: our ideas!

For your weekend in Nice, here are a few tips to help you choose the best accommodation.

A hotel in Vieux-Nice: This historic district is full of hotels to suit all budgets. The advantage of opting for a hotel right in the centre of Nice? You’ll be a stone’s throw from the Promenade des Anglais and you may even get a room with a sea view!

→ Book a hotel in for your Nice weekend

A bed and breakfast in the Cimiez district: Perched on a hill overlooking the city of Nice, this district is teeming with bed and breakfasts. A real plus, for being just a stone’s throw from the Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall National Museum.

→ Book a bed and breakfast during your weekend in Nice

A night in a gîte: Want to get a taste of Nice life? Become a real Niçois for a weekend by opting to rent a gîte! An ideal option for families.

→ Book a gîte for your weekend in Nice

Do you have any questions? We've got the answers!

What are the districts of Nice?

Nice is divided into multiple districts. We have selected for you the most relevant ones to visit during your weekend in Nice.

The Mont Boron district: Located in the south-east of Nice, the Mont Boron district is certainly the chicest hill in the Côte d’Azur city. Here, you’ll find spectacular views over Villefranche harbour and the Cap-Ferrat peninsula.

The Libération district: An ideal place to immerse yourself in the authenticity of Nice, with its restaurants, wine cellars and markets full of regional produce. Don’t forget to visit the highly original church of Sainte Jeanne d’Arc on your visit!

Old Nice: The historic centre of the city, Old Nice is a must for your weekend. Here are a few must-do activities: the Place Masséna, Rue Pairolière and the Chapelle de la Miséricorde.

The Port district: Nicknamed today the “little Nice Marsh”, the Port district is a pleasant place to eat in its many restaurants, cool off on a terrace or stroll around the sunny squares!

Les Baumettes: This is where you’ll find the Promenade des Anglais and the Nice Fine Arts Museum. An area of the city centre where you’ll find many attractions and restaurants for lunch facing the Mediterranean.

Each area offers hotels, private residences or bed and breakfasts.

→ Find your accommodation for a weekend in Nice here!

What are the places to visit on a weekend in Nice?

Here are a few must-see places to visit during your stay in Nice:

– The Promenade des Anglais

– Old Nice

– The Matisse Museum

– The Parc de la colline du Château

– Saint-Nicolas Cathedral

– Place Masséna and Place Garibaldi

– Nice’s beaches

How do you get around Nice?

In Nice, there’s no need for a car – all the places of interest are accessible by transport! The Côte d’Azur city has trams and buses. Tickets cost €1.70 and are valid for 74 minutes.

A 1-day pass is available for €7. Ideal if you’re planning to wander around Nice non-stop! For a longer trip, opt for the 7-day pass at €20, which is very cost-effective.

Finally, if you want to visit the Côte d’Azur without a car, it’s possible! Thanks to the SUD Mobilité portal, find the best bus and train combinations in France to explore Cannes, Menton, Hyères or Saint-Tropez! Explore all the transport offers right here: → Getting around the Côte d’Azur

What sporting activities can you do on your weekend in Nice?

Bordering on the Mediterranean, Nice offers a multitude of water-based activities to try out all year round, such as jet-skiing, scuba diving (with tanks), snorkelling or boat trips.

For a gentler activity, the Promenade des Anglais is perfect for a morning jog.

Eager to explore the surrounding area? Nice is not far from the Alps. Why not make a hiking getaway part of your weekend?

→ Explore hiking in Nice and the surrounding area here

When to go away for a weekend in Nice?

Capital of the Côte-d’Azur, Nice offers a temperate climate all year round. As a result, all seasons are great for sightseeing and lazing around. A perfect destination in France for soaking up the sun! If you want to avoid the world, favour seasons like spring or autumn, when a gentle breeze cools your walks.