Plan an amazing journey by ferry to Nice, the largest city of the French Riviera and live a great experience on board crossing the Mediterranean sea!
Nice is a wonderful seaside resort, and an ideal place to stay for a holiday on the French Riviera. Place Massena with the large fountain and the statue of Apollo is the city’s largest square and the cultural center of Nice. At a distance of 32 km from the Italian border the city is located on the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges) and is one of the most famous and busy resorts in Europe. Nice, the fifth largest city in France, magnetizes tourists from all over the world for many reasons.The architecture with the Belle Epoque or the Baroque style buildings, the art and culture, the local gastronomy and the vivid day and night life have made the city the second most visited place in France. Not to forget the summer festivals and the proximity with Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze and Grasse that make the place mostly visited throughout the year.
Nice has an exceptional climate even in winters so tourism never stops.
The mild Mediterranean climate was adored by the English upper classes who used to spend the cold winter months in Nice. Promenade des Anglais (Walkway of the English) which is the city’s main seaside promenade took its name from the English aristocracy, by the Dukes and Princes, who made the place a unique destination for the rich and famous. Writers and painters as well as Russian nobles loved the city and also used to spend their winters in the Cote D'Azur area.
As it is historically known, Nice was inhabited by Greek warriors who called the city Nikaia after the goddess of victory Nike. Greek signs that prove this part of history is the statue of Apollo in Massena Square or the stairs of the castle hill which are referring to Homer´s Odyssey.
The Romans followed the Greeks who settled the historic neighborhood of Cimiez and after the fall of the Roman Empire, in 1860, Nice passed into French hands, developing its own language.
By taking the ferry to Nice city you will discover one of the most interesting cities of France, undoubtedly suggested for the summer vacations, full of history, culture with opportunities for daily trips and excursions as well as for Nice shopping, sunbathing and relaxing.
Nice ferry routes
The Nice ferry routes are very popular, especially during the summer period, so plan your trip and through our booking platform you can see all the schedules, prices and accommodation options available.
The most common routes are the following:
- The Nice to Bastia ferry schedule is operated by different types of vessels available for foot passengers and all types of vehicle. The frequency of the itineraries depends on the season and the month of the trip. Contemporary ferries with several accommodation options operate this route throughout the year. Comfortable seats, business lounges and cabins are at your own choice for an exciting journey with destination the principal port of Corsica
- Nice to Golfo Aranci is a less frequent route which is served by modern and fully equipped vessels usually during the spring and summer period. The ferry time is around 18 hours with a destination to Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda region
- Nice to Ile Rousse is another popular mostly summer route which operates also in low season with a sailing duration of about 6 hours. It is an easy and pleasant way to visit the northern part of the island of Corsica from the mainland of France
- The Nice to Ajaccio ferry connects mainland France with the island of Corsica with a 8 hours ferry crossing
Nice ferry port
The port of Nice, called Port Lympia, is located near the ancient city and serves all the car and passenger ferries coming from Corsica and Sardinia. It is located in the old and picturesque city of Nice and is one of France's most important ports, serving routes to Corsica and Sardinia. Around the port, you will find many cafeterias, restaurants and points of interest, while the city center with most of accommodations, is just a few kilometeres north.
Nice Airport to Nice Port
The distance between Nice airport to the port of Nice is less than 15 minutes driving and 30 minutes by using the public means of transport.
Upon arrival at the airport you can get to Port Lympia in Nice easily by car, taxi, bus and tram.
Taxi
Taking a taxi in Nice is the most convenient way to reach Nice Port of Nice town center from Nice Airport in about 20 minutes. A fixed rate of 32 Euros including luggage has been determined by the government in order to avoid the overcharge of the tourists. More information in Nice Airport Taxis.
Bus
The local Bus No 12 can transfer you to the port from Terminal 1 from the airport. You can get more details in Nice Airport Buses.
Tram
The Tram route which stops at the Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 of the airport connects the city center and the port. Nice city center is less than 30 min away by tram. Please, check Nice Airport Tram for further info.
Highlights in Nice
Below there are some good reasons for visiting Nice and the French Riviera area.
One of the most exciting ways to travel is by ferry since you can experience a trip you will never forget. Our updated online booking platform can provide you with all the information you need and in the end, make a quick and easy booking in advance.
- If you happen to be in Nice from Thursday to Sunday morning, do not miss to visit the Cours Saleya, the city’s famous open market where on Mondays you can find antiques collectibles. In this area there is the building where Matisse the French artist lived from 1921 to 1938
- In the Old town of Nice you can find the best restaurants and pastries with the local specialties
- Castle Hill Park, located between the Old Town and the port, is the highest point in Nice where you can go on foot or on the Little Tourist Train
- Avenue Jean Medicin, the main shopping street in Nice is mostly pedestrianized but it has also been a tram route.The street begins from the railway and ends at Place Massena. Also, on Avenue Jean Medicin there is a church worth visiting, The Basilica Notre Dame de l’Assomption built in 1864. Τhe illuminated street with thousands of blue lights at night, a work by French artist Yann Kersalé, give the city a different color and style and rightly make it stand out
- Saint-Paul de Vence, one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera with the modern and contemporary museums and galleries is worth visiting. The driving time from Nice to Saint-Paul de Vence is about 30min
- The Museum of Jules Cheret of fine arts contains an exhibition with collections of early Italian paintings and works of the 19th century and contemporary artists
- The Matisse Museum, next to the Roman ruins of Cimiez with the fascinating exhibition of the artist´s work should not be missed by any visitor to Nice
- Nice Sophia Antipolis, known as the Silicon Valley of Europe, is a technological park northeast of Antibes which is the second largest city in the region after Nice
- While in Nice you will have the opportunity to visit Monaco and Monte Carlo, widely recognized as one of the most expensive cities in the world
- Villefranche-Sur-Mer is located not far from Nice and is one of the most beautiful harbor towns
- Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, located between Nice and Monaco, is also a charming little town worth visiting
- Mont Boron hill in Nice separates Nice from Villefranche-Sur-Mer with beautiful villas, one of which is owned by Elton John
Beaches in Nice
Among of the most visited beaches in Nice are the following:
- Plage Beau Rivage is located along Promenade des Anglais by the Mediterranean and is a private beach, the largest in the French Riviera. There is the possibility for sunbathing on a lounge seat or enjoy your meal at a gourmet restaurant very close to the beach
- Opera Plage is the oldest in Nice, also on the famous Promenade des Anglais. A beach with a family history from 1889 offers an eating area for lunch and dinner with fresh seafood dishes
- La Plage d'Eze is a good choice and a nice bay for swimming and relaxing
Also there are more interesting beaches close to Nice and to all the Cote d’Azur places.
Nice Hotels
Below there is a list of the most visited Nice Hotels:
- Le Meridien
- Hotel West End
- Hotel Suisse
- Hyatt Regency
- NH
- Hotel Windsor
- Hotel Negresco
- Westminster Hotel
- Hotel Massena
- Hyatt
