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Don’t Get Burnt in Nice Budget Travel Tips

Nice airport has recently been voted the most beautiful aerial approach in the world, by Private Fly.

For people living in the Alpes-Maritimes it remains a thrill, as you approach from the West along the Var or East past Monaco, before landing on the sea (well that is how it feels!) at the Nice airport — perfectly located on the Western side of the Baie des Anges.

Mediterranean-to-the-Mercantour

Visitors to this beautiful part of the world should, however, not fear that their wallets will take an immediate hammering as soon as they step out of the airport. If you are not pushed for time, you can enjoy the wealth of this fantastic part of the France – on the Eastern stretch of Provence, for the price of a song or at least a short recital.

Transport

Taxi drivers may swarm like flies around the airport departure gates, but smile, and walk on to the Promenade des Anglais from Terminal 1, and you will find a bus that will whizz you along the “Prom” for the princely sum of just a few euros (details here). Grab a free map in the terminal airport, and then navigation in Nice is straightforward, as you see the sweep of the bay in front of you.

This superb value transport system allows you to take the picturesque bus run to Monaco, or up to the Mercantour National Park for skiing or an exceptional natural experience (you can read more details on the park here). You are also able to enjoy the fun of the recently completed tram system – a sightseeing tour on tap. Don’t forget to stamp your ticket as you get on the bus.

The more energetic can hire a Vélo Bleu – for a snip and have a relaxed cycle ride along the flat coast. This is also a useful tip if you want to get to an event along the coast, when the road traffic may be bad, the Bastille Day fireworks in Cagnes-sur-Mer being a case in point.

There are also cute little electric cars for hire – Auto Bleue.

Velo Bleu #Nice #Bikes

Accommodation

You could do worse than stay in the Saint Exupéry Hostel in the middle of town or select a hotel online with the myriad of online bookings sites – often Airbnb turns up some gems if you are patient. Do check out the reviews on Trip Advisor to make sure you have not chosen a “dog”, there are also campsites along the coast for value stays. In Menton, for example, there is Camping Saint Michel – with a good restaurant on site.

Eating

It’s not all about Michelin Star restaurants. If you have somewhere to stay with a kitchenette, stock up on wine (the central Monoprix in Jean Médecin is good) and food in the Flower Market where you can get some fresh and tasty bargains from local small producers. If you are on a budget, there’s a wealth of stalls and kiosks to “fill your boots” with socca, or kebabs or pizza. If your budget is more flexible, head away from the central zone, and ask for local advice from your hosts – the Nice scene is fast-moving for culinary delights! Try menus at lunchtime for the best deals.

How to Make Socca
A gluten-free chickpea pancake that everyone will love.
Check out this recipe
Socca Favourite Streetfood Nice and Rose

Take a food tour (and other ideas for the Riviera) in this article.

Things to do

Much of Nice is the delight of getting around on footwear comfy shoes. With a guidebook, it is very easy to enjoy the architecture and the buzz without spending a penny. Chill out over a coffee or a pression and watch the world go by. In 2014/2015, the new Promenade du Paillon is the place to be seen with museums/attractions such as the Asian Arts and Parc Phoenix are free entry or €2 per person!

Promenade du Paillon #Nice #Provence

Events come thick and fast on the Riviera so for a few euros – you can enjoy the Nice Carnaval, the Menton Lemon Festival, the Cannes Film Festival (go to the Palais des Festivals and ask for free viewing tickets), the Christmas markets, the free concerts throughout the Alpes-Maritimes throughout the summer some of the events can be found –  on local holiday company, Spacebetween’s website.

Riviera Residents – do you have any travel tips to add to this “Nice on a budget” list?

Image Credits:  Lindsey Sinclair-Noble for Velo Bleu and Promenade du Paillon photos

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Liz Lord

Liz Lord and her husband Mel Jones have been living in the Mercantour National Park for the past 15 years.

Most people would already be saying “where?”, but in fact the Mercantour remains a delightfully unknown area straddling the Franco-Italian border, in the Alpes-Maritimes. Liz and Mel live just an hour North of Nice – so can enjoy the best of best worlds, their life concentrated in their home in Berthemont les Bains, yet being able to enjoy the hubbub on the coast when the need for culture arises.

Choosing to decamp from the UK (and their “normal” corporate lives!) after a chance encounter with their current home in 2001, they now earn their living by renting out their two gites and offering walking and adventure holidays at Space Between.

With the experience of ex-pat life, setting up a small business in France, house renovation, and land and horse management!, with a keen interest in food and wine and travel, Liz has much to contribute for those interested in a new life in France or with a zest to dip their toe in the water on holiday.

4 Comments

  1. April 14, 2015 at 6:38 am — Reply

    I have one: Since January 1st, there are no more free museums in Nice. But a little-known money-saving tip is that the first Sunday of each month is free at the Chagall Museum in Nice, the Museum of Asiatic Art (also in Nice), the Picasso Museum in Antibes, and the Jean Cocteau Museum in Menton.

    Allison
    Best of Nice Blog

    • April 15, 2015 at 7:56 am — Reply

      Thanks Allison for the museum info in #Nice – good to know for readers who are planning a visit.

  2. June 4, 2015 at 1:35 pm — Reply

    A “nice” thing to do is pack a picnic and take the bus 100 (direction Monaco) to Mt Boron, Nice and walk up to the forest in Mt Boron. The views are beautiful and the air is cool and clean.
    For a real ‘bargain lunch’ Brioche dorée (a bit like a less trendy, slow service Pret à manager sandwich chain) does a sandwich, water, dessert and coffee/tea for €8. Ask for ‘le menu’ as your tray is pushed along the queue cantine style.
    For the museums in Nice, it’s true they have started charging but if you are staying with a local, ask to borrow their ‘Pass Musée” – locals are entitled to free entry pass!

    • June 5, 2015 at 9:37 am — Reply

      Hi Rebecca: Thanks for the great tips on views and picnics that will not break the bank on the Cote d’Azur.

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