French cities don’t come much more iconic than Nice. This jewel of the Mediterranean only joined France in 1860, and it still retains a hint of its Italian charm along with undeniably French culture and cuisine. Plus, with reliably sunny weather and mild winters, it’s no wonder that Nice has been a hotspot for tourism for well over 100 years.
Nice Airport is the gateway to this fantastic city for thousands of business travelers every year. But although Nice has plenty to offer, from beautiful beaches to exceptional restaurants to fascinating museums, there’s more to the French Riviera than just the big city. The region around Nice is full of beautiful parks, stunning coastline, quaint villages, and cultural experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.
However if you choose to explore the area, you won’t regret your decision. Just remember to drop off your bags near Nice airport so that you can travel unencumbered.
For that reason, you should make some time to get out of the city and explore what the French Riviera has to offer during your business trip. Nice Airport and Nice Train Station are hubs for an excellent public transportation network that can get you just about anywhere you need to go. Alternatively, you can rent a car and explore the Riviera with your own vehicle.
Antibes
The city of Antibes and its neighboring community of Juan les Pins are only a 30-minute drive along the coast from Nice Airport or a train ride of about the same length. Alternatively, there is a bus that stops at Nice Airport and travels on to various towns along the coast, including Antibes, which takes about an hour but costs only one euro.
However you get there, Antibes is a fascinating place to explore. The ancient heart of this popular resort town is enclosed by the ramparts of the 16th century Fort Carre which give stunning views out over the coastline. You’ll also find a fascinating Picasso Museum that commemorates the famous artist’s time in the area and displays work by him along with his inspirations and contemporaries.
Also, don’t miss the Marche Provençal, a great place to pick up souvenirs and sample the local produce of this celebrated region. Plus, Antibes has some great beaches where you can stretch out, relax, and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean weather.
Monaco
Nice has always been a glamorous place, but if you’re searching for the last word in luxury, take a short train ride or drive to the neighboring city-state of Monaco. This tiny principality has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since 1297, and in the 19th century, with the opening of the famous casino of Monte Carlo, soon became the Mediterranean destination for the international jet set.
Monaco still retains its reputation for glamour and luxury today. Home of the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show, where high-net-worth individuals from around the world come to buy their next boat, Monaco is the perfect place to get a taste of the good life. But you don’t need to be a billionaire to have a good time here. Monaco is also home to some incredible museums, such as the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince’s Palace, where you can learn more about the complex history that has resulted in this tiny and densely populated country retaining its independence while surrounded completely by France.
Cannes
Another of the glamorous destinations along the Provençal coast, Cannes is perhaps best known for its annual film festival. One of the most important film festivals in the world, Cannes attracts all the major movers and shakers in the film industry, including major Hollywood stars.
Even if you’re not attending the festival, you can learn more about its history at the Palace of Festivals, where the event is held every year, and even pose for photographs on the red carpet. If you’d rather get a taste of history, you can explore the Musée des explorations du monde, which displays art and artifacts from around the world, or visit the church of Notre-Dame d’Espérance for a spectacular view.
Plus, the natural beauty of this area is easily explored from Cannes. There is a great selection of parks in the area that make perfect places for hiking, or you can take a boat ride to Ile Sainte-Marguerite to get a dose of both history and scenery.
Marseille
France’s second-largest city lies on the Mediterranean coast and is easily reached from Nice with a drive of around two hours or a train ride of about two and a half hours.
Marseille is one of the most ancient cities in Europe and is rich in historic attractions like the beautiful church of Notre Dame overlooking the Old Port or MUCEM, an eclectic museum of Mediterranean civilization. But Marseille is very much a vibrant and living city, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere that means the city is also packed full of great restaurants and lively districts to explore.
Marseille is just about close enough to explore from Nice in a single day, though you may well find it’s worth spending at least a couple of nights in the area. If you do, don’t miss Calanques National Park, a gorgeous area of white cliffs and rocky coves above the sparkling turquoise ocean that is one of the most beautiful natural locations in all of France.
Trips from Nice
Nice has so much to offer to travelers and businessmen who arrive at its airport. But it can also serve as a fantastic gateway to the rest of Provence and everything this region has to offer. Historic cities, charming artistic villages, and beautiful views are just about everywhere in Provence, so leave your bags behind and don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore one of France’s most popular vacation destinations for yourself.
