Nice Travel Guide

It is polite to greet everyone you encounter with a friendly bonjour ("hello") upon arrival, and an au revoir (goodbye) when leaving. Shaking hands is a common way to greet an acquaintance, while it is common amongst friends to double-kiss (faire un bisous) when saying hello and goodbye. Aside from bisous, the French do not interact physically in the same way Americans do. If you are directly addressing someone you do not know well, do so formally by referring to them as monsieur or madame until told otherwise.

If you're dining out in Nice, you should note the French eat with both hands on the table and always with utensils. The only time you should use your hands is when you are eating bread (which is generally used to push food onto your fork). Never bite directly from a whole piece of bread, rip off bite-sized pieces instead. You can also use your bread to wipe your plate clean.

Gratuity is generally included in the bill, but it is customary to round the total up or add an extra 5 percent for extraordinary service. A 10 percent tip is acceptable for maid service at a hotel, as well as for taxi drivers. The official currency in France is the euro, and one euro is equal to approximately $1.23 but the euro to U.S. dollar rate often fluctuates, so check the latest exchange rate before you go. If you find yourself short on euros, almost all restaurants and hotels also accept major credit cards.

The food you find in Nice is lighter than in other French cities. Niçois cuisine is a mixture of traditional French ingredients, fresh cheeses, meat and vegetables, but with a twist of Mediterranean flavor. Its location on the coast means that seafood is a staple as seen in the renowned salade niçois, which combines fresh tomatoes, mixed greens, tuna, anchovies and green beans in a light olive oil dressing. Other local favorites include Italian-inspired pissaladieres, small pizzas covered in anchovies and caramelized onions.

You can find the largest number of traditional Niçois restaurants clustered on the small streets of Vieux-Nice (Old Town) and the Port District. Restaurant Le Frog is a popular eatery near the coast that specializes in the classic Mediterranean variations of French dishes. Recent visitors praise the establishment’s escargot (snail appetizer), in addition to its entrees and drinks. 

Some travelers recommend eating at one of the smaller, less expensive pubs or restaurants around the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate near Place Rossetti in Vieux-Nice. Les Gaiçons is one of these options, where visitors can choose gourmet French cuisines like foie gras from a constantly rotating menu.

When you’re looking for a restaurant, be sure to explore. There are casual gems hidden in seemingly uninhabited alleyways, while fancier establishments sit along the Promenade des Anglais (Walk of the English).