HIGHLIGHTS
• Gleaming Yachts
• War Memorial
• Church Notre Dame
From the Port on foot:
• Reach the beach and Promenade in 5 – 10 minutes
• Vieux Nice in 5 - 20
• Carre d’Or in 5 – 15
• Etoile in 10 – 20
• Gambetta in 20 - 40
• Musiciens in 20 – 40
• Liberation in 35 – 60
• Magnan in approx 60
Public transport from Port
Key transport links in minutes on foot:
• Bus station in 10 – 25
• Train station in 30 – 50
• Tram stop Garibaldi or Republic in 5- 25
NICE NEIGHBOURHOODS
• Carré d'Or
• Etoile
• Gambetta
• Libération
• Magnan
• Musiciens
• Port
• Vieux Nice
The pros and cons of The Port
As well as the gleaming white yachts that pop contentedly in the docks, the Port area is famous for its enclave of antique shops and some great restaurants, bars and clubs. The Port covers a large area which can be divided into four smaller areas.
The first is what we would describe as the horseshoe around the bay. Consisting of the quays (Quai Lunel, Quai Papacino, and Quay des Docks) this is the area where you can hope for holiday apartments that overlook the Port and are in the hub of the Portside bars, restaurants and clubs. In the centre of the horseshoe is La Place de Ile de Beaute where there are several pavement cafes at the bottom of a row of neo-classical buildings and the pretty and impressive La Notre Dame church. One of the best well known restaurants on this strip is La Zucca Magica, the most famous vegetarian restaurant on the French Riviera.
Behind the Promenade area to the west of the Port, starting from the respectfully huge war memorial to Place Garibaldi is the area known as the “Quartier Segurane” which has a high concentration of antique shops, from the highly expensive, to the flea market at “marche aux puces”. On Rue Segurane you can also gain access round the back to the Parc de Chateau and it’s also a great cut through from the Port through to the Old Town or Place Massena. You can also find rental apartments here which have Port views and which are quieter than those directly on the Quays.
To the north of the Port is where you will find the vibrant and interesting small shops and tiny restaurants. Its streets include Rue Cassini, Rue Barla, Rue Arson, Rue Lascaris and Delfino, which is where you will find the supermarket giant Carrefour, along with a double floored shopping centre including shops like Claire’s Accessories, Etam and Sephora.
Finally, eastwards and beyond the furthest end of the Port, on the way to Mont Boron, is Boulevard Stalingrad leading to the tranquil area of the Port. Perfect for a morning or evening stroll, Boulevard Franck Pilatte up towards La Reserve and Coco Beach is a beautiful place to enjoy sea views, play in the Park or relax at one of the more chilled café bars. You can also enjoy the tiny beach, La Reserve, or sunbathe on one of the rocks, like the locals. Here, you no longer feel like you are in one of the biggest cities in France. For a special treat, take lunch or dinner at Jouni de la La Reserve.
If you prefer public transport to walking then the Port is well connected, Place Garibaldi, has been renovated and largely pedestrianised. Port now has a tramway link going to the city centre, airport and main train station.
To catch a local network train whose line links La Napoule in the west to Vintimiglia in Italy to the east, Riquier train station is closer to the Port than the main train station.