As most of the world knows, France is suffering through a historic heat wave with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) in Paris. Fortunately Nice has been spared this extreme heat but it’s still very hot. We’re hovering around daytime highs of 32°-34° (89°-93°F) with some respite at night. If the past is any guide, these temperatures are likely to continue throughout the summer.

So, what can you do to enjoy your holiday without retreating to your air-conditioned accommodation?

Here are some tips:

Hydrate

But you knew that staying hydrated is essential in the heat. Maybe you didn’t know that Nice has a lot of free water fountains. Every beach has showers and a tap for refilling your water bottle (or just splashing water on your face). There are also fountains in the underground tram stations at Alsace-Lorraine, Jean Médecin, Durandy and Garibaldi-Chateau. There are also five public fountains dispensing flat or sparkling water located on Castle hill; the Paillon promenade; at  Cimiez Arenas; at Carras; at  Port Lympia.

Air Conditioning

First of all, know that all public transport in Nice and the region is air-conditioned. Trams and local buses in Nice plus regional buses have highly reliable air-conditioning. Regional trains are also air-conditioned but there are occasional problems with the older trains.

Museums are air-conditioned. Why not check out the Chagall or Matisse museums in Cimiez?

Shopping centers and many stores are well air-conditioned. Duck into Nice Etoile on avenue Jean Médecin or any of the other stores on Nice’s main shopping street for refreshing air.

Cinemas are also air-conditioned but, alas, not Nice Opera.

Nice restaurants are not systematically air-conditioned. The best restaurants in Nice are air-conditioned as well as the restaurants I’ve listed that offer great lunch deals. Michelin-noted restaurants are also air-conditioned. When in doubt, call.

Beach in the Morning

Do as the locals do and get down to the beach early. By 10.30am the sun starts to hit hard and, as a visitor, you probably don’t have a beach umbrella. For a lengthier beach day splurge on a private beach club which will equip you with a lounger, umbrella and frothy drinks if you wish (from €30).

Adjust Your Itinerary

The charming medieval village of Eze is perched on a steep hill. Most reasonably-fit adults have little difficulty with the climb in mild weather. But in summer it can be brutal as the walkway to the entrance is not shady. The west-facing Exotic Gardens of Eze are also highly exposed to the sun and there are a lot of stairs. I recommend getting there no later than 10.30am. If you can’t make it by then, skip it.

Exploring Nice’s old town is best done in morning but the narrow streets are shaded by buildings and thus protected from the ravages of the midday sun. Besides, there’s always an old stone church where you can rest in a relatively cool interior.

There’s an elevator up to Castle Hill but lines can be long. The stairs to the top are shady in the morning but uncomfortably exposed to the afternoon sun. But once on top, there’s shady parkland and the refreshing Cascade.

Natural Cool Spots

Speaking of the Cascade on Castle Hill, it’s the coolest place in Nice! The constant spray of cold water is a lifeline in the summer.

The fountains of the Coulée Verte are perfectly refreshing even for adults. It’s easy to find a spot in the shade along this greenway which remains a few degrees cooler than central Nice even on a hot day.

Why not visit one of Nice’s vineyards and tour the wine cellars? Chateau Cremat does regular cellar tours plus it’s high over Nice with reflecting pools and surrounded by greenery.

Take a Boat Trip

There are a wealth of boat tours up and down the Riviera whether you’re starting point is Nice or Cannes or any other coastal town. My personal favorite is the boat trip to Ile Sainte Marguerite on the Iles de Lerins. It’s a pleasant, breezy ride out there and then the island itself has small swimming coves and tree-shaded lanes.

Check out more boat trips on the French Riviera.

 

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