The Coolest Airbnbs and Holiday Rentals in Nice, France
Once Europe’s most fashionable well-to-do winter retreat, Nice has never lost its air of old-world glamour and belle-époque elegance – especially on its Mediterranean-facing Promenade des Anglais, named after the 18th-century English aristocracy who once strolled the seashore here. Its perennial sunshine has drawn plenty of artists, too, and the city still attracts its share of bohemians and bon viveurs. Add a superlative dining scene and the colourfully quaint Vieux Nice (old town), and there are more than enough reasons to visit the Côte d’Azur capital. Want to feel more like a native Niçois? Stay at one of these more home-like lodgings, bookable with Culture Trip.
Hilltop cottage with extra Nice views
Cottages
Positioned up in the leafy hills overlooking Nice, this two-bedroom cottage offers guests some truly fabulous views along the coast and beyond. This cosy four-person holiday home includes a full kitchen, lounge and outside dining area where you can make the most of balmy Riviera evenings. Jump in the car and you can be strolling along Nice’s beachfront Promenade des Anglais in fewer than 15 minutes.
Colourful apartments minutes from seafront
Apartment
On a palm-lined stretch of street in Nice’s Gambetta neighbourhood, this breezy aparthotel puts you just a few minutes’ stroll from the seafront. For fine-art lovers, you’re also a short walk from the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Ice-cream-toned studios and one-bedroom apartments sleep two and four, with kitchenettes and sitting and dining areas. Bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers and all rooms open to palm-shaded balconies – perfect for an aperitif. Up top, there’s also a shared roof terrace, with deck chairs spying the sea, and hotel-like extras such as breakfast, parking and beach-towel rental.
Airport-ready apartment a cab ride from town
Apartment
If proximity to the airport is a priority, then you can’t get much closer than this one-bedroom apartment. It’s in the L’Arenas area, just a minute’s drive from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, so also a short walk from the Phoenix Park zoo and botanical gardens. The centre of Nice is also little more than a 10-minute cab ride away. A modern kitchen, lounge and bathroom make for a comfortable stay, plus there’s a washing machine if you’re planning on staying a while.
Swishly understated studios close to train station
Apartment
This seriously snazzy apartment complex is located in the less-touristy geographical centre of Nice, just steps from the repurposed Gare du Sud food hall and market. Chicly understated studio apartments sleep two in a double bed, with modern kitchenettes and small furnished balconies, accented with pot plants and minimalist mid-century-style furniture. The block houses various communal areas downstairs, extending to an industrial-style coffee bar and an outdoor terrace, decked with Acapulco chairs. It’s a 10-minute walk from Nice’s main train station, and a short car hop to the beachfront or the city’s picturesque old town.
Seaview luxury with citrus trees
Apartment
Mathias’ house is one kilometre from Nice on an overlooking hill in an old residential area. This luxurious villa with a beautiful pool was built on agricultural land – that’s why they’ve got so many palm, olive and citrus trees in the grounds. The rental actually comprises two houses – one three-bedroom villa and one small guest house. This is calm, understated luxury at its best.
Château living overlooking the glitz
Apartment, Villa
If you want to play Princess then this château of Birgitte’s is for you. It overlooks the Port of Nice in the very exclusive neighbourhood of Mont Boron. Daily housekeeping will take care of the day-to-day running of the château and meals can be taken out on the terrace by the pool, leaving you to forget about all your cares in the world.
Modern Jacuzzi-topped loft
Apartment
If you’re looking for a romantic Pied à Terre in central Nice, then head to this little apartment with lots of attitude – red lights at night, a private jacuzzi terrace and all the mod cons. Frederic’s place can host a couple in the bedroom and another on the convertible couch.
Alex Ledsom contributed additional reporting to this article.
For even more options, check out the coolest Airbnbs and holiday rentals in Nice, bookable with Culture Trip.