Nice Le Grand Tour

Nice Le Grand Tour is the city's hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, and it is one of the easiest ways to get an overview of Nice in a short time. The open-top double-deckers follow a circuit through Nice and along the coast to Villefranche-sur-Mer, with 12 stops where you can get off, explore and catch a later bus.

Without stopping, the full loop takes about an hour and 20 minutes. From the upper deck you get a good look at the Belle Epoque facades and the sculpted cornices of the grand buildings, which are easy to miss at street level. A recorded commentary is available in nine languages, explaining the history of the places you pass.

The main departure point is at 4 Avenue Max Gallo, in the city centre, but you can board at any stop. Tickets can be bought online or on board, and payment is accepted in cash, by card or with holiday vouchers. The service runs all year round; check the timetable and the route map on the official website for the current frequency and the location of each stop. The tour is included in the French Riviera Pass, which gives unlimited use for one day, so pass holders can use it as transport between sights.

The bus suits first-time visitors who want to see the main areas before deciding where to spend more time, families with children who tire of walking, and anyone with limited mobility who wants to see the city without long climbs. It is particularly useful for reaching Villefranche-sur-Mer, which is a long walk from the centre.

To make the most of it, ride the full loop first for orientation, then hop off at the places that interest you most on a second circuit. Sit upstairs for the views, but bring a hat and sun cream in summer, and a jacket on windy days, as the open deck can feel cool even when the sun is out. Buses can be busy in high season, so start early in the day. The company also offers private hire of its buses for groups and events.

Combine the tour with a walk through the narrow lanes of Vieux Nice and a climb up Castle Hill on foot to complete your picture of the city.