Car rental in Nice

Rent a car in Nice and explore its beautiful surroundings

Over the course of the centuries, Nice has drawn artists, aristocrats, and celebrities from all over the world. The mild climate—which makes it a year-round destination—and the stunning landscapes surrounding the city will surely captivate you.

It is the ideal place to take a break from your everyday life. With its green gardens, Mediterranean flair, and the bustling bars and restaurants scattered all over the city, Nice is the very essence of the popular French Riviera. Additionally, it makes a great gateway to the rest of the mesmerising coastline of the Côte d'Azur. With DriveBoo, you will be able to compare offers of many different rental car companies.

Can I rent a car in Nice at the airport?

The nearest airport to Nice is just 7.5 km from the city centre. Nice Airport (NCE) offers a wide variety of car hire companies that will cater to the needs of even the most demanding tourists. Regardless of whether you plan a short or a long trip, the easiest way to get a vehicle is to hire it at the airport. There are plenty of rental car desks to choose from. This way, you will be able to start your holiday as soon as you arrive in Nice.

What about the insurance of my rental car in Nice?

Usually, car rental companies offer a wide variety of insurance possibilities. However, it would be advisable to choose full insurance for the vehicle of your choice. The price of such insurance is dependent on the type of car and the insurance options that you go for.

Are there any speed limits in France?

The speed limits in France are as follows:

• Inside city limits: 50 km/h
• On country roads: 90-100 km/h
• On highways: 110-130 km/h

Are there any toll roads in France?

The majority of highways will require you to pay a toll. In most cases, the toll is either payable when driving onto the highway, or a ticket must be drawn to pay the fee when you leave the road.

Where can I park my rental car in Nice?

There are plenty of paid parking zones around Nice. You will also find a number of free public parking zones. To park in a “blue zone” you will need to have a parking disc or a parking ticket on the dashboard of your car to indicate your parking time. Parking discs are available at police stations and in tourist offices.

Other important rules concerning driving a rental car in Nice:

• You can use hands-free mobile phone devices, but driving and texting will result in high penalties. The on-the-spot fine for such behaviour is EUR 135.
• Mandatory vehicle equipment includes: a vest, warning triangle and set of spare bulbs.
• The legal blood alcohol level is 0.05%.
• Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers.

Explore Nice and its highlights with a rental car

The Old Town of Nice is a beautiful place to start your journey around the city. It is full of romantic winding narrow alleys and cobblestone streets. You will feel the town’s lively ambience on all corners. While strolling along the main street, it is worth stepping into one of the bustling restaurants where you will be served a number of French delicacies.

Just a stone’s throw from Nice’s Old Town, you will find the fashionable Promenade des Anglais. It is a popular place among skaters and cyclists, who spend their evenings pulling off tricks against the backdrop of the warm waters of the Mediterranean.

Castle Hill is another notable Nice highlight. It overlooks the stunning coastline and is a romantic option for couples. Originally, the fortification was perceived as impenetrable; however, in 1706, the castle was destroyed by King Louis XIV’s army. Today, it is a lovely park offering wonderful views and plenty of space for long strolls.

All art lovers should consider a visit to Musée Matisse. The museum is located in a delightful historic Genoese villa and houses a diverse collection of Matisse’s masterpieces. The collection comprises 218 drawings, 236 designs, and 68 paintings. There is also something for fans of sculpture, as the museum holds 56 exhibits created by the artist.

Those art lovers who are left unsatisfied after a visit to Musée Matisse should head towards the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, where they will find an extensive collection of paintings created by 20th and 21st-century artists. In the courtyard, there is a peculiar installation depicting a creature that resembles a lizard. If you are into art, you should not miss Musée Chagall either.

Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas is an interesting example of religious architecture. It is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Nice. The cathedral was mostly inspired by the Muscovite style and is a showcase of detailed ornamentation. Inside, you will find a number of murals, icons, decorative walls, and interesting wood-carved sculptures.

Discover the surroundings of Nice with a rental car

After a trip around the city, it’s time to explore the tourist gems located in the wider region. Sitting at the heart of the Côte d'Azur, Nice is an ideal choice as a starting point for the exploration of the highlights in its vicinity. There are plenty of tourist attractions waiting to be discovered.

The following table includes a list of interesting places that can be found near the city. The distance to each place is specified: