Experience in Nice, France by Sylvie

How did you find living in the city of Nice? Do you recommend it? How is the city?

Nice is a magnificent city. Its climate is very much sought after all over the world. There are always activities: the theatre, a music school (close to my house), many museums, restaurants with all sorts of prices and an old town with extraordinary cathedrals, among other marvels.

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How is student life in Nice?

According to the students I receive at the house, it is excellent.

How are living costs in Nice?

The cost of living in Nice is higher than in the provinces but less than in Paris and the big capitals.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Nice? Have you got any advice to give?

Everything is expensive and you have to have a guarantor for an apartment. I rent 2 pretty bedrooms with a bathroom for 2 students via Erasmus each year. I also rent them during summer via Airbnb for tourism. It works very well because it's much cheaper than a hotel or the seasonal lets.

How is the food in the city? What are your favourite dishes?

There are Niçoise dishes, typically Mediterranean: the bagna cauda with anchovy paste, the salade niçoise, the ravioli stew (la merda de can, which translated to 'dog shit'. They call it this for its 'aesthetic'), aïoli with cod and baby vegetables cooked in water and garlic sauce. It's delicious and my favourite along with the fish soup with rouille and croutons! However there is cuisine from all over the world in Nice.

Salade Niçoise

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Which places do you recommend to see in Nice?

The promenade des Anglais, the castle, the old town and its charm, the absolutely extraordinary Négresco (even if its just to have a coffee), the 'la coulée vert' or the 'promenade des anges' which run through the city - a haven of peace and beauty and all the museums (Matisse, Chagall, Jakovsky).

The Négresco

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And to eat in Nice? Can you tell us your favourite places?

Place des Pins and place Garibaldi for the tapas dishes and music. The ever so Niçoise cours Saleya and the old Nice with its traditional restaurants. The promenade for the views and in the city; the centre, rue and place Masséna and the entire city centre, where there are all the cuisines in the world.

Which places do you recommend to go out in Nice?

There are plenty of places other than restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy yourself.

What advice do you want to give to future Erasmus students in Nice?

Amusez-vous bien! You are in one of the world's most prestigious places, with the sea in front of you and the mountains an hour and fifteen minutes away from Nice. You can study, do sport, find a little job, stay with a local and improve yourself with ease, if you manage things well. You will never forget the beautiful Nice!