Introduction  |  General Info  |  Diving Info A thriving and cosmopolitan city in its own right, the start point for all diving in Nice is the port which is a spectacular “sight” in its own right. Most diving is conducted in the Bay of Villefranche, with a huge variety, type and difficulty of dive site available. As you would expect from a city the size of Nice, there is plenty to do in the evenings. The choice of restaurants, bars and nightclubs is almost bewildering, but we’ll be able to help advise. Among the highlights for sightseeing options for the final afternoon include the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Opera House and Le Cours Saleya, home to the famous flower market. Nice is home to much exceptional architecture, and the sheer variety and richness of the parks and gardens in Nice is stunning. In total Nice has 19 museums and galleries, 32 classified historical monuments and 300 ha of parks and gardens, woodland and green areas in addition to 150 ornamental lakes and fountains. At this destination the two star accommodation we provide is a small family run converted villa in a quiet residential neighbourhood that is easy walking distance into the city centre for access to restaurant’s etc in the evenings. One star/budget accommodation is provided in a clean and comfortable hotel located in the city centre. Introduction  |  General Info  |  Diving Info Nice is the fifth largest city in France and along with the rest of the Cote D’Azur is a haven for sun worshippers. As a very fashionable city, France’s beautiful people can be seen out in force every year. Its location on the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges) makes it a perfect destination for relaxation. Even though the area does attract some seriously moneyed visitors, there is accommodation for everyone, and we’ve selected a couple of very reasonable options for our packages. Along with its style and charm, Nice is also steeped in history and is one of France’s oldest cities. Records show that the name dates back as far as 350BC. Since its beginnings Nice has grown to be very multi-cultural over the years, with foreigners arriving from all over the world. Eating Out Good restaurants can be found all over the city. Promenade des Anglais is full of restaurants and cafés to choose from, although they can be expensive. For a good selection covering all price ranges the old town is the best bet. One of our preferred hotels is in the heart of the old town and the other a good walk/short taxi journey away. Naturally there are many restaurants in the city serving national cuisine. These range from Michelin star restaurants to much more reasonably priced menus. Italian food is also prominent, as you would expect due to the vicinity of the border. Highlights La Promenade des Anglais, a spectacular sight in and of itself, should definitely be visited as there are many places of interest along its stretch. Another spot which attracts many visitors is the graveyard at north end of the 4-mile promenade. If you are looking to see ‘old Nice’, where the real Niçoise people live, make your way to the old town (Vielle Ville). The area is a maze of narrow streets and illustrates that there is much more to the city than wealth and money. Nightlife La Promenade des Anglais is also where you’ll find many of the city’s best clubs along with the casino. During the high season it is also the perfect place to go to enjoy some cheap evening entertainment as there are frequently street performers there at night. Other areas which are home to many different pubs and clubs are Masséna and Vieux Nice. As you would expect in such a lively city there is a pub to suit everyone’s taste, particularly in the Vieux Nice and Masséna areas. Whether its dance music, rock or jazz which you favour, explore the streets around these areas and you won’t be looking for long. Nice has two particular annual events which standout: the Nice Jazz Festival (last week in July) and the city’s carnival which takes place every February. Introduction  |  General Info  |  Diving Info Nice has around 30 dive sites on a section of coast that starts at the "Cap de Nice" and finishes at Menton. Whatever your experience level there are sites that are appropriate, with highlights including The Coral Cave (25 m), The Airplane (42 m), The Gorgonian Valley (40 m), and The Underwater Cliffs (from 10 to 45 m). Cap de Nice Several dives are available here for all levels of divers, many of which are rich in blue gorgonians (Paramuricea Clavata - which when illuminated by a torch are actually red). There is a large reef in this area at a depth of around 15m which is home to another statue of the Virgin Mary (2.8 metres tall). The statue has been used as the site for a number of underwater weddings and was put there at the instruction of the mayor in 1968 by the town’s fire brigade divers (Les Pompiers). Villefranche Bay (West) Several dives are to be found on this side of the bay, again suited to all levels of experience. This area is home to The Coral Cave (Grotte à Corail) which can be explored safely by everyone (a torch is necessary). Villefranche Bay (East) There is a shallow reef here which is ideal for novice divers. There is a lot of sea life and a number of drop offs for more experienced divers. One of the highlights in the area is the wreck of a plane, but again this is a dive for experienced practitioners. St Jean Cap Ferrat This area is home to The Underwater Cliffs which are covered with gorgonians and are only a 20 minute boat ride from the quay. Another noteworthy site here is the “Sec a Merlot”. Very much one for advanced divers used to doing compulsory safety stops, this site is between 50 and 60 metres depth. Cap Estel & Baie de Beaulieu This area is a 30 minute boat journey from Nice and is home to a varied topography incorporating many gullies and tunnels. Again the sites are rich in fish life and coral, with many rocks and small drop-offs making for varied diving. Back to top