Nice Ferries

The port of Nice plays a key role in the ferry network of France, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 4 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Nice serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Nice, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Bastia (Corsica) - Nice, Ile Rousse - Nice connecting Nice with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Corsica Ferries run regular services from Nice, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Nice offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Nice is well-connected to major European cities through its international airport, located just 7km from the city center with regular shuttle buses running to the ferry terminal. By train, the centrally located Nice-Ville station welcomes high-speed TGV services from Paris (approximately 5.5 hours) and regional connections from Marseille (2.5 hours) and Monaco (20 minutes). Drivers can access Nice via the A8 autoroute, with several parking options available near the port area, including the Port Lympia parking garage which offers day rates for ferry passengers. The city's efficient tram system provides convenient connections between the train station, city center, and the port.

Nestled along the azure coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, Nice stands as the vibrant heart of the French Riviera. With its stunning Promenade des Anglais stretching along the Bay of Angels, this coastal gem blends French and Italian influences into a uniquely captivating culture. As a key ferry destination on the Côte d'Azur, Nice offers travelers an enticing mix of seaside relaxation, artistic heritage, and the unmistakable charm of Provençal life.

Nice enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it an appealing destination year-round. The peak summer months (June-August) offer perfect beach weather with temperatures between 25-30°C, though this coincides with the highest tourist numbers and ferry demand. May and September provide an excellent balance of warm weather and smaller crowds, with temperatures around 20-25°C and more availability on ferry services. Winter remains mild (10-15°C) and quiet, perfect for experiencing local culture, though some ferry routes may operate reduced schedules. The spectacular Nice Carnival in February and the Jazz Festival in July offer cultural highlights worth planning your ferry journey around.

Nice serves as an excellent launching point for exploring the gems of the Mediterranean by ferry. Corsica lies just a 5-6 hour sailing away, offering dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, and mountain villages with distinctly French-Italian character. The Italian coastal town of San Remo can be reached in about 1.5 hours, presenting visitors with elegant Liberty-style architecture and the charm of an authentic Italian Riviera experience. Ferry services also connect Nice to Sardinia (approximately 8-10 hours), where travelers can explore ancient ruins, dramatic coastlines, and crystal-clear waters. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, with the ferry routes from Nice offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline and the maritime Alps.

Nice offers an enticing blend of seaside relaxation and cultural richness within easy reach of its ferry port. Stroll through the ochre-colored buildings and narrow streets of Vieux Nice (Old Town), where traditional markets like Cours Saleya burst with fragrant flowers and local produce. Art enthusiasts can explore world-class museums dedicated to Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse, whose works were inspired by the region's distinctive light. For unparalleled views, climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château) overlooking the bay and harbor. Dining in Nice means savoring authentic Niçoise cuisine – try socca (chickpea pancakes), pissaladière (onion tart), or a classic salade niçoise at waterfront restaurants where fresh seafood and Provençal flavors dominate the menus.

Nice's relationship with the sea runs deeper than its beautiful coastline – the city actually belonged to Italy until 1860, which explains its unique cultural blend and the Italian-influenced dialect still spoken by older residents. The city's iconic Promenade des Anglais was originally funded by English aristocrats who wintered in Nice during the 19th century, establishing it as Europe's first modern tourist destination. Nice's port has been operating since ancient Greek times, with archaeological evidence suggesting maritime trade dating back to the 5th century BCE. The distinctive pebble beaches that line Nice's coast aren't natural – they're the result of construction projects that altered the once-sandy shoreline during the city's rapid development in the 1930s.