As authorities in Abu Dhabi relax COVID-19 restrictions to allow fully vaccinated travellers to Abu Dhabi to board a flight without the need to take a PCR test, the national carrier, Etihad Airways announced the introduction of flights to Nice from its home base starting 15th June.
The twice-weekly service will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays between Abu Dhabi and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport on a modern Boeing 787 aircraft.
“As one of the most popular destinations on the French Riviera, Etihad Airways is delighted to add Nice to its summer network in 2022,” said Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo. “This is the first time Etihad will be operating flights to Nice and Etihad is confident it will appeal to a broad range of leisure travellers looking to satisfy their wanderlust this summer.”
Situated on the southeastern coast of France, Nice is renowned for its famous waterfront, with a scenic seven-kilometre walkway known as the ‘Promenade des Anglais’. The city was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
An elegant city on the French Riviera with a charm and a character all of its own, Nice’s sweeping Promenade des Anglais is the perfect spot to enjoy some warm Mediterranean sunshine and forms the central focus of many holidays here. It’s a place to sunbathe, try a water sport or go for an evening stroll.
Art lovers can take in everything from historic architecture to galleries and museums that showcase work from across Europe and beyond.
This is a city where you can admire the swirling domes of a Russian cathedral alongside gorgeous Italian-inspired homes and buildings.
As you browse around the colourful Cours Saleya market, you’ll hear a local dialect that is another nod to Nice’s past – it was once an Italian city and hasn’t lost touch with its roots.
A palm-lined coast, lovely sunshine, turquoise seas and the glamour of the French Riviera – it’s got the lot.
Landmarks here include the Palais de la Méditerranée hotel and an iron sculpture called La Chaise, but there’s much more to discover.
Spend a morning at Cours Saleya market
This quintessentially French market opens daily, although on Mondays it sells furniture and trinkets rather than its usual food. Stocking up on groceries is a wonderful way to experience the real Nice and, as an added bonus, you’ll be shopping alongside the locals. The true stars of this market, though, are the flowers.
Heady scents of dahlias, fuchsias and geraniums float into the air from the colourful stalls run by growers and nurseries. Food traders tend to start and finish early, but the flower sellers stay into the early evening.
Explore the old town
Impressive architecture hides around every corner, with historic monuments and ancient churches to discover. Castle Hill looms over the orange-tiled roofs, giving this ancient quarter of Nice a medieval feel.
Visit the Cathedral of St Reparata, with its stunning edifice decorated in multi-colours. Nice Cathedral, meanwhile, can be found in the charming Place Rossetti.
From there, discover some of the former mansions and regal retreats of Nice’s rich and famous regal buildings including the 17th century Lascaris Palace.