Nice, Capital of the French Riviera, is a charming city between sea and mountains, which has a strong cultural heritage. You will discover the French gastronomy and specialties from Nice, the numerous museums (Musée Matisse, Musée des Arts Asiatiques, Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC), Musée Chagall…) and of course various places like “la promenade des Anglais” or “le Vieux Nice”. In “La Promenade des Anglais”, you may practice sports like running, roller skating or cycling, enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and spend some time on the beach. You can also walk downtown to do some shopping or just discover the city by using the Tramway which allows you to go about everywhere in Nice. There are many places to go out to enjoy your evenings in the Vieux Nice, around the harbor or downtown.
The Nice tourism office staff will be more than happy to help you planning your trip: Nice tourist office
Visitor Information
Passports & Visa
Every person entering France should have a valid passport and/or identification card. You may need a Visa depending of your country of origin. Please contact the nearest French Embassy or Consulate to your home for further information. More information on French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development.
It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to take care of his / her visa requirements. Attendees who require an entry visa must allow sufficient time for the application procedure. Attendees should contact the nearest embassy or consulate to determine the appropriate timing of their visa applications.
The Congress Office can issue, upon request, an official letter of invitation (for accepted authors only). Please apply to: corinne@i3s.unice.fr
Money and Currency
Credit cards are accepted in many shops, hotels and restaurants (there is usually a minimum amount of between €7 and €15). For cash, you will find cash-points in many places in the city center (24 hours a day).
Bank branches, exchange office and some post offices handle currency exchange transactions and traveler’s checks.
Whatever you are buying, prices are inclusive of service and all taxes.
Calling
To call France in France: 0 + number (9 digits)
To call France from abroad: 00 + 33 + number (9 digits)
To call abroad: 00 + country code + number
Opening Hours
Shops are usually open from 9 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday. Department stores may stay open until 9 pm. Banks are open from 8.30 to 12 noon and 2 to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, with some branches opening on Saturday mornings.
A few tips for a pleasant trouble-free stay
You are not allowed to smoke in indoor public places. You are strongly recommended to respect smoking/no smoking signs.
It is always useful to have a little cash on you at all times for little out-of-pocket expenses like taxi fares to the airport, drinks, etc.
A service charge is included in the price of each item on the menu in any cafe or restaurant as required by French law. In theory, no further tipping is expected.
However, it is pretty common to leave something after a bite to eat or drink. But it’s never expected and is only given for good or attentive service, or at a place you attend frequently. Extra generosity will never hurt.
If you are driving, park only where authorized and respect speed limits on highways and motorways.
Emergency phone numbers
Dial the following numbers (toll-free)
SAMU (medical emergencies): 15
Police emergency: 17
Fire-brigade: 18
European emergency call: 112
