THE FRENCH RIVIERA - France 2014 - page 1074

Helpful Hints
Theft Alert: Nice has its share of pickpockets. Thieves target fanny packs: Have nothing
important on or around your waist, unless it's in a money belt tucked out of sight.
Don'tleavethingsunattendedonthebeachwhileswimming,andsticktomainstreets
in Vieux Nice after dark.
Sightseeing Tips: The following sights are closed on Mondays: the Modern and Contem-
porary Art Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, the Russian Cathedral, and the Cours
Saleya market. On Tuesdays the Chagall, Matisse, Masséna, and Archaeological mu-
seums are closed. All of the sights in Nice—except the Chagall Museum—are free to
enter, making rainy-day options a swinging deal here.
Internet Access: There's no shortage of places to get online. Almost all of the hotels I
list have free Wi-Fi, and some have guest computers. For other access points, ask at
yourhotelorlookforoneoftheseestablishments,allwithfreeWi-Fi:QuickHambur-
ger, Häagen Dazs, and McDonald's (multiple locations), or the Nice Etoile Shopping
Center and Virgin Megastore (on Avenue Jean Médecin).
Laundry: You'll find launderettes everywhere in Nice—ask your hotelier for the nearest
one.
Grocery Store: The big Monoprix on Avenue Jean Médecin and Rue Biscarra has it all,
includingadelicounter,bakery,andcolddrinks(Mon-Sat8:30-21:00,closedSun,see
map on here ) .You'll also find many small grocery stores (some open Sunand/oruntil
late hours) near my recommended hotels.
Boutique Shopping: The chic streets where Rue Alphonse Karr meets Rue de la Liberté
and then Rue de Paradis are known as the “Golden Square.” If you need pricey stuff,
shop here.
SNCF Boutique: There's a handy French rail ticket office a half-block west of Avenue
Jean Médecin at 2 Rue de la Liberté (Mon-Fri 10:00-17:50, closed Sat-Sun).
Renting a Bike (and Other Wheels): Roller Station rents bikes ( vélos, can be taken
on trains, €5/hour, €10/half-day, €15/day), rollerblades, skateboards, and Razor-style
scooters ( trotinettes, €7/half-day, €9/day). You'll need to leave your ID as a deposit
(daily March-May and Sept-Oct 10:00-19:00, June-Aug 10:00-20:30, Nov-Feb
10:00-18:00,nexttoyellow awningsofPailin'sAsianrestaurant at49QuaidesEtats-
Unis—see map on here , tel. [phone],owner Eric). Ifyouneed more power,the
TI has a list of places renting electric scooters.
You'llnoticebluebikes (Vélos Bleu) stationedatvariouspointsinthecity.Athou-
sand of these bikes, available for locals to use when running errands, rent cheaply