Nice France Vacations

Nice France Vacations

NIGHTLIFE

Nice’s Jazz Festival, in mid-July at the Parc et Arenes de Cimiez near the Musee Matisse, attracts world-famous performers. (08 20 80 04 00; www.nicejazzfest.com. 30.) Nice’s Carnaval in late February gives Rio a run for its money with three weeks of parades, outlandish costumes, fireworks, and parties.

The party crowd swings long after St-Tropez and Antibes have called it a night. The bars and nightclubs around r. Massena and Vieux Nice pulsate with dance and jazz. The dress code at all bars and clubs is simple: Look good. Most pubs will turn you away if they catch you wearing shorts, sandals, or a baseball cap. To experience Nice’s nightlife without spending a euro, head down to the promenade des Anglais, where street performers, musicians, and pedestrians fill the beach and boardwalk. For more info pick up the free brochure I’Exces (www.exces.com) at the tourist office and in some bars.

BARS

11 McMahon’s, 50 bd. Jean Jaures. Join the locals and expats who lap up Guinness and shoot pool at this friendly Irish pub. Happy Hour daily 3-9pm (pints 3, wine 2). Karaoke on Th, request DJ and free shots on Sa. Open daily 3pm-2am.

Thor, 32 cours Saleya. Svelte blonde bartenders pour pints for a youthful crowd in this raucous Scandinavian pub. Daily live music starting at 10pm. Happy Hour 6-9pm (pints 4). Open daily 6pm-2am.

Le Bar Des Deux Freres, 1 r. du Moulin. A young crowd tosses back tequila (3.10) and beer (5) amid red curtains and smoky tables at this local favorite. Open Th-Sa 6pm-3:30am, Su-M 10pm-2:30am.

L’Havane, 32 r. de France. This hip Latin bar caters to a mainly local mid-20s crowd and features live salsa bands nightly. Open daily 5pm-2:30am.

De Klomp, 6 r. Mascoinat. 40 types of whiskey (from 6.50) and 18 beers on tap (pints 7). A variety of live music every night. Happy Hour 5:30-9:30pm. Open M-Sa 5:30pm-2:30am, Su 8:30pm-2:30am.

Williams, 4 r. Centrale. When other bars close up, Williams keeps the kegs flowing. Karaoke nights M-Th. Live music F-Sa. Open 9pm-7am.

Wayne’s, 15 r. de la Prefecture. The common denominators for this wild, crowded bar: young and on the prowl. Open noon-lam.