The insider's guide, from travelers who've actually been through.
NCE is one of the more practical European airports for a layover because the city is genuinely close: Tram Line 2 from both terminals reaches Jean Medecin and the old port in 26 minutes for EUR 10, running every 8 minutes from 05:30 to 23:55. The old town, the flower market at Cours Saleya (mornings only), and the Promenade are all walkable from the tram stop. Terminal 2 uses PARAFE biometric gates for EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passports, which keeps clearing times short outside peak arrivals. Even a 5-6 hour layover here is viable if you go straight on landing.
Before your layover here
Some links are affiliate links. Booking through them supports MyLayover at no extra cost to you.