Ironman World Championship: Nice vs. Kona (the location, not the course)
The 2024 Ironman World Championship took place in Nice, France, marking the second time this prestigious event has moved from its iconic venue in Kona. The first shift occurred in 2021, when the race was hosted in St. George due to COVID-19 restrictions. This transition has sparked considerable debate among athletes and fans alike. Having raced in Kona six times (and also in St. George), I approached this change skeptically.
A World-Class City vs. an Island
Nice, the fifth-largest city in France, offers a vibrant urban experience compared to the more secluded island setting of Kona. With a population exceeding 1 million, the majority of Nice's residents are not triathletes but rather well-dressed Europeans enjoying their vacation, often curiously observing the spandex-clad athletes.
Travel Considerations
Flights: When planning your trip, remember that flights to Nice are typically **two to three times more expensive** than those to Kona from the West Coast. However, accommodations in Nice are significantly more affordable and plentiful. We arrived on **Sunday**, seven days before the race, which was ideal. An extra day provided a buffer for travel delays, and by Saturday, I finally felt adjusted and ready to race.
Car Rental: There’s no need for a car in Nice. A tram runs the 5 miles from the airport to downtown or Old Town for just **$2**. If you have a bike box, the tram can accommodate it, provided it’s not too crowded. Alternatively, an UberVan is a good option, but note that they only allow one bike at a time and will not transport baggage in the passenger section.
Accommodations
We stayed in a lovely two-bedroom apartment just 0.25 miles from the Ironman Village for $270 a night, with no minimum stay required. This totaled $1,400 USD for eight nights, a stark contrast to Kona, where most accommodations require a 7-10 night stay and can cost upwards of $3,200.
When booking, check for **air conditioning**, as many places lack it, and Nice can be noisy. Consider the size of the bed—many places offer single or double beds, which may not be ideal for couples—and the accessibility of the building, as many have narrow, winding staircases that are not bike-friendly. Staying close to the race start is convenient, and you can easily use the tram or walk to explore Old Nice and the Port.
Food
Food costs in Nice are 40-50% lower than in Kona and about 25% less** than in San Diego. The average latte is around $3, and fresh baguettes can be found for just $1. Wine lovers will appreciate the local options that won’t break the bank. Food is abundant, with grocery stores on nearly every corner, including high-quality Bio-Coop and **Naturalia stores. The fresh bread, priced under **$2**, is of excellent quality. We found plenty of vegan and gluten-free options and great pizza and pasta.
Our Favorites
- **Amour Patisserie Vegetale:** 100% vegetarian and gluten-free, offering vegan omelets, various baked goods, and chocolate pancakes. We visited daily! (https://amour-patisserie-vegetale.com/
- **Utopia:** A 100% vegan Italian restaurant with fantastic pasta and pizza. Reservations recommended. https://utopia-nice.com/
- **Gigi Tavola:** Located in the Port area, known for great gluten-free pizza. - https://www.gigitavola.com/en/home-page
**Koko Green:** Offers vegan and raw food, including delicious vegan burgers and fresh salads. https://www.instagram.com/kokogreen06/?hl=en
- **Cabane du 12:** A vegan grocery store. https://www.cabanedu12.com/
- **Naturalia:** A great grocery option.https://www.naturalia.fr/
My takeaway is that NICE is simply a fantastic destination. Besides the travel time, it's much easier all around than Kona. It's simply a world-class city, and my guess is that spectators and families will likely enjoy the destination very much.
