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Nice Travel Guide
Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (© TMAX - Fotolia.com)

Introduction

Nice, the fifth-largest city in France with 350,000 inhabitants, is the economic capital of the Côte d'Azur. The city enjoys an exceptional climate with 300 days of sunshine annually and attracts over 5 million visitors each year, making it France's leading tourist destination after Paris. Located between the sea and mountains, Nice offers 10 kilometers of coastal area including 7.5 kilometers of beaches, 178 parks and gardens, and is served by France's second-largest international airport. The city features the region's largest old town, numerous museums housing works by world-renowned artists, and maintains strong connections to both Alpine and Mediterranean cultures across its 1,400 square kilometer metropolitan area that encompasses 49 municipalities.

The famous seafront promenade, known as the Promenade des Anglais, owes its name to the English upper classes who came for its mild Mediterranean climate in the late 18th century.

Nice was an Italian city for most of its history and only became part of France in 1860. Painters Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse both lived in Nice. Each have dedicated museums in the city.


Interesting Facts about Nice

  • Nice is the fifth largest city in France and the second most popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage.
  • The city's famous Promenade des Anglais was built by British aristocrats in 1822, marking the beginning of Nice's development as a major tourist hub.
  • Nice is renowned for its unique pebble beaches, offering a distinctive charm compared to the sandy shores found elsewhere on the French Riviera.
  • Vieux Nice, or Old Town, is a historic area filled with narrow streets, vibrant markets, and Baroque architecture, providing a glimpse into the city's past.
  • The Cours Saleya market in Vieux Nice is a must-visit attraction, famous for its flower market and local produce.
  • Nice has been a source of inspiration for many famous artists, including Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, who have museums dedicated to their works in the city.
  • Castle Hill, or Colline du Château, offers breathtaking views of the city and the Baie des Anges, despite no longer having a standing castle.
  • Nice hosts one of the oldest carnivals in the world, the Carnaval de Nice, which is a spectacle of colour and joy.

History

Nice's history spans over 400,000 years, with the earliest human settlements discovered at the Terra Amata archaeological site. The Greeks from Phocaea established the city around 350 BC, naming it Nikaia after Nike, the goddess of victory. The city faced numerous invasions, including attacks by Goths in 262 CE and Saracen raids in 859 and 880. Throughout the medieval period, Nice changed hands multiple times between various rulers, including the Counts of Provence and the House of Savoy, with the latter gaining control in 1388. The city experienced significant hardships, including a devastating plague in 1631 that caused over 10,000 deaths. A notable transformation occurred in the 18th century when British aristocrats began wintering in Nice, leading to the construction of the famous Promenade des Anglais. The city's Italian connection remained strong until 1860, when it was finally ceded to France as part of the Treaty of Turin. During World War II, Nice served as a refuge for displaced people, particularly Jews fleeing Nazi persecution, though it later suffered heavy American bombardment that resulted in 1,000 casualties and left more than 5,600 people homeless. Today, Nice stands as France's fifth most populous city and the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast.


Main Attractions

Promenade des Anglais

The iconic Promenade des Anglais is a must-visit attraction in Nice. This 7-kilometre-long seafront promenade offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Angels. Stroll along the palm-tree lined avenue, join the joggers and cyclists, or simply relax on one of the famous blue chairs while taking in the intense light and colours of Nice.

Vieux Nice (Old Town)

Explore the charming Old Town of Nice, a maze of narrow streets and colourful architecture. Wander through the picturesque piazzas, admire the beautiful Baroque churches, and discover local shops and restaurants. Don't miss the stunning Cathedral Sainte-Réparate on Place Rossetti.

Colourful street, Nice (ID 137400621 © Xbrchx | Dreamstime.com)

Cours Saleya Market

Visit the vibrant Cours Saleya Market, the largest pedestrian area in Vieux Nice. Open from Tuesday to Sunday mornings, this market is famous for its colourful flower stalls, local food products, and antiques. Be sure to try the local speciality, socca, at Chez Theresa.

Colline du Château (Castle Hill)

For panoramic views of Nice and the surrounding area, head to Castle Hill. Although the original citadel no longer exists, the hill now boasts a beautiful park perfect for a stroll. Don't miss the impressive waterfall and the archaeological remains. Access is available via stairs or a free elevator at the end of the Promenade des Anglais.

Place Masséna

Nice's main square, Place Masséna, is a hub of activity and a visual delight. Admire the ochre facades, black and white geometrical paving, and the seven "Conversation" statues that illuminate with warm colours in the evening. The square is flanked by two lovely gardens: the Jardin Albert 1er and the Promenade du Paillon.

Place Masséna, Nice (ID 137910360 © Xbrchx | Dreamstime.com)

Nice Port Area (Port Lympia)

Explore the picturesque Port Lympia, where you can marvel at luxurious yachts, enjoy a meal at a seaside café, or simply soak in the relaxed atmosphere. It's an excellent spot to escape the bustling city centre and enjoy the maritime charm of Nice.

Cimiez District

While the Cimiez district is home to several museums, it also offers other attractions. Visit the remains of a Roman settlement, explore the Franciscan Monastery and its beautiful gardens, and admire the imposing Regina building, where the artist Matisse once lived.

Nice Beaches

Although known for their pebbles rather than sand, Nice's beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the Mediterranean. Choose between public beaches or private beach clubs for a relaxing day by the sea.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral

The stunning Russian Orthodox Cathedral, with its colourful onion domes and intricate decorations, is a unique sight in Nice. While it's not always open to visitors, the exterior alone is worth admiring.


Top Museums

MAMAC (Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain)

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Highlights include:

  • A vast collection of over 1,400 works spanning New Realism, Pop Art, and Minimalist Art
  • Special displays dedicated to Yves Klein and Niki de Saint Phalle
  • A rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Nice

Musée Matisse

Located in the Cimiez neighborhood, this museum is dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse. Key features include:

  • A comprehensive collection of Matisse's paintings, drawings, sculptures, and paper cut-outs
  • The artist's emblematic creations like the statue "Le Serf" and the painting "La Tempête in Nice"
  • The striking "L'arbre de vie" stained glass window

Musée National Marc Chagall

This museum houses the largest public collection of works by Marc Chagall. Visitors can enjoy:

  • The "Biblical Message" cycle, a masterful work in 17 tableaux
  • A diverse range of Chagall's art including paintings, sculptures, stained glass, and tapestries
  • A peaceful museum garden for reflection

Musée Masséna

Housed in a stunning Belle Époque villa, this museum focuses on the history of Nice and the French Riviera. It features:

  • Exhibits covering Nice's history since its attachment to France in 1860
  • A collection of ornate carvings and paintings from the Belle Époque period
  • One of the copies of Napoleon's death mask

Palais Lascaris

This 17th-century Baroque palace now serves as a musical instrument museum. Highlights include:

  • A collection of over 500 instruments, including 65 classified pieces
  • 18 harps belonging to harpist Gisèle Grandpierre-Desaux
  • Beautifully preserved antique furniture, moldings, and period frescoes
Harbour and marina, Nice, France (ID 348465650 © Valery Bareta | Dreamstime.com)

Local Cuisine

Nice's cuisine reflects its unique heritage at the crossroads of French and Italian culinary traditions, offering a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavours. The local specialities, known as Cuisine Nissarde, include the iconic Salade Niçoise, a vibrant salad featuring fresh tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and tuna. The city is renowned for its street food, particularly socca, a crispy chickpea pancake, and pan bagnat, a hearty sandwich filled with Niçoise salad ingredients. Other must-try dishes include pissaladière, a savoury tart topped with caramelised onions and anchovies, and the delicate beignets de fleurs de courgettes (courgette flower fritters), which showcase the region's Italian influences. The cuisine emphasises fresh, local ingredients, particularly olive oil, seafood, and locally grown fruits and vegetables, resulting in dishes that are both healthy and flavoursome.


Shopping

The city's main commercial hub centres around Avenue Jean-Médecin, where you'll find major retailers and the Nicetoile shopping centre. The prestigious Golden Square, encompassing Rue Paradis, Avenue de Suède and Avenue de Verdun, houses luxury boutiques from world-renowned designers. For a more authentic experience, venture into the charming Old Nice (Vieux-Nice), home to over 600 traders and artisans, particularly around the vibrant Cours Saleya, where you can browse local products and typical gifts. The city also boasts impressive shopping centres, including the recently renovated CAP 3000 in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, which was voted the world's best shopping centre in 2022. For bargain hunters and food enthusiasts, the Marché de la Libération offers fresh local produce at reasonable prices, whilst the Village Ségurane antiques district provides a treasure trove of unique finds.


Nature in and around Nice

Nice offers a stunning array of natural attractions that showcase the beauty of the French Riviera. The city's most prominent green space is Castle Hill, rising 92 metres above sea level and providing dramatic panoramic views of the Baie des Anges, the red rooftops of Vieux-Nice, and Port Lympia. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Mont Boron Forest Park, which spans 57 hectares of Mediterranean wilderness with 11 kilometres of marked trails through Aleppo pines, carob trees, and wild olive trees. For those seeking more adventurous landscapes, the nearby Gorges du Verdon, often called the Grand Canyon of Europe, plunges to depths of over 700 metres and features stunning turquoise waters perfect for kayaking and swimming. The city itself is dotted with elegant green spaces, including the Promenade du Paillon with its reflecting pools and fountains, and the impressive Parc Phoenix, which houses one of Europe's largest greenhouses featuring seven different tropical climates.

Sea cruiser leaving the Old Port of Nice, French Riviera (© LiliGraphie - Fotolia.com)
Sea cruiser leaving the Old Port of Nice

Getting Around

Nice boasts an extensive and efficient public transport network operated by Lignes d'Azur, comprising three modern tram lines and over 140 bus routes serving 51 towns in the metropolitan area. The tram system includes Line 1, which connects the north and east via the city centre along Avenue Jean Médecin and Place Masséna; Line 2, which provides a convenient west-east link from the airport to Nice's port; and Line 3, which connects Saint-Isidore to the city centre via the Allianz Riviera stadium. The bus network is particularly comprehensive, with services running from early morning until late evening, and special night buses operating after 10 pm. Tickets cost ?1.70 for a single journey, with better value options available through multi-trip tickets and daily passes. The system is further enhanced by nine Parcazur park-and-ride facilities, allowing visitors to park for free and access the city centre by tram.


Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to visit Nice is during the shoulder seasons, particularly in September or between April and June. September stands out as an especially appealing month, offering warm Mediterranean waters, diminishing crowds, and more reasonable accommodation prices whilst maintaining delightful sunny weather. Spring visits from April to June provide mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities, though do note that the latter half of May sees price increases due to the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix. Whilst summer (June to August) delivers guaranteed sunshine and warm temperatures around 28°C, it brings substantial crowds and peak prices. Those seeking a more economical holiday might consider the winter months from November to March, when temperatures remain mild at 5°C to 15°C, though rainfall is more frequent, particularly in November which averages 133mm of precipitation.


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