Summary
Nice’s unofficial anthem is Nissa La Bella, a sentiment you will undoubtedly appreciate when visiting the largest city in the French Riviera. The allure of Nice lies in its 19th-century mansions lining the promenades and boulevards, the Italianate architecture of its old quarter, and the rugged natural landscapes that provide numerous breathtaking viewpoints.
Artists have long celebrated this picturesque scenery, further enhanced by the region’s distinctive light. Consequently, Nice has emerged as one of the premier destinations in Europe for art enthusiasts, housing museums dedicated to artists such as Chagall and Matisse. With exquisite cuisine, a favorable climate, and an abundance of Riviera elegance, Nice is truly a remarkable destination.
Let us explore the best things to do in Nice:
1. Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais is not merely a grand walkway beside the Mediterranean; it has been a fundamental part of life in Nice since this embankment was constructed in the 1820s. It hosts parades during the vibrant Nice Carnival in February, while the rest of the year sees joggers, couples, skateboarders, and families traversing its length daily.
This promenade stretches for seven kilometers and is lined with magnificent 19th-century palaces on the eastern side. Visitors can enjoy seating on benches and find shade beneath pergolas and palm trees.
2. Vieille Ville
The oldest segment of the city presents a stark contrast to Nice’s wide boulevards and expansive squares, such as Place Masséna. Vieille Ville features a labyrinth of alleyways lined with local shops and eateries, overshadowed by towering ochre-painted apartment buildings and dominated by the Colline du Château to the east.
Ice cream parlors, creperies, and cafes spill into the squares, which remain lively until the early morning hours. The architecture and ambiance convey a distinct Italian essence, reflecting Nice’s historical ties to Italy before the Treaty of Turin in 1860.
3. Parc de la Colline du Château
At the pinnacle of this steep hill on the eastern side of the city, visitors can enjoy some of the most stunning vistas of the French Riviera. The view over Nice and the azure waters of the Baie des Anges is a sight to behold and will entice visitors to linger as long as possible.
From here, one can identify various landmarks, including the Hotel Negresco and the port to the east. For those seeking exercise, the ascent to the top can be made on foot from the Vieille Ville, although a complimentary elevator is also available, particularly useful during the summertime.
4. Musée Marc Chagall
Chagall was deeply involved in the architecture of this museum, selecting the placement of each of his artworks, organizing the gardens, and designing the stained-glass windows in the concert hall. In many respects, the museum itself is a harmonious artistic creation.
The purpose of establishing the museum was to exhibit Chagall’s series of 17 paintings that explore biblical themes, divided between the New and Old Testaments. Among these works is the renowned Resistance, Resurrection, Liberation triptych, which was created in the context of the Second World War.
5. Nice Cathedral
Situated in the Vieille Ville, this cathedral might initially appear unremarkable apart from its distinctive patterned dome. Casual observers in the square may not even recognize it as the city’s cathedral.
However, once inside, the building reveals a completely different character, showcasing a lavish baroque design characteristic of the 17th century, featuring ten intricately decorated chapels adorned with sculptures, paintings, and gilding. Such architectural splendor is typically expected in Italy or Spain.
6. Cours Saleya Market
This delightful flower and fresh produce market operates daily, except for Monday when it transforms into a flea market. It is an invaluable resource for those staying in apartments within Nice, offering fresh fruits and vegetables, regional delicacies like socca prepared on-site, and blooms sourced from the Provence and Alpes-Maritimes countryside.
Visitors may encounter sellers providing free samples, a clever strategy to attract customers. The flower stalls remain open the longest, staying until 17:30, well beyond the closing time of the food vendors. To avoid the tourist throng, arriving early is advisable.
7. Musée Masséna
This 19th-century villa located along the Promenade des Anglais was gifted to the city by the Duke of Rivoli in 1919 on the condition that it operate as a public museum showcasing local history. A visit offers insight into the lifestyle of the Belle Époque, complete with gardens designed by Édouard André, who also created those at the Monte Carlo Casino.
The interior hosts an intriguing collection of curiosities, including Napoleon’s death mask and a tiara belonging to his spouse, Empress Joséphine, alongside an exhibition of 19th-century French art on the second floor.
8. Dining
Nice has made significant contributions to French cuisine, offering a variety of local dishes that should not be missed. Salade Niçoise is a primary example, composed of hard-boiled eggs, green beans, anchovies, tomatoes, and calletier olives, which pair exceptionally well with rosé wines from Bandol or whites from Bellet.
A popular street-food option is Socca, a delightful creation that melds flatbread and pancake, crafted from chickpea flour and sold by vendors in the old quarter. Additionally, Ratatouille, a celebrated vegetable stew made with zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, also hails from this region. Other local specialties include fougasse bread, onion tart, and Daube Niçoise, a braised beef stew made with bacon, tomatoes, and red wine.
9. Parc Phoenix
This park charges a modest entry fee of three Euros, a worthwhile investment considering its expansive seven-hectare layout located at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais. Children can enter for free, making it one of the few attractions in Nice guaranteed to delight younger visitors.
With 20 themed zones hosting 2,500 plant species amidst ponds, a modern greenhouse (one of Europe’s largest), and various gardens, the park offers a rich biodiversity. Additionally, it features animal enclosures and terrariums where visitors can observe turtles, otters, and tropical spiders, while mandarin ducks, Chilean flamingos, and iguanas roam freely within the greenhouse.
10. Beaches
The beaches of Nice are predominantly pebbly; while they are visually appealing for a stroll, they may not be suitable for everyone looking to sunbathe comfortably. There are private sections available that provide sun loungers and, on occasion, sand for added comfort.
Nevertheless, the public areas are ideal for enjoying a relaxing afternoon in the sun, although the currents can be rather strong for smaller children, and the beach slopes steeply into the water. An alternative, delightful beach experience can be found on the opposite side of Mont Boron at Villefranche-sur-Mer, where the waters are shallower and protected from the open sea by the headlands at Cap de Nice and Cap-Ferrat.
11. Monastère de Cimiez
This historic monastery, situated on a rise north of the city’s center, was founded by the Benedictines in the 800s. Access is via the impressive Boulevard de Cimiez, renowned for its exceptional 19th-century hotels and mansions.
The gothic architecture of the monastery dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, featuring beautiful frescoes from the 1500s. However, the primary allure for most visitors is the stunning gardens, which showcase intricate flower beds, topiaries, geometric lawns, pergolas, and a terrace offering breathtaking views of the city.
These gardens represent the oldest on the Côte d’Azur, having been established in 1546 as a kitchen garden for the monks.
12. More Art Museums
With the Riviera Pass, one can access the Chagall Museum and several other attractions with a single ticket valid for either 48 hours or seven days. A brief overview indicates that the Matisse Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of this esteemed Impressionist’s works. It also offers insights into the artist’s influences and creative process through numerous sketches.
Additionally, the Museum of Asian Art is located behind the Phoenix Park and features a pavilion where visitors can partake in a genuine Japanese tea ceremony. There is also the contemporary art museum, MAMAC, showcasing works by Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Yves Klein.
13. Cap-Ferrat
A synonym for Riviera opulence and historic affluence, Cap-Ferrat is located just 20 minutes east of Nice, along the scenic Boulevard Napoléon III. Visitors can marvel at the stunning turn-of-the-century mansions that characterize the area.
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is open to the public and is filled with invaluable artworks, sculptures, and furnishings. Similar to the famous route at Cap d’Antibes, Cap-Ferrat is also bordered by a coastal trail that provides spectacular photographic opportunities of the captivating Riviera coastline and the Massif de l’Esterel. This path also serves as the most convenient access to some charming beaches located on the eastern side.
14. OGC Nice
From August to May, if you seek a diversion from the cultural and culinary appeals of Nice and the French Riviera, you may choose to attend a live football match at the Allianz Riviera stadium, located a short distance west of the city.
OGC Nice experienced a remarkable season in 2016, currently being managed by the esteemed Swiss coach Lucien Favre, notable for his engaging style of play. The stadium, accommodating approximately 35,000 spectators, was constructed for the UEFA Euro 2016 and is now owned by an affluent foreign consortium, suggesting the potential for growth in the coming years.
15. Mont Boron
Located between Nice’s port and Cap-Ferrat, Mont Boron rises dramatically from the water, reaching an elevation of nearly 200 meters. This region remains a rare expanse of open land, populated by olive, carob, and pine trees.
Visitors can traverse to the southwestern flank where Nice stretches infinitely alongside the Baie des Anges, with the Colline du Château appearing diminutive in the view. Conversely, one can enjoy fantastic vistas of Cap-Ferrat while following the ridge back to Fort du Mont Alban, a fortress built in the mid-16th century that opens its doors to visitors during the summer months.
