Nice is a beautiful city that sits on the French Riviera. It has long been a favorite destination of famous artists, such as Matisse and Chagall, and foreign monarchs, such as Queen Victoria. Made popular by its pristine beaches, aqua waters, and haute cuisine, Nice is the ultimate seaside holiday destination year-round.
Here are some of the best attractions…
PLACES
The Old Town
The Old Town is a picturesque part of Nice, with narrow cobblestone streets, classic red roof houses, and a variety of colorful cafes and bistros. With a maze of winding streets, you can easily get lost (in a good way!) in the ancient charm and traditional landscape of the Old Town.
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is a fantastic landmark, with panoramic views out over the Old Town and Promenade des Anglais. When you reach the top of the hill you’ll be rewarded with even more scenic views, as well as a beautiful cascading waterfall. You’ll also find some small restaurants and cafes where you can relax and take in this incredible vantage point.
Phoenix Parc
The Phoenix Park is a combined botanical garden and zoo. Located near the airport, Phoenix Park has everything from tropical plants and flowers to animals including peacocks, swans, and tortoises. There are also amenities on-site; bathrooms, cafes, and a terraced eating area as well as a children’s playground.
Monastere de Cimiez
Cimiez Monastery and Gardens can be found a few miles north of the city and is easily accessible by bus. Dating from the 9th century, the monastery itself is a wonderful example of architecture. Perhaps even more impressive are the gardens that surround the monastery. Beautifully landscaped grounds and manicured bushes make for a very photo-worthy backdrop.
Hotel Regina
The Regina Hotel used to be the winter residence of Queen Victoria. Eager to escape the cold British weather, the Queen and her court would all migrate to Nice to savour the pleasant climate. Now renovated and owned as private apartments, you can only view the Hotel Regina from the outside, but it is still worth a visit to see the grand and beautiful design as well as the statue of Queen Victoria.
Fontaine du Soleil
This iconic fountain is another popular landmark. Found in Massena Square, the water feature has a statue of Apollo in the center, which is lit up at night. The surrounding streets are worth a visit too. This part of Nice is particularly colorful and atmospheric, making it the perfect spot for a late-night stroll or an early morning jaunt.
Jardin Botanique
The Botanic Gardens are a must-see for any gardening enthusiast.
Here you’ll find over 3000 species of plant, each one carefully labeled and organized into collections from the Mediterranean, America, Asia, and Australia. Entry is completely free, so you can visit anytime and simply enjoy being surrounded by nature.
ACTIVITIES
Le Petit Train Électrique de Nice
Take a journey on this scenic railroad that takes you through Nice, from the Old Town to the modern developments. It’s a great way to explore the city without having to walk for miles, and there’s an audio guide with commentary available in 12 languages so you can learn more about the history and culture you pass by.
Gare du Sud
Take a look around this large shopping complex, which was converted from an old train station and is now home to a wide variety of shops and boutiques. The design is fascinating, with all the original architecture left in place, making it a truly unique shopping experience. Gare du Sud is also renowned for its selection of gourmet food court options, with choices that cater to any palette, all of which are reasonably priced. You’ll also find stalls outside the station selling fresh products such as local fruit and vegetables.
Château de Bellet Vinyard
Calling all wine lovers! Come and tour the vineyard and learn all about the history and process of winemaking in Nice. This small vineyard spans a lovely landscape of rolling hills against the majestic backdrop of the ocean. You’ll have a conducted tour that will explain the modern methods used to produce the wines, as well as the more traditional oak barrels. At the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting on the beautiful terrace overlooking the ocean. With delicious wines and wonderful views, this scenic stop should definitely be on your list.
Opera de Nice
Enjoy a night of ballet, opera, or a classical concert in this beautiful historic building. First constructed in 1776, the theatre is a draw for tourists all on its own. The grand interior is well maintained, displaying the splendor it was designed with. Whether you simply want to look around or view a production, the Nice Opera House is definitely worth a visit.
Casino Barrière Le Ruhl
Try your luck at one of Nice’s most popular entertainment venues. Here you’ll find all the classic casino games, roulette, blackjack, slots machines, etc., just be sure to bring a valid form of ID.
You can also visit the Golden Restaurant, where you’ll find a delicious range of gourmet dining options. After dinner, you can watch one of the shows on offer, which are always popular with locals and tourists alike.
MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES
Marc Chagall National Museum
The Marc Chagall National Museum was created during the artist’s lifetime and is home to a vast selection of his work, including the Biblical Messages, some of his most renowned paintings, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, mosaics, and stained glass windows. Throughout the exhibition, you will get a sense of Chagall’s work and style, especially his love of color. His works are a visual feast of complementary and contrasting shades, with vibrant tones that represent everything from joy to pain. Chagall’s work is not part of the understated style, instead, it is loud and showstopping, with colors and sweeping strokes that demand attention. If you’re an art enthusiast, be sure to add this museum to your list.
Musee Massena
The Musee Massena is a beautiful villa from the 19th century, with an Italianesque Neoclassical design, that instantly evokes a sense of historic grandeur. The gardens here are stunning as well. Inside, you will find the museum has been separated into three main levels. On the ground floor is an exhibit of restored period typical furniture, so you can see the rooms as they would have been. The second floor is devoted to different artifacts, from statuettes to ancient fashion to priceless classic paintings. The third floor is somewhat different; it is filled with a display of French cinematic history that guides you through film developments, showing original movie posters and camera equipment that is sure to interest any film buff.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts certainly lives up to its name. Everything from the spectacular building to the wonderful exhibitions inside is lavish and beautiful. The building itself is a former royal estate in the Renaissance design, with high ceilings and towering staircases. Musee des Beaux-Arts has an excellent selection of artworks, some permanently housed here and other frequently changing displays, that span from the late 15th century to the 20th century. Some of the artists that can be found here include Duffy, Rodin, Mossa, Monet, Picasso, Van Loo, and Sisley.
Musee Matisse
Enclosed by an olive garden, this unique museum housed in a red-brick villa has a character all of its own. Here you’ll find some of Henri Matisse’s best works, along with an exhibition about the man himself as well as his son, Pierre. Although this museum is smaller than some of its counterparts, it is still worth a visit and it adds another dimension of art to Nice’s collection. Conveniently located near the Chagall museum and the Hotel Regina, Musee Matisse is very easy to access.
Palais Lascaris
Palais Lascaris is a beautiful palace, both from the exterior and interior, that has been converted into another museum. Inside, you will find the rooms have been preserved with their original decor, and as you explore you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The palace also has an impressive collection of musical instruments, dating from 1600 onwards, that fascinate any music enthusiast.
BUILDINGS & MONUMENTS
Fort Mont-Alban
Fort Mont-Alban is a hilltop fortification, and as you can probably imagine, it offers some fantastic views. From here you can see along the coastline in both directions, out to sea and other beaches, as well as the city itself. Built on the coast, the fort was an invaluable lookout post back in the day, and now it serves as a brilliant photo location. It’s just a short climb up the hill, but on a hot day, you’ll want to bring a drink along with you.
Crypte Archéologique
The underground Crypte will give you a fascinating insight into how Nice was originally built, and the history that shaped this intriguing city. If you have an interest in archaeology or history, you’ll want to add the Crypte Archéologique to your itinerary. Inside there is plenty of bright lighting and wide walkways, ensuring the tour is accessible for wheelchairs. The tour of the Crypte lasts one hour, and you can buy tickets in advance online
Monument aux Morts
This stone monument is actually built into the cliff face itself, creating a unique and impressive visage. The monument is a grand memorial to those who lost their lives during WWI. It’s a somber place of quiet reflection that lends itself to taking a moment to think of the sacrifice those men made. If you’re walking near the harbor, you’ll likely come across this impressive place of remembrance.
BEACHES
Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais runs right along the waterfront for 7 km, providing excellent views from all angles. As you walk along the Promenade, you’re only a few steps away from the bay and the crystal clear water. There’s even a separate lane for runners, next to the conveniently shady line of palm trees, so you can enjoy a brisk morning jog with stunning scenery. With the beach on one side and a selection of cafes and bars on the other, Promenade des Anglais really does have everything you could possibly want for a day at the seaside.
Castel Plage
Castel Plage is a popular beach club in Nice. Famous for its delicious food and refreshing drinks, it is a frequent destination for sun-loving tourists. There are plenty of comfortable sunbeds to hire with parasols, all situated at a sunny spot on the beach. If you want the perfect tan as a souvenir, this is the place to get it.
Blue Beach
Blue Beach is spacious and very clean, with perfect white sands and turquoise waters. Here you’ll find sunbeds to hire, as well as reasonably priced cafes with tables overlooking the beach and snack bars. Sometimes you’ll find outdoor exercise classes here, such as yoga classes. There are also opportunities to take a paddle boat out and have some fun on the waves.
Coco Beach
Coco Beach is one of Nice’s smaller beaches, with more pebbles than sand, but the advantage is that you can swim in peace. It has a very private, calm atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle. If you want to escape the crowds, Coco Beach is the perfect place for you.
Plage Publique de l’Opéra
The Plage Publique de l’Opera is located just opposite the Nice Opera House. Like most beaches in Nice, there are more pebbles than sand, so you might want to take some sandals with you instead of going barefoot. The water here is a brilliant bright blue hue that looks endlessly inviting. Whether you want to swim or relax onshore, Plage de l’Opera is a beautiful spot that is very conveniently located next to all the major sightseeing areas.
