Visit Nice : The Perfect Place to explore the South of France
With postcard-perfect scenery, Nice is a place where art, tradition, and culture come together. Find sunny boulevards, the pastel-coloured Old Town, local specialities and the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
What to see in Nice : Monuments
Promenade des Anglais – This is the 7km coastal path that runs along the blue waters of the Baie des Anges. It is lined with palm trees and the now iconic blue chairs which face the beaches.
Colline du Château – Castle Hill is the most famous public garden in Nice. There used to be a castle there, but now there remains ruins and information boards which explain what the castle would have been like. The most impressive feature is the big waterfall that cascades down over a small cliff. From its viewing balcony, you can see incredible views, sunrises and sunsets across the city.
The Notre-Dame de l’Assomption – This Basilica lies in the centre of Nice and is the largest church in the city (although not the cathedral of the city). Built in the 1800s in the Neo-Gothic style, it was created with the goal of adding French architecture to the city, following France’s acquisition of Nice from Sardinia.
The Opéra de Nice – The Nice Opera offers three types of performances throughout the year – ballets, operas and classical music concerts. It’s a great thing to do if there is a show on during your stay!
What to do in Nice : Museums
Musée Matisse – This museum contains nearly 600 paintings, drawings and sculptures by French painter Henri Matisse. It’s one of the world’s largest collections of his works and opened in 1963 in the neighbourhood of Cimiez. Find works such as Nature morte aux grenades and Lectrice à la table jaune.
Musée d’art moderne – Nice’s modern art museum opened in 1990 and contains a large collection of artistic work from the late 1950s to today. Find work from artists such as: Yves Klein, Andy Warhol, Niki de Saint Phalle, Martial Raysse, Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring.
Musée du Palais Lascaris – This 17th century mansion is one of Nice’s hidden gems. Whilst unassuming on the outside, inside it is full of Baroque architecture and decor. There’s sculptures, paintings and tapestries with colourful ceiling art and luxuriously decorated rooms. It contains a collection of Nice’s historical musical instruments.
The Best Tours and Excursions
Visit Nice
Daytrips to do from Nice
Due to its size, transport links and proximity to other popular towns, Nice is a great base to explore the South of France. Here are some of the best towns to visit nearby:
Villefranche-sur-Mer: A picture-postcard fishing village with a sandy beach and pastel-colored waterfront buildings. This is a 5 minute train or 10 minute drive.
Monaco / Monte Carlo: The glitzy, high-end principal independent city-state known for its casino, luxury yachts, and palace. A 30 minute train or drive.
Menton: The final French town before Italy, famous for its dramatic coastal views, lemon gardens, and warm microclimate. A 40 minute train or drive.
Antibes: A historic waterfront town wrapped in 16th-century ramparts, boasting a massive yacht marina and a famous Picasso museum. About a 30 minute train or drive.
Cannes: The glamorous coastal city renowned for high-end shopping, luxury hotels, and the annual star-studded film festival. A 40 minute train or drive.
Local produce
Nice is full of food specialities, with a great place to try these being a local market. Try the market at Cours Saleya in Vieux Nice or Marché de la Libération, more north of the centre.
Specialities:
Socca – A flatbread/thin crepe made of chickpea flour – a real Nice specialty
Niçoise Salad – A salad with a bed of raw vegetables and leaves, tuna, hard boiled eggs, small black Niçoise olives, coated in simple extra-virgin olive oil, salt and fresh basil.
Pan bagnat – A famous speciality sandwich, it’s pretty much salade niçoise enclosed inside a crusty round bread roll or a baguette!
Pissaladière – savory flatbread or tart from Nice and Provence, topped with sweet caramelized onions, anchovies, and black olives
Pistou soup – a classic, vibrant summer vegetable and bean soup from the French Riviera finished with a fresh garlic and basil paste
Daube Niçoise – braised beef stew that combines French flavours and Italian ravioli
Tourte de Blettes Sucrée – A unique pastry crust filled with a surprising mixture of finely chopped green Swiss chard leaves, apples, raisins, pine nuts, and a splash of eau-de-vie or rum.
