Visit Nice : 5 Things to do
Nice is a city located on the French Riviera, in the southeast of France. It is the fifth-largest city in France, with a population of over 340,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and historic old town.
Nice has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The summer months are the most popular time to visit, as temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F). However, spring and autumn are also great times to visit, as the weather is milder and there are fewer crowds.
The city is home to several popular tourist attractions, including the Promenade des Anglais, a famous seaside promenade that stretches along the coast of Nice. The Old Town, or Vieux Nice, is another popular attraction, with narrow streets, traditional French architecture, and local shops and restaurants.
Here are some things to see and do in Nice:
Visit Nice with a Tour Guide : the best things to do
Promenade des Anglais
La Promenade des Anglais is a famous seaside promenade in the city of Nice, France. It stretches for about 7 kilometers along the coast of the Baie des Anges, from the airport in the west to the Quai des Etats-Unis in the east. The promenade is named after the English expatriates who funded its construction in the 19th century.
The Promenade des Anglais is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea, with plenty of opportunities to relax, stroll, bike or rollerblade. Along the way, you’ll find numerous beach clubs, cafes, and restaurants where you can stop and enjoy the scenery.
One of the most iconic landmarks along the promenade is the Hôtel Negresco, a grand hotel built in the early 20th century. It features an ornate pink facade and has played host to many famous guests over the years, including Coco Chanel, Salvador Dali, and Princess Grace of Monaco.
The promenade is also home to several public artworks, including the famous “La Chaise de SAB” sculpture, which is a large red chair that sits on the beach. Another popular artwork is the “Nice Sign,” which is a colorful sign made up of large letters that spell out the city’s name.
Overall, La Promenade des Anglais is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Nice. It offers beautiful views of the sea, a wide range of activities and attractions, and a chance to experience the vibrant culture of the French Riviera.
Le Vieux Nice
Le Vieux Nice, also known as the Old Town of Nice, is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of the city of Nice, France. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and traditional French architecture.
The Old Town is a great place to explore on foot, with numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants to discover. It is also home to several important landmarks, such as the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, a beautiful Baroque-style cathedral built in the 17th century.
One of the most famous landmarks in the Old Town is the Cours Saleya, a large square that is home to the daily market. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce and flowers to handmade crafts and souvenirs. The square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a great spot to stop and enjoy a meal or a drink.
Another popular attraction in the Old Town is the Place Rossetti, a charming square that is home to the Église Sainte-Réparate, a beautiful church built in the 17th century. The square is also lined with gelato shops and cafes, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Overall, Le Vieux Nice is a wonderful destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and French culture. It offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, with plenty of opportunities to explore, relax, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the French Riviera.
La Colline du Château – The Castle Hill
Castle Hill (Colline du Château) is a popular tourist attraction in Nice, France. It is a hill that rises 93 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The hill was once home to a castle, which was destroyed in the 18th century, but the area has since been transformed into a public park that is open to visitors.
One of the main attractions on Castle Hill is the waterfall, which cascades down the hillside and into a pond below. Visitors can climb the steps to the top of the waterfall for a stunning view of the city and the sea.
The park also features several walking paths and gardens, as well as a playground for children. There are also several cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the view.
At the top of the hill, visitors will find a large artificial waterfall, a bell tower, and a small cemetery. There is also a monument dedicated to the soldiers of Nice who died in World War I.
One of the best ways to reach Castle Hill is by taking the elevator from the Old Town. The elevator offers a quick and convenient way to reach the top of the hill, and it is free of charge. Alternatively, visitors can climb the stairs from the Promenade des Anglais, which can be a bit of a workout, but offers a rewarding view of the city and the sea.
Overall, Castle Hill is a great destination for anyone visiting Nice. It offers stunning views, beautiful gardens, and a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
Cimiez, a residential district
Cimiez is a beautiful residential area located in the hills above Nice, France. It is known for its elegant Belle Époque architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the main attractions in Cimiez is the Musée Matisse, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous French artist, Henri Matisse. The museum is housed in a 17th-century villa and features a large collection of Matisse’s paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
Another popular attraction in Cimiez is the Roman ruins, which date back to the 1st century AD. The ruins include an amphitheater, a bathhouse, and several other structures, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region.
Cimiez is also home to several beautiful gardens, including the Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez, which features a rose garden, an olive grove, and a children’s playground. The Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez is another popular garden, located next to the Franciscan Monastery, which dates back to the 16th century.
Visitors to Cimiez can also enjoy a stroll through the quiet, tree-lined streets of the neighborhood, which are lined with elegant mansions and villas. There are also several cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Overall, Cimiez is a great destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the natural beauty and history of the French Riviera
The cooking from Nice – Taste the specialities
The cuisine of Nice is a reflection of its coastal location and its history as a crossroads between France and Italy. It is characterized by its use of fresh, local ingredients and its Mediterranean flavors.
One of the most famous dishes from Nice is the salade niçoise, which typically includes lettuce, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and olives. Other popular dishes include pissaladière, a type of pizza made with onions, anchovies, and olives, and socca, a savory pancake made with chickpea flour.
Another popular dish from Nice is ratatouille, a vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. The dish is often served as a side dish or as a main course with crusty bread.
Seafood is also a major component of the cuisine of Nice. Local fish such as sardines, anchovies, and sea bream are often featured in dishes such as bouillabaisse, a fish stew made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
For dessert, the city is known for its traditional pastry called the tarte tropezienne, which is made with brioche bread, cream, and sugar.
To accompany the food, the wine from the region of Provence is a perfect match, with a wide variety of rosé, red, and white wines produced locally.
Overall, the cuisine of Nice is a delightful combination of fresh Mediterranean ingredients and traditional French and Italian flavors. Visitors to the region can enjoy a wide range of delicious dishes and experience the unique culinary traditions of the French Riviera.
