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France > France regions > Provence > Alpes-Maritimes > (Cote d'Azur) > Nice

Nice

Nice is the largest resort on the Cote d'Azur - indeed, anywhere in France. It is also a popular arrival point for people visiting other places on the French Riviera.

The city, the 5th largest in France and dating back to the Romans, stands at the foot of a hill known as the chateau - because a castle used to stand on the hill. Nice has something for everyone: a medieval old town and other grand architectural monuments; a wide selection of museums; lots of bars and restaurants of all standard and type; the fine Mediterranean climate; and of course easy access to beaches.

Your only challenge will be in deciding what to do in the limited time available during a visit (or dragging the children away from the beach)

Places to visit in Nice, France

The old town is the part of Nice that lies behind the harbour, and is where you will find most of the important monuments. First though be sure to explore the port and harbour itself.

The old town is a perfect place to explore for the large number of beautiful buildings and decorated facades. Some of the highlights include:

- the small traditional fishermens cottages facing the harbour and now renovated into posh boutiques and restaurants. These are known as the Ponchettes.

- the Palais de Justice (on the Place du Palais), a grand colonnaded 19th century mansion

- the domed cathedral of Sainte-Reparate is in the heart of the old town. Also see the Saint Nicolas Orthodox cathedral , and a generous sprinkling of other pretty churches (Saint-Jacques, Penitents-Noirs Chapel, SaintAugustin...) If you like modern architecture see the St Joan of Arc Church - an art deco church built in concrete in the 1930's

- the pedestrianised squares of Place Rossetti and Place Messana, and the grand buildings that line their edges, are perhaps the two most impressive of the many squares and plazas in Nice

- the impressive decorated interior - especially the ceilings - of the 17th century Palais Lascaris, towards the north of the old town on Rue Droite

- the Cimiez region, to the north of central Nice, is very smart and sophisticated, and includes some Roman remains and the Matisse Museum (below)

- the grand houses that line the promenade des Anglais along the seafront, including the Massena Palace, now a museum containing various interesting historical artefacts, and the Hotel Negresco. The promenade itself is a highlight and you can walk several kilometres along the seafront. If there is an opera showing in the 19th century Opera House of Nice during your stay, take advantage of it! The interior of the 19th century opera house is also impressively ornate

- the 'chateau' hill to the east of the old town, and the remains of the Cathedral Sainte-Marie

- the best market in Nice is on the long Cours Saleya, immediately behind the houses that front the harbour. This street is always lively, morning and night.

Other information about Nice, France

For food specialities in Nice see Eating out in Nice, France

There are numerous museums to cover all possible interests, but the city is is especially well known for the Matisse museum and other museums of art. See Art museums in Nice, France.

Nice: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Nice beach, Cote d'Azur
see more photos of Nice, France
Plan a visit to Nice, France

 

Hotels Nice

Holiday rentals / travel

Property for sale Nice
PV Holidays, Nice

[Nice] Residence Maeva Nice Les Palmiers: Renovated air-conditioned apartments; In the heart of the quiet residential district; Private garden with palm and mandarin trees; 800m from the beach

See details
Map of Nice, France
Places to visit - Nice

Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Nice.

Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Nice are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)

 

Tourist Classifications for Nice

- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)

 

Information and photos

This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Nice when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.

 


 

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