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.
See more pictures of Nice
(Note: photos contributed by Jean-Marie Hoffelinck)
Visit Nice (Provence, Alpes-Maritimes) travel, gites and hotels
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The Nice hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Nice is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Provence gites for Nice holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Provence Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: VisitSee Visit Nice for places to visit near Nice including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Nice in our Provence forum Airports near NiceNice airport at 7 km Nice property for saleSee Provence property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Nice
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
- approved Station Classée (resort paying particular attention to facilities for tourism)
Places to visit near Nice, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Nice.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
21 km: Antibes (Riviera town) 21 km: Biot (attractive town) 14 km: Cagnes-sur-Mer (Village and Chateau Grimaldi) 7 km: Cap Ferrat (French Riviera peninsula) 22 km: Gorbio (French Riviera town) 23 km: Juan-les-Pins (Beach resort) 15 km: La Turbie (French Riviera town) 27 km: Menton (Coast town) 17 km: Monaco (Independent Principality) 7 km: Nice airport (airport) 15 km: Peillon (French Riviera town) 22 km: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (French Riviera town) 16 km: Saint-Paul-de-Vence (Popular hilltop village) 28 km: Sospel (French Riviera town) 17 km: Vence (Attractive town) 5 km: Villefranche-sur-Mer (French riviera town)
See also Nice (version Francais)
