Nice travel guide

Old Nice

2009-03-04T12:57:00.000-08:00

The heart of the old town – Nice’s most colourful quarter – lies behind the seafront, along cours Saleya. A tour on a mini-train from the seafront, in front of Hôtel Meridien, takes in the flower market, the old town and Castle Hill gardens. Lively cours Saleya has a daily market selling fruit, vegetables and flowers, and antiques on Mondays. The Chapelle de la Miséricorde offers shade, tranquillity and a wonderful example of baroque architecture, with frescoes, gilt inlay, lavish chandeliers and a magnificent Bréa altarpiece. North of the market lies the lovely 17th-century baroque Cathédrale de Ste-Réparate (place Rossetti), flanked by its own 18th-century bell tower and known for its glossy ceramic-tile dome. North-east is the quirky, Genoan-style Palais Lascaris (15 rue Droite, 04 93 62 72 40, closed Tue), a treasure trove of 17th- and 18th-century furniture and paintings.

The little Tourist train of Nice

2008-12-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

Departs from the Promenade des Anglais by the Albert Premier Gardins every half hour or so and trundles through the Old Town and up the Chateau Hill for a brief stop then back down again. An easy way to take in Old Nice but far less informative than the walking tour.

Has a pre-recorded commentary in both French and English which means that the commentary in often out of sync with the surroundings. Good fun to do once.

Children enjoy this one. I prefer the walking tour of Nice and making my own way up the Chateau Hill. Not to be confused with the double-decker open-top bus tour of Nice which is excellent.

The beaches

2007-01-31T07:36:00.001-08:00

The beaches (in French, beach = plage) in Nice start at the airport and follow the 5 km sweep of the Promenade des Anglais all the way round to the foot of the Castle Hill - the 'Chateau'. This is where our favourite beach is - Castel Plage. We also like Beau Rivage and the daughter likes the Blue beach - because it has a small pool for children there. The Port of Nice is on the other side of the Chateau and there is a small public beach here, on rocks, in front of the port wall. If you walk all the way around the Port, you will come to another public beach (one of our favourites, La Reserve) on boulevard Franke Pilatte, just by Nice sailing club. It was very hot in Nice this summer with temperatures in the mid-thirties and not dropping much below 30 degree C at night. The only way to keep cool was to stay indoors with the a/c racked up or to get as close to the sea as possible. There are fifteen private beaches in Nice with plenty of free public beaches between them. If you splurge on a private beach, ask for the "premier ligne" - closest to the cooling sea breezes. For more information about public and private beaches in Nice have a look at my best beaches in Nice page for tips on how to get the best out of the Nice beaches.

Palais Cais de Pierlas

2007-01-06T04:18:00.000-08:00

At the far end of the Cours Saleya, in the Place Charles Felix, stands the imposing large yellow-ochre house No1 The Palais Cais de Pierlas. Dating back to 1782 in Nice's Italianate history, this building finds its way into a thousand tourist photgraphs a day. For many years the third floor was home to the painter Matisse, whose paintings of the Baie des Anges were of the view from his window there. The building looks in disrepair and is not open to the public. However the cafe- restaurants either side are, and they make a welcome rest for a cofee or a beer. A seat here offers you one of the finest people-watching spots in all Nice.

Le Château

2007-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone visiting Nice climbs the steps of the "Colline du Chateau" up to the summit, which offers fabulous vista over the Baie des Anges, Old Nice ,and the Port, some of the most photographed panoramic viewpoints in Europe. It is easily accessible from the foot of the Old town and the bay, but for those not able to make the climb there is a lift - an "ascenseur". If you are wondering where the chateau is, there isn't one, merely the unobtrusive ruins of the old Cathedral of Nice, a few simple cafes and a gift stall. The walk up takes in a waterfall, and varied pathways which allow you to explore nearby "Cimitieres de Nice" or return via the Old Town or the Port. Try to catch the view at sunset, just before the park closes for the evening (the area is not considered especially safe at night ) Pick a fine clear evening as the sun is sinking below the horizon, leaving its legacy of pink and darkening blue sky. The city lights begin to sparkle, with the magnificent sweep of the Baie des Anges, a necklace of light reaching out to the airport. On the distant skyline the shadow of Cap d'Antibes and behind, the undulations of The Esterel, the gateway to St Tropez. Below you, the Cours Saleya glows with life and all Nice is a glittering mosaic of street and apartment lights. In Winter the Parc du Chateau closes at 18.30, which with sunset a little after 17.30 gives you a perfect window. In summer you can take your time. For a look at the steps to chateau, or indeed to view of any address in Nice, for example what your hotel looks like and where it is, go here Voila!

Charming Shops, Great

2006-12-27T04:56:00.000-08:00

Based around the Cours Saleya, the maze-like streets of the Vieux Nice (old town) are fun to explore, whether you are shopping, eating or simply just enjoying the 'buzz'. Small, (mainly independent shops) fill the streets, selling food, clothing, jewellery, cds and local arts. In the mornings there is a fantastic food & flower market in the Cours Saleya. There are plenty of outside cafes, great for people-watching or not doing much at all except being there. At every turn there is something new to see, sometimes you can forget quite where exactly you are! At night, these little streets really come alive. Bars and restaurants are plentiful and people swarm there to soak up the atmosphere. (It was pleasantly busy at the beginning of Sept). The vibe is very French yet also very Italian, with quite a few Italian restaurants. Go for menu of the day, it is by far the most economic option and just as good. We noticed that many of Nice' waiting staff, tend to hum a little tune when serving. 'Le joie de vivre' is alive and kicking here!

Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate / Place Rossetti

2006-12-27T04:38:00.001-08:00

Place Rosetti, one of old Nice's many charming squares, is home to the baroque cathedral Saint Réparate, built in honour of an early martyr who was made the patron saint of Nice. In 250 AD Saint Réparate, at the age of only 15, was martyred by Roman Emperor Gaius Decius, whose specialty was persecuting Christians. This helped fill in otherwise tedious afternoons when there was not much on at the Colosseum. Decius promulgated a decree requiring sacrifices be made to the Gods - note the plural. Christians who refused - "Sorry Decius, I'm into this new one-God thing", were promptly given the chop. According to Catholic legend, they first tried to burn Reparate alive, but fortuitously he was saved by torrential rain which put out the flames. They then made him drink scalding pitch. Once again, miraculously, he survived, though no doubt with heartburn. In desperation, Decius ordered him decapitated. (That's a sure-fire result Decius. "Ha! Get out of this one Christian!" Chop). His headless torso was put in a small boat and set to drift in the Mediterranean currents, in the manner of fellow martyr Torpes, who ended up in what became called after him Saint-Tropez. Reparate's boat drifted to the niçois coast, was brought to the shore by angels, and his remains buried in a chapel of the old town. Centuries later these were moved into the new cathedral Sainte-Réparate in 1690. In summer the square is filled with happy visitors on the alfresco tables of La Claire Fontaine, and the very wonderful Fennochio, maker of hundreds of flavours of ice cream. Few if any know of the dark deeds of Emperor Gaius Decius and the story of Sainte-Reparate, the patron saint of Nice. But now you do.

Palais Lascaris

2006-12-27T04:38:00.000-08:00

Amost hidden in the narrow lanes of Vieux Nice is the Palais Lascaris, home to the municipal museum of Nice. The beautiful facade of the Palais is to be noticed only if you look straight up, and is easy to miss. The Palais dates back to the 1700's and houses a fascinating collection of antiquities including a recreation of 19th century French pharmacy. The vaulted ceilings and baroque stairwells are set off in rich pinks, gold and alabaster. The gift shop has an excellent selection of books about Nice many of which are not found elsewhere, along with a selection of posters from THE photographer of Nice, Jean-Loius Martinetti. Remarkably for France, entrance to the Palais is free.

Old Nice

2006-12-27T04:37:00.000-08:00

Old Nice is a lively and bustling mass of winding lanes choc with little boutiques, patisieres, restaurants and snack bars, touristy nicknacks, everything within one compact area bounded by the Cours Saleya on one side and the Albert 1st Gardens on the other. Wander the lanes and soak up the atmosphere, stop for a coffee or sample the traditional Nicois dishes at one of the many snackbars. The air is perfumed with the smell of provencal lavender sachets and scented soaps. Massed ceramic cicadas pump out their distintive mating call. Olive oil in traditional yellow and green pouring bottles. Postcards, posters, fridge magnets, souvenirs of Nice and the Riviera. Most importantly, unlike some urban centres, Vieux Nice by day or night is entirely safe. You can wander out at night, relaxed and secure.

"HERITAGE" GUIDED CULTURAL TOURS

2006-12-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

Special itineraries on various historical and architectural themes represented in Nice. Each circuit focuses in depth on a selected theme. Tours last approximately 1 1/2 hours and are in French. Departure at 3pm from the Centre du Patrimoine, except St Bartélémy and Cimiez.

Belle Epoque Walk - Monday

From Place Masséna to the Négresco. Evolutions in architecture from neo-classicism to electism. Foreign communities (English, Russian, American).

Opera Walk - Monday

Discover the opera both on and off stage and take a walk through the former "pré-aux-oies".

Baroque Walk - Tuesday

Tour of Nice's old town between Cours Saleya and Place Garibaldi, as structured by the baroque period.

Art Déco Walk - Thursday

From the Palais de la Méditerranée to L'Escurial. Commentary on Art Déco style and the period between the two World Wars in Nice.

Colline du Château Walk - Friday

Evoking the vanished citadel and high city during a walk in the romantic park, including its monumental cemetery.

Néo-Classical Walk - Saturday

From the harbour to the Eglise du Voeu via Place Garibaldi. A tour of neighbourhoods dating from the end of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century.

Saint-Barthélémy - Saturday

Departure from the St Barthélémy church to visit the "Prieuré du Vieux-Logis" and the St Barthélémy hills.

Colline de Cimiez Walk - Sunday

Departure from the Matisse Museum. From archaeological sites to the monastery church via Belle Époque palaces. A circuit highlighting the Cemenelum of the Romans and the Belle Époque neighbourhood.

Belle Époque in Nice

2006-12-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

By the end of the 18th century, English and Russian aristocrats flocked to Nice. This theme tour takes visitors in the footsteps of the city’s winter visitors of the “Belle Époque”.

The tour starts in the Mont-Boron district which boasts several remarkable villas. Among the elegant homes overlooking the sea, there is the striking “Château de l’Anglais”, with its Orientalist inspiration, pink façade and crenellated tower.

Then proceed to the hill of Cimiez where the English colony built luxury residences like the Régina Palace and Grand Hôtel Victoria. Nearby, in the park of Château Valrose, former home of Baron Van der Wies, is an amazing wooden isba from Siberia.

Returning to the city centre, go to Saint Nicholas’ Russian Orthodox cathedral. The tsarina Maria Feoderovna built a chapel here in memory of her son, the Grand Duke Nicholas. The church is a splendid example of Russian religious architecture.

Continue westward to discover the Jules-Chéret Fine Arts Museum in a former private home that once belonged to the Ukrainian Princess Kotschoubey Nearby there is another typical Belle-Époque “folly”, château des Ollières.

Return to the centre of town on Promenade des Anglais and the Hôtel Négresco, a listed historic monument typical of the luxury hotels of the Belle Époque.

Walking tour of old Nice

2006-12-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

With this walking tour, visitors can discover thelively atmosphere of the most picturesque neighbourhoodin Nice and enjoy strolling through itscolourful markets. It provides a fine occasion tovisit the 17th and 18th-century Baroque churchesand discover splendid polychrome façadeson the way.

This tour, between the Port and Place Masséna,takes approximately 2 hours, plus the time tovisit the churches and Palais Lascaris.Follow Cours Saleya (polychrome façades, flowermarket, fruit and vegetable market, chapelle de laMiséricorde), then turn left on Rue Jules-Gilly(Red Penitents’ chapel). Continue on Rue Droite(Jesuit church, or église du Gesù), before reaching,to your left, Place Rossetti (Sainte-Réparate cathedral).

Return to Rue Droite (Palais Lascaris) towardsPlace Saint-François (fish market).Then back to Promenade des Anglais and PlaceMasséna along the narrow streets of Old Nice(many shops and restaurants) or Castle Hill(splendid view of the city and Port).

Nice Acropolis

2006-12-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

A seaside metropolis at the centre of Europe, Nice is currently experiencing an economic,cultural, artistic and architectural revolution! The city catalyses dynamicenergies in a multi-facetted spirit of creativity, and as a result boasts innovative creationsworthy of Europe's key capitals: airport, harbour, culture, hotels, gourmet restaurants,fashion, design, conferences and seminars. The Nice-Acropolis Conference& Exhibition Centre reigns at the heart of this creative, dynamic and cosmopolitancity. With over 20 years' experience and expertise, it stands at the cutting edge ofprogress. Its staff and infrastructures guarantee clients limitless organisational possibilities.A major driving force in business tourism, it has turned Nice into a prizelocation for international events, affirming its vocation as ‘the ideal meeting place’

Amphitheater of Cimiez

2006-09-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

A lovely big grassy park amidst centuries-old olive groves. No playground, but the lawns and trees and low stone walls are a good place to let the kids loose while you sit and relax or picnic or nap in the sunshine.
The amphitheater located at the north end of the archaeological park of Nice-Cimiez was completed during the Severan period (AD 193-217), replacing an earlier version made of wood. The vaulted masonry structure seen today had separate seating sections for legionary officers and enlisted men, reached by different entrances.

the flower markets

2006-09-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

The most famous market of Nice is the flower market and main market on the Cours Saleya in the old town (see above). On Mondays, the Cours Saleya has a large flea market, the Marché a la Brocante et Antiquités.
Get up bright and early to truly appreciate and enjoy the market. The best time to arrive is around 6 a.m., as the vendors are just setting up and the tourist hordes are still sipping café au laits in their hotel rooms. If that's too early for you on vacation, at least try to hit it by 8 or 9 a.m. (Note: there is a flea/antiques market on Mondays). Be sure you have plenty of change and small bills on hand, as the vendors sneer at breaking a large bill to sell a piece of produce. (In fact, most will just reject the sale first.) Also, it's a good idea to bring a backpack or some sort of bag to carry your purchases.

the Matisse Museum

2006-09-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Matisse Museum is a 17th century Italian villa with distinctive red walls situated on a hill just above the center of Nice in the heart of an olive grove close to the Hotel Regina where Matisse lived. The park and nearby ruins were part of the ancient Roman City of Cemenelum, now known as Cimiez. Matisse lived in Nice from 1917 to 1954. He donated part of the museum’s collection.

The Matisse Museum is situated on the hill of Cimiez, not far from the Franciscan monastery with its Italianate gardens, the Hotel Regina where Matisse lived, and the Gallo-Roman ruins. Since the 5th of January 1963 the Museum has been welcoming vistors to its collection of works left by the artist (and his heirs) to the city of Nice where he lived from 1918 until 1954.
A beautiful museum filled with works from one of the greatest artists of all time (in my opinion). This museum not only has a lot of Henri Matisse's work--including sculptures and early pieces--it has the original furniture and other objects that show up in his paintings. Matisse lived in Nice for many years, and did some of his best work while here. It's inspiring to see his original works of art. The Museum also has a store where you can purchase prints. I heard that the store has prints you won't find anywhere else in the world, so bring a wallet full of francs! The museum itself is up near the top of a hill, and there are Roman ruins right next to it--two cultural experiences for the price of one steep hike. For those who are interested, the picture displays the following works (listed in clockwise order): 1912 - Vue de la fenêtre (View from the window) 1951 - Danseuse créole 1952 - Grand Acrobate 1947 - La nageuse dans l'aquarium, extrait de Jazz

For Matisse, drawings were as significant as paintings themselves and the collection here is one of the world's most important. The photographs include those Matisse took in Tahiti and many (taken by contemporaries such as Henri Cartier-Bresson) of the artist and his studio. With all the mediums that Matisse worked in so well represented, plus so many of the objects he used as models, a real understanding of the artist's vision emerges.

The Russian Church

2006-09-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Cathedral signifies the long established Russian presence on the Riviera at the end of the 19th century, and you will find a continued Russian community in Nice today. Built by Tsar Nicolas in 1912 , the Cathedral contains superb treasures of icons, woodwork, and frescos. The church was the first to be designated a Russian Orthodox Cathedral outside Russia.
St. Nicolas Church was built between 1903 and 1912, and was donated by and dedicated to Tsar Nicholas II. It has 6 onion domes and is built in the form of a Greek cross . The exterior is richly decorated in mosaic. The style is based on the Laroslavl church in Moscow. Particularly striking is the large representation of the Turin Shroud held aloft by an angel. Before this made its way to Turin it was one of the holiest relics of the Russian Orthodox Church, kept in the city of Odessa on the Black Sea. There is a small charge to go inside. The interior is also richly decorated, with icons in silver gilt cases and jewel-encrusted treasures. There are no chairs for in the Orthodox Church the congregation stands. Note the commemorative chapel to Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovitch who died in Nice in 1865. The east transept is closed off by an ornate screen, separating the 'Holy of Holies' from the rest of the church. Russians began arriving in Nice in the 1850s.

Nice by night

2006-08-23T03:40:00.000-07:00

Decked out in all herfinery, with the Bay of Angels all lit up, the main roadsoften adorned with thousands of multi-coloured lightbulbsfor the famous illuminations. Here in Nice, you'respoilt for choice when it comes to dancing, cinemas, discos, restos and casinos. And for scatter-brains orthose in a hurry : shops that stay open 24 hours a day.

CASINOS

• Casino Ruhl
1 Promenade des Anglais
open daily from 10 a.m. till dawn. 300 slot machines, roulettes,Black Jack, stud Poker, Punto Banco, laboule as well as 2 restaurants, 2 barsand auditorium for concerts, one-manshows, theme soirees, fashion shows.

• Palais de la Méditerranée
15 Promenade des Anglais
open every days from 8 p.m at dawn. Restaurant, theatre, dinner +show (267 settings).

CINÉMAS

• Pathé Paris
54 av Jean Médecin

• Pathé Masséna
31 av Jean Médecint0

• Pathé Lingostière
604 rte de Grenoble

• Variétés
7 bd Victor Hugo

• Mercury(subtitled films)
16 place Garibaldit0 892 68 81 06

• Cinémathèque de Nice(subtitled films)
3, Esplanade Kennedy

CONCERTS/ENTERTAINMENT

• Palais Nikaïa
163 route de Grenoble
Year round: variety shows, opera, athletic events etc…

• Nice Acropolis
Palais des Congrès et des Expositions
1 Esplanade Kennedy

BEACHES

Moonlit beaches are also places for entertainment : many restaurants remain open at night and someeven offer customers theme nights.

SHOPPING BY NIGHTBAKERIES

• Magnan Délice
3 av de la Californie
open every day 24 hrs/day

• La Brioche Chaude
50 av Jean Médecin
24 hrs/day except Sunday afternoon

NEWSSTANDS
• L comme Lire
37 rue Massénaevery day, winter 9 a.m to 7 p.m and summer 9 a.m to midnight.

PHARMACY

• Pharmacie Masséna
7 rue Masséna
24 hours a day - Sunday from 7 p.mt
• Pharmacie Riviera
66 av Jean Médecin
24 hours a day - Sunday from 7 p.m.

SERVICE STATIONS

• Station BP - 123 bd Gambetta
• Shell - 1 bd Tzaréwitch

TOBACCONISTS

• Tabac Cassini
30 rue Cassini
5:30 a.m till midnight every year

• Tabac du Congrès
Rue du Congrès
every day till 3 a.m

• Tabac les Pergolas
19 Promenade des Anglais
every day, winter 10 a.m to 8 p.m and summer 10 a.m to midnight

touristic routes

2006-08-15T03:01:00.001-07:00

The Mercantour National Park is located within the Alpes-Maritimes "département", representing a major asset for the diversification of the types of visits possible within the area.

The landscapes in the Mercantour are a harmonious blend of seeming contradictions. Mediterranean olive groves and small glaciers, relics of the ice age, deep forests and alpine meadows exposed to high winds from the summits, glacial lakes nestling at the foot of craggy peaks, prairies scattered with lilies and columbines, waterfalls and steep gorges…all to be found within a few kilometres of each other. The relief has been sculpted by glaciers, then by snow and ice in winter, and by sun and drought in summer, all of which has had a significant influence on the landscape and vegetation.

Here, like elsewhere in the Alps, this beauty and diversity is not just a result of natural elements alone, but also of their age-old alliance with man, present in these mountains for thousands of years. Man has made his mark on the landscape, building terraces and canals, planting larch forests and encouraging mountain pastures. Surrounded by this landscape, villages, churches and fortifications combine Ligurian, Provençal and Alpine cultural influences, creating a highly valued landscape that attracts many visitors.

accommodation

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leisure

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events

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partner links

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Welcome to Nice

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Nice has changed more in fifty years than it did
over the past two centuries: its history advances,
but its past remains.

On arriving by plane at the legendary airport of
Nice-Côte d’Azur, built on land reclaimed from
the sea, where the world’s greatest stars have sparked
thousands of flash-bulbs from pressmen’s cameras,
you have a clearer view of the town’s unique position,
nestling amidst its hills, tucked into the unrivalled
setting of the ‘Baie des Anges’ (Bay of Angels).
You’re surprised to discover the flower-filled
gardens of the ‘Colline du Château’ (Castle Hill)
and Place Masséna, the majestic architecture of the
grand hotels and the Promenade des Anglais.
Nice bids you welcome, both elegant and friendly, lively
and cheerful, proud of its long history of independence.
You were probably thinking about its gentle climate and
beautiful sights, - and you weren’t mistaken ! But this is
a town that will also astonish you for its personality and
dynamism, its liveliness by day and by night, its passion
for art and culture. Did you know, for instance, that
after Paris, this is the city that boasts the highest
number of museums in France ?

Nice offers a thousand delights and surprises for
all those who really get to know it : from the
Sardinian neighbourhoods around the port to the
Victorian avenues of Cimiez, from the breath-taking
panorama at the top of Mont-Boron to the narrow,
picturesque streets of the Old Town, from the
footpaths that link up the hills, to casual strolls
around de-luxe boutiques in the town’s pedestrian
areas.