Travel Insights

We don’t blame you if you can’t wait to start planning your getaway to Nice. One of the most iconic cities in the French Riviera, Nice was in the Italian territory till the Treaty of Turin in the late 1800s. The baroque Italian style of architecture has left its mark all over this picturesque town, and along with the stunning views, art museums and authentic French cuisine, this is one luxury getaway that you’ll be raving about for ages.

Hold on to that giddiness and include the best of Nice in your itinerary:

1. Promenade des Anglais

If there was one promenade to rule them all, it would be this. Promenade des Anglais is a grand walkway along the Mediterranean with views you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Since the embankment was built in the 1820s, this promenade has been an important part of Nice’s culture. On a regular day you can go for a long walk and let your mind drift when you sit down for a breather. And in February, you’re in for a treat when the town, and especially, the promenade comes alive during the Festival.

2. Vieille Ville

Vieille Ville, also known as Old Town, is a wonderful place to soak in the feel of this French Riviera town. The main square of the neighborhood is overflowing with cafes and souvenir shops, while the horizon is dominated by other attractions like the Nice Cathedral and Colline du Château. If you make your way to the neighborhood, don’t forget to check out Cours Saleya Market, a thriving marketplace of fresh local produce and flowers.

3. Nice Cathedral

While the exterior of the cathedral may be modest, apart from its gorgeous decorative domes, the interior will take your breath away.

The cathedral is decked up in the baroque style common in Italian and Spanish cathedrals, with 10 stunning chapels. As you step into the cool interior and your eyes adjust to the darkness, take a moment to admire the sculptures, stained glass paintings and frescoes, and the gilt work.

4. Parc de la Colline du Château

If you thought Colline du Chateau, or Castle Hill, was going to be an in-and-out villa tour, think again. Although the original building is in ruins, there is a whole lot to look forward to here. Archeological digs around the area have revealed Roman remains, but that’s not all. Once you climb all the way to the top, you’ll get a breath-taking view of Nice, the hills, the coastline – the whole nine. On a clear day, you may also see the French Alps peeking between the clouds.

5. Cours Saleya Market

Marketplaces in cities have the most authentic vibes of a place. And Cours Saleya is no different. This market has hundreds of stalls selling premium produce and flowers from the countryside of Provence and Alpes-Maritimes. On Mondays, this place transforms into a bustling flea market, which also makes for a fun visit.

6. Chagall Museum

Chagall Museum, dedicated to the French master, is a work of art itself. The artist had a huge role to play in the construction as well as the layout of the exhibits. In fact, Chagall also created the mosaic for the pond in the garden.

Inside, you’ll come across his most prominent works, which were mostly religious in nature based on the Biblical passages from the Genesis and Exodus sections.

The prominent series of works here are the Resistance, Resurrection, and the Liberation triptych.

7. The Matisse Museum

This municipal museum is dedicated to the body of French Impressionist master Henri Matisse. The museum mostly houses 67 paintings by him as well as other artworks donated by the master. The other exhibits include objects he used in daily life, ceramics, documents, and tapestries. The museum is based in a villa surrounded by olive gardens and traces his influences and those of his contemporaries.

8. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

This museum is dedicated to temporary and permanent exhibits of modern and contemporary art, ranging from the works of New realists like Yves Klein, Arman, and Baldaccini to contemporary artists like Gerard Deschamps and Andy Warhol.

The museum building is also striking, built as a tetrapod arch straddling the Paillon river.

9. Palais Lascaris

This is a seventeenth century palace which is now a musical instruments museum, housing over 500 types of instruments from Europe and all over the world. Many of these were donated by French aristocrat and collector Antoine Gautier. You’ll find an interesting mix of instruments here, from harp collections to the only surviving vertical pianos.

Besides the whimsical collection, the opulent interiors will take your breath away.

10. Cap-Ferrat

Cap-Ferrat is one of the most opulent areas on the French Rivier, known mostly for a stunningly scenic coastline and the luxurious villas. It’s located 20 minutes from the center of Nice and is a great stopover on the way to some of the less crowded beaches in and around Nice.

One of the mansions, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, is also open to visitors. Step in to marvel at the lavish interiors that includes some stunning paintings and furniture.

What else can you do in Nice?

11. Mont Boron day trip

Mont Boron is located between the port of Nice and Cap-Ferrat and is a great spot for hike or a picnic. You can stop for a picnic at the top of the hill and take in the breath taking view of the promenade, and then hike down to Villefranche Sur Mer, which is a quaint town to explore on a less eventful day.

12. French Riviera wine tour

Go for a half-day wine-tasting tour in one of the boutique wineries along the Riviera to make your trip memorable. This is a great way to learn all about traditional wine making in France and sample a few glasses along the way. You can also opt for a picnic and bike around on e-bikes to explore the area. Don’t forget to pack ample water and take frequent breaks if it’s a hot day!

13. Sample authentic French delicacies

Nice is all up upping the ante on fine dining, from a deliciously fresh salade niçoise with some Rose to a hearty ratatouille. You can also try some Socca, a type of savory pancake, if you need some street food on the go.

Don’t forget to try the different types of bread, experiment with the cheese and wine, and top it off with some mouthwatering braised beef stew.

14. Go for a cycling trip in Nice

A walking or biking trip is always a great way to explore a city, and a cycling tour of Nice definitely doesn’t disappoint. You’ll love zooming around the city and the coastline, discovering all the hidden nook and crannies and learning about the evolution of Nice’s culture.

Happy Exploring!