Nice

Visit Nice, Provence

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 is twinned with Sorrento (Italy)

Photos of Nice (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Nice: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*; 'Historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé);

Suggested places to visit near Nice, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Paul-de-Vence 12km; Peillon 12km; Vence 13km; Monaco 13km; Biot 16km; Tourrettes-sur-Loup 17km; Roquebrune-Cap-Martin 17km; Gorbio 17km; Antibes 18km; Coaraze 18km; Sainte-Agnes 19km; Juan-les-Pins 19km; Menton 20km; Cap d'Antibes 20km; Valbonne 22km; Valmasque Parc 22km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Nice

Nice tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin botanique - remarkable garden (0km) : Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild - remarkable garden (5km) : Tete de Chien - site of natural beauty (11km) : Baou de Saint-Jeannet - site of natural beauty (12km) : Jardin botanique de la villa Thuret - remarkable garden (18km) : Serre de la Madone - remarkable garden (20km) : La citronneraie - remarkable garden (20km) : Palais Carnolès - remarkable garden (20km) :

French version: see Nice (Francais)