Nice offers a splash of fresh Mediterranean blue and natural beauty, without having to miss out on the nightlife!
Nice is a graceful city located on the southern Mediterranean coast of France. A picturesque location that will charm you instantly, this glamorous spot of the ‘French Riviera’ is an absolute must for anyone who wants to dive deep into the beauty of the Mediterranean.
But the spectacular beaches and astonishingly blue waters aren’t but a fraction of what the town has to offer. The city got its name thanks to the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, and its ancient roots and deep culture show everywhere, from museums to archaeological sites.
And if you feel like just one city isn’t enough, it is close enough to other prime spots for partying or sightseeing so that you can easily book a one-day trip to a lovely town like Saint Tropez. Meanwhile, make sure you don’t miss any of these places in Nice, France.
Travel in time walking through the Vieille Ville (Old Town) of Nice
The cobblestone streets and picturesque houses will immerse you in a Mediterranean world of wonders. Also known as "Babazouk" by the locals, the Vieille Ville or Old Town is surrounded by beautiful gardens and boulevards, making its vivid colors stand out against the general greenery.
Be prepared to buy some souvenirs, because the Vieille Ville houses a number of colorful market stalls that sell everything, from fresh catch direct from the Mediterranean sea to delicate flowers, along with fruits and vegetables that are locally grown.
The Promenade des Anglais
If you just arrived in Nice, make sure to go out for a walk through its elegant seaside, the Promenade des Anglais. This magnificent promenade is one of the most emblematic spots of the city, following the curve of Nice’s many beaches.
The seaside road, marked with palm trees and gardens, was developed in the early 19th century by a British citizen and was even inaugurated in a lavish celebration by the Duke of Connaught, Queen Victoria’s own son.
Musée Matisse
Art lovers surely won’t find enough time to get to know all of the museums and beautiful locations in Nice, but the Musée Matisse is surely one of the best ones to begin your tour, even if you are not a fan of Henri Matisse’s work.
The museum is located in a historic Genoese villa surrounded by magnificent gardens and is in itself a work of art. But if you did come here to see Matisse's prolific work, you will be delighted to find that the museum hosts over 31 paintings and 57 sculptures, along with many design sketches intended for other pieces, giving you a unique window into the genius artist’s creative process.
Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez
Not far from the Matisse Museum, this ancient monastery is erected above an archaeological superposition of Roman and Gallic constructions. The Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez was originally a Benedictine monastery built before the 16th century, but it changed hands in the following centuries to Franciscans and was restored and modernized on several occasions.
What’s even better, the monastery offers a great vantage point for observing the surrounding Mediterranean landscape, from the town and all the way to the deep blue sea.
Place Garibaldi
One of the largest public squares in the city, the Place Garibaldi was designed in the late 18th century and later named in honor of famed resident of Nice and Italian freedom fighter, Giuseppe Garibaldi, who has his own statue in the center of the square.
Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain
If antique art is not your thing, don’t worry, just a short walk from the Place Garibaldi you can find the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Nice. Founded in 1990, and housed in an impressive building designed by architects Yves Bayard and Henri Vidal, the museum has a large collection of striking pieces and a permanent exhibition designed as a historical-artistic tour that goes from the early 1960s to the present.
In particular, the museum hosts many of the works of renowned Nouveaux Réaliste artist Yves Klein, born in Nice in 1928.
The wrap-up
The city of Nice can be a beautiful and serene escapade in the Cote d’Azur region or just the first stop of a long journey. In any case, remember to book your accommodations and tours in advance! As with many other gorgeous spots on the Mediterranean coast, you are not the only one looking for a piece of paradise.
With friends, family, or alone, the city of Nice is a hospitable and friendly spot for tourists from all over the world.
