Vieux Nice
This old and historical area of town is a real treasure. Its pretty and colourful streets, diverse architectural squares, fountains and churches, alongside its bustling markets and café culture make it a magnet for visitors.
Le Chateau
Standing on a raised site where there was once a Chateau until a battle in the 8th century are now the remains of an ancient 11th century Cathedral. Although much of the architecture has not been preserved, it is a sight worth visiting. Nice began as the ancient Greek city of Nikea and excavations below the cathedral remains have uncovered Greek and Roman levels. Le Chateau is a tranquil hillside park with outstanding views over the terracotta roof tops and mosaic tile of Vieux Nice, the city below and out across to the Baie des Angles. A heavenly retreat to the cooling breezes, delightful waterfall, and sweet scents of the Mediterranean air. This destination is a must to fully appreciate the finer details of the Cote d’Azur. To reach the Le Chateau you can either climb the 44 steps from rue de la Providence or rue du Chateau in Vieux Nice or catch the elevator by the Tour Bellanda.
Basilica di San Pietro – St Peters Basilica
St Peter’s was built by Constantine around 326 A.D, reputedly on the site where St. Peter was buried following his crucifixion in 64 AD. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, it was virtually rebuilt to designs by various master craftsmen, including Michelangelo, who was responsible for much of the dome which, when completed in 1590, it was the largest brick structure ever built.
Chapelle de la Misericorde
The Chapelle de la Misericorde is situated on the extremely popular cours saleya, one of the most delightful areas of the old town, and it is usually the first port of call for most visitors to Nice. It is a 17th century Baroque Chapel built by Guarino Guarinone and contains a beautiful Rococo interior. The Chapel is currently closed for renovation but guided tours can still be booked through the Palais Lascaris.
Palais de Justice
Recently renovated to its original beauty, on the site of an old 13th century church and convent, stands this spectacular courthouse building. The Palais de Justice fronts onto the square, the Place du Palais, which boasts pretty cafe terraces. Visitors can sit and enjoy the views of the fountains, the gorgeous warm colours of the stone paving and the grand staircase of the courthouse. A perfect spot for relaxation and for taking in the marvellous culture and Mediterranean atmosphere. Another site worth visiting close by is the L’Église St-Martin-St-Austin. Situated on place St-Augustine, this lovely church contains a beautiful pietá by Louis Bréa.
Cathedrale de St-Reparate
This beautiful cathedral was built in 1650 by the Nice architect J-A Guiberto. It was built in a Baroque style and exhibits a beautiful dome of ceramic tiles and an 18th century tower. The extravagant interior is a real treasure with its marble work and original panelling. Situated very centrally within the Vieux Ville, it is within easy walking distance of many other beautiful and interesting sites.
Palais Lascaris
Located along the Rue Droite is the 17th century palace, lavishly decorated and containing a trompe l’oeil ceiling by Genoese artists. A stately setting, with delightful frescoes, tapestries, chandeliers and paintings, in addition to two great 18th century statues of Mars and Venus situated on the staircase. Rather curiously, there is also an 18th century pharmacy, accurately recreated on the ground floor, exhibiting porcelain vases.
Palais Massena and River Paillon
A lavishly built 19th century Italian style villa owned by a great grandson of Napoleons Nice-born Marshal. A bust of whom is displayed in the elegant Great Hall. There are exhibits of religious works and pottery and gardens of grand statues and fountains. The Place Massena was built across the path of the River Paillon and there are spectacular views north of the mountains. The Jardins Albert I lie to the west, a central city park that is frequented by young courting couples and picnickers alike, to bask in the summer sun and enjoy the refreshing fountains and charming statues. To the East of the Place Massena lies the Espace Massena which provides an ‘al fresco’ theatre in the summer months and a perfect venue for music concerts.
Modern City Centre
The main shopping are lies on Avenue Jean-Medecin situated to the north of the Place Massena, but the more upmarket shops are positioned in the couturier shops, west of the place Massena. Here there are also cafes, restaurants and fast food shops. However, the more stimulating side to the modern city is the Italian Baroque, Neoclassical and belle époque architecture.
Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe St-Nicolas
Built in 1912 by Tsar Nicholas II, it is situated in St Philippe. This unusual uncharacteristic building was modelled on St Basils in Moscow and was a spiritual retreat for exiles.
Prommenade des Anglais
This 19th century promenade runs along the seafront and was built in the 1920’s by a British Colony, for afternoon strollers. It is now an eight-lane highway lined by luxury hotels and palm trees. It is Nice's most famous and celebrated walkway. Experience pure indulgence in the hotel well renowned Negresco Hotel, positioned at the western end of the promenade. The opulent palace-style hotel is run privately but dress smartly and you can wander around the Salon Louis XIV and the Salon Royale displaying royal artwork and treasures from a variety of French Chateaux.
Musée des Beaux- Arts
Situated to the west of the city and slightly inland is this beautiful 19th century mansion that was originally home to a Ukrainian princess. The villa houses a fine collection of art, including a great many belle époque paintings. Works by artists such as Jules Cheret, Carl Van Loo, Van Dongen and the impressionists and post-impressionists, Bonnard, Dufy and Vuillard are just some of the museums highlights. In addition paintings from Monet, Sisley and Degas are lovingly displayed. The collection was first started following a donation by Napoleon III.
Cimiez district
The Cimiez district is a northern superb of Nice situated up on the hills overlooking the city. It is the most fashionable district but in addition houses architectural treasures such as Notre Dame.
Musée Matisse
Situated on the hill of Cimiez, the enchanting 17th century Villa des Arènes is a tribute to Henri Matisse’ s life and love of the city. Matisse adored Nice and wintered in the city from 1916 onwards. The collection of his work was formed nine years after his death and now fills the museum and its new elaborate extension. Works include Matisse’s three dimensional work, sculptures, paintings, drawings, engravings, paper cut-outs and illustrated books, accompanied by objects and documents. The museum also has a stunning photographic collection (1948) depicting Matisse at work in his studios, including images from Robert Capa.
Musée Chagall
A custom built museum opened by the artist in 1972, houses the largest collection of Mark Chagall’s work. There are 17 canvasses from Chagall’s Biblical Message collection displayed in a magnificent airy and cool setting with views to the enchanting gardens outside. Of additional interest are the three stain glass windows that depict the Creation of the World and the large mosaic, contributed by Chagall himself, of the painted harpsichord.
Monastere Notre-Dame
Open daily from 9-6pm and situated on in the Cimiez quarter, this Franciscan monastery boasts not only beautiful architecture but contains masterpieces of medieval art by Louis and Antoine Bréa. The adjacent museum, Musée Franciscain is extremely interesting and the monastic buildings and gardens provide visitors with a peaceful, picturesque retreat.
Beaches and Port
Although pebbly, Nice’s beaches are extremely clean and plentiful. Plage de Paiolle is secluded whilst Plage de la Réserve is more popular with the gay community. In addition to these two private beaches are numerous private beaches scattered up the coast west from Le Chateau, which charge to enter.
The port has little to offer in terms of liveliness, shopping or entertainment, but dose however, have some attractive 18th century red ochre buildings.
