The beautiful days are coming and you have decided to visit Nice for a weekend! That’s a great idea! It is THE only region in France where the weather is nice almost all year round. Why fly 10 hours when the sun is so close?! 🙂
On top of that, the city of Nice has many assets, including a very rich heritage in all areas:
- a colourful architecture due to its Italian historical past
- quality Mediterranean restaurants
- an exceptional natural panorama of the sea
- an incredible hinterland
In this article, I propose 10 places you must see during your visit to Nice
1. The Promenade des Anglais
Without doubt, the most famous promenade in the world. It is an emblematic place of Nice which is 7km long and offers an incredible view on the Mediterranean Sea. It is lined with palm trees and is very popular with tourists and residents alike for walking, running, rollerblading, cycling..
You can admire beautiful Belle Époque buildings, as well as luxury hotels such as the famous Negresco, restaurants, ice cream parlours, cafés and shops.
The Promenade des Anglais is also known for its famous blue metal chairs on which you can sit and relax while enjoying the scenery.
From spring onwards, Nice’s private beaches open their doors and you can enjoy their sunbeds while sipping a cocktail.
2. The castle of Nice
A new emblematic place of Nice, the castle of Nice is an ancient fortress located on a hill overlooking the city of Nice. It was built in the 11th century and has undergone several phases of enlargement and renovation over the centuries.
Today, the castle of Nice is a tourist spot that offers a panoramic view of the city, the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains in the background.
The castle site also includes a public park with gardens, fountains, waterfall and playgrounds for children, as well as a beautiful waterfall. Several cultural and artistic events are also organised here throughout the year.
3. The Vieux-Nice
The Vieux Nice is the historic district of the city. It is known for its narrow streets, colourful buildings, lively squares and artisanal shops. It is one of my favourite places in Nice, its particular energy, its colours, its Italian architecture, its restaurants… seduce me every time whatever the season.
It is a picturesque and lively district that has retained its medieval character with buildings dating from the 15th century. Old Nice offers a unique experience to visitors with its medieval charm, lively squares, historic churches, markets and local cuisine.
You will find the best ice cream parlours and restaurants in Nice. I recommend that you try the specialties of Nice at René Socca, a delight!
4. Place Masséna
Yet another iconic place in Nice, Place Masséna is one of the most popular places for locals and tourists alike. It is surrounded by many shops, restaurants and hotels, as well as historical monuments. It is also known for its checkerboard floor.
Place Masséna is also a gathering place for the city’s cultural and festive events, such as the Nice Carnival or the Fête de la Musique with jazz concerts all year round.
5. Garibaldi Square
Place Garibaldi is the most important square in Nice after Place Masséna. I prefer it to the place Masséna for its terraces and restaurants. It is also famous for its neoclassical architecture, its statue of Garibaldi and its friendly atmosphere. It is a gathering place for the people of Nice who come to have a coffee or an aperitif in one of the many cafés and restaurants on the square.
Place Garibaldi is very well served by the two tramway lines L1 and L2 but also by many bus lines.
6. The Cours Saleya
The Cours Saleya is a famous square in Vieux-Nice which is known for its market of fresh and local products and especially for its flower market. It is a must if you visit Nice.
it is open every day of the week except Monday, and offers a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers and handicrafts. The stalls are run by local producers and traders, offering an authentic experience of Nice’s cuisine and culture.
In addition to the market, the Cours Saleya is also home to several cafés and restaurants, as well as souvenir and craft shops. It is an ideal place to have breakfast, lunch or dinner.
7. the coulée verte otherwise known as the promenade du paillon
The coulée verte de Nice, also known as the Promenade du Paillon, is a park that stretches for about 1.2 kilometres in the heart of Nice, between the Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais. It was inaugurated in 2013, the year I moved to Nice. It is built on a former roadway that was buried to make way for an urban park.
It is a place for walking that is much appreciated by the inhabitants and tourists. It offers numerous green spaces, fountains, children’s playgrounds and places to relax. It is also lined with many historical buildings, such as the Nice Town Hall and the National Theatre of Nice.
8. The Port of Nice
The Port of Nice is a meeting place for local and international boaters, as well as for visitors who come to enjoy its maritime atmosphere and its many restaurants, bars and shops.
The Port of Nice is also known for its lively fish market, where visitors can buy fresh, local seafood directly from the fishermen. There are also many seafood restaurants on the harbour offering local specialities such as bouillabaisse, grilled fish and raw seafood.
9. Mount Boron
Mont Boron is a hill to the east of the city that offers a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Nice and the surrounding mountains.
Mont Boron is a popular place for hikers and cyclists, with well-maintained hiking and cycling trails. The paths offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, as well as the lush houses and gardens of the residential area of Nice that stretches across the slopes of Mont Boron.
At the top of the hill is a 16th century military fortress, the Fort du Mont Alban, which is open to visitors and offers a breathtaking view of the city of Nice and Villefranche sur mer.
Mont Boron is also known for its forest park, which covers over 57 hectares and offers hiking trails, picnic areas and botanical gardens.
10. The Gairault waterfall
The Gairault waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, with a height of about 40 metres. It is surrounded by lush vegetation, limestone cliffs and small streams, creating a spectacular natural environment. The waterfall is accessible via a well-maintained hiking trail and offers a breathtaking view of the city of Nice and the Mediterranean.
The hike to the Gairaut waterfall is considered to be an easy hike, taking about 45 minutes round trip. The trail starts at the Saint-Pancrace chapel, located in the Gairaut district, and follows a well-marked mountain path along the Gairaut stream.
