Attractions and things to do in Nice
Visit the Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais is one of Nice’s most famous streets which borders the Mediterranean seafront. Historically, Nice was a getaway for the English during cold winters and it was the rich Englishmen that suggested that a walkway along the sea be constructed. Once a deserted location, the Promenade des Anglais attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists a year. Since its construction, it has become a favourite place for locals who wish to spend their free time strolling around, skating, cycling, skateboarding or simply sitting and watching passers-by. You too can do the same. The Promenade des Anglais is a scenic landmark that offers an ideal place to kick back and look out upon the stunning blues of the Mediterranean Sea all year round.
Get to know Marc Chagall - Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall
The Musée National Marc Chagall is a fantastic art museum that should not to be missed which is located within a beautiful building in a peaceful garden setting. It offers a large collection of Marc Chagall’s work, a Russian-born designer and painter who self-inaugurated the establishment. Despite being small in size, the Musée Marc Chagall is highly entertaining with lots to get you inspired. You will be amazed by Marc Chagall’s vibrant coloured paintings and stained glass windows convey his conception on art, life and religion.
Get lost in the streets of Vieux Nice (Old Nice)
Le Vieux Nice or ‘Old Nice’ is one of the most precious and interesting parts of Nice. Escape the crowds of urbanized Nice and discover the old town; the historical and quaint part of Nice complete with eye-opening buildings, churches, cathedrals, shops, restaurants, cafés and plenty of atmosphere. One of the most visited parts of old nice is Cours Saleya which has daily markets full of amazing flowers, fruits and vegetables plus other stalls which sell great souvenirs for you to take back home. Le Vieux Nice is tremendously picturesque making it a great location to take memorable pictures and simply get lost in. You will love it!
Climb up to Le Chateau (Castle Hill)
It might seem high up but climbing up to Le Chateau is a must during your visit to Nice. Although the castle at the top is more ruins than castle the main attraction is the unique view of Nice that this location offers. During your climb, you can stop several times to rest and take pictures of the surroundings such as waterfalls, pools and gardens. Once you get to the top and turn around, you will certainly feel like your trek was worth it. The view at the top of Castle hill gives you a different perspective of the city allowing you to see, all at once, the long shore-line, the Promenade des Anglais and the magnificent old town versus the urban town with all of Nice’s extraordinary colours which have attracted artists and travellers to the area for hundreds of years.
Get colourful in the Cours Saleya Flower Market
The Cours Saleya Flower Market is one of Nice’s most popular and enlightening attractions as it is set to get all of your senses racing. Bright and vivid colours, smells, sounds, flavours and lots of interesting souvenirs to hold are just waiting for you to discover them. The Cours Saleya Flower Market sells all kinds of flowers as well as unusual ones that are magnificent in colour and shape. As well as flowers, you will find many local fruits and vegetables for sale which you might want to taste. Bordering the market are lots of chic cafés and eateries plus shops where you can buy a little something to remind you of Nice when back at home. The Cours Saleya Flower Market is open daily, however, on Mondays, the location turns into a flea and antiques market which is a great opportunity for tourists to get themselves a bargain or two. Don’t miss it!
Be in Nice one minute and in Moscow the next by visiting the Russian Cathedral
The St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, otherwise known as the Russian Cathedral is a National monument of France but legally owned by the Russian Federation. Being the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe, its sheer beauty juxtaposed with its location has turned it into a must-see attraction when visiting Nice. You will be wowed by its presence as it gloriously stands before you. Its large green domes, amazing structure and balanced tones will leave you feeling like you were in Nice one minute and stepping in to Moscow the next. The Russian Cathedral is a symbol of the historical as well as present link Russia has with the French Riviera. Since the mid-19th Century, Russians have taken a liking to the climate of this southern region, muck like the rich Englishmen before them, with many actually choosing to reside in Nice. As a result of the growing Russian community, the Cathedral, funded by the Russians, was constructed to serve its people as well as Russian visitors.
Sunbathe on Nice’s beaches
One thing all tourists must do when in Nice is sunbathe on Nice’s beaches. After taking a dip in the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea, dry yourself off with the help of the Mediterranean rays that Southern France is blessed with almost all year round. Imagine yourself sunbathing in the middle of December on one of Europe’s most famous beaches and returning home with sun-kissed skin and looking more refreshed than ever. It’s all possible when travelling to Nice in the French Riviera.
Visit the Matisse Museum
The Matisse Museum is an interesting museum displaying the fine works of Henri Matisse. On show are up to 170 of Matisse’s pieces, 65 paintings belonging to Auguste Herbin as well as other paintings and photographic collections by other well-known artists. Located in a colourful building of extremely impressive architecture the museum is the third largest establishment in France that presents Matisse’s art and is huge attraction among tourists interested in art culture.
Theatre de la Photographie et de l’image
The Theatre de la Photographie et de l’image is a photography gallery depicting life through a lens. Having first opened its doors in 1999 The Theatre de la Photographie et de l’image is one of Nice’s more modern attractions and presents photographs covering various genres which include journalism, art, fashion, experimental photography with many recent exhibitions of famous Hollywood faces as well as Native Americans. The gallery is also known to participate in the Short Film Festival of Nice and is one of the organizers and exhibitioners of the annual Setembre de la Photo festival.
Get wet with Nice’s Watersports delights
Apart from lots of sun to top up your tan, Nice can also offer you various watersport delights. In fact, Nice has actually been described as a haven for watersports fans. Escape land and get yourself wet in the azure waters of the Mediterranean. There is so much more to do than just swimming in it. Why not take a course in a particular activity that you’ve always wanted to try out such as diving, wakeboarding, jetskiing or parasailing? If you’ve passed the beginners phase and want something a little more challenging, there are excursions for particular watersport activities. Nice offers various operators which will provide the service necessary to ensure that you have a fantastic experience whilst practicing your desired watersport activity in safety.