~ Nice Visitor's Guide ~

Vieux Nice (Old Town)

‘Vieux Nice’ is a charming maze of alleyways and squares dating back to the 13th century.

Place Masséna
This is a great place to start any tour of Nice. It’s a real hub and accessible to and from almost any point of Nice. Buses and the new tram system …. The building facades of striking red of Place Massena are a contrast to the gardens and greenery which surround the square. Within easy walking distance to the south east you will find;

Cours Saleya in the south of Vieux Nice is considered the heart of the city. Here you will find the wonderful outdoor flower market (mardi, jeudi, vendredi, 06:00 – 17:30 mercredi, samedi 06:00 – 18:30 dimanche 06:00 – 13:30), the fruit and vegetable market 06:00 - 13:30 everyday except Monday when the brocante market is on.

This part of Nice is best visited in the mornings when the flower and vegetable markets are open.

Castle Hill (La Colline du Chateau)

Not much remains of the actual castle but the top of Castle Hill offers an exceptional view over Nice and beyond with the Baie des Anges on one side and the port on the other. The remains of the castle and an 11th century cathedral are within a park with Mediterranean plants and an ornamental waterfall atop the hill. The walk to the top from Nice’s old town is via montée du Château, montée Monica Rondelly although there is a lift from Place du 8 Mai 1945 at the end of Rue des Ponchettes.

Cimiez

In the hills of Nice is the affluent suburb of Cimiez. As well as being home to many wealthy residents of Nice it's also home to some of Nice's wonderful museums such as the Franciscan Museum in the Church and Monastery of Cimiez with a magnificent rose garden, Place du Monastère (open daily 10 a.m. - noon and 3 - 6 p.m., except Sunday and holidays. Admission free), The Musée national Marc Chagall is also nearby at Avenue Docteur Ménard, corner of Boulevard de Cimiez (info from Musee Chagnall).

The considerable and well preserved remains of the Roman settlement of Cemenelum are also found in Cimiez in front of Mount Gros and well worth a visit. The Archaeology Museum of Nice-Cimiez (Musée d'Archéologie de Nice) is within the Cemenelum Settlement (western end) and exhibits the finds from the excavations. Close to the Archaeology Museum in an ancient olive grove within the Gardens of Cimiez is the 17th century Genoese Villa of the Matisse Museum, Gardens of Cimiez, 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, check Musee Matisse Nice for opening times.

Promenade des Anglais

A stroll along the Promenade des Anglais is almost unavoidable when visiting Nice. As well as enjoying the views of the Mediterranean across the Baie des Anges a stop at the Hotel Negresco is recommended – perhaps tea or a drinks in the bar at the end of your day in Nice?

Parc Phoenix

The Parc Phoenix is the largest glass-house in Europe and houses tropical vegetation. There are 20 themed gardens radiating from a 600 m² ornamental lake. Parc Phoenix is to the west of Nice at 405 Promenade des Anglais.