Top 10 things to see and do in Nice

To describe the splendour of beautiful Nice, there’s nothing quite like the Occitan hymn sung by the hearts of men here: O la miéu bella Nissa, Regina de li flou, li tiéu vielhi taulissa, léu canterai toujou (O my beautiful Nice, queen of flowers, your old roofs I will always sing). Through these must-sees, discover the County of Nice and its delightful souls in depth. Here are the Top 10 must-sees and must-dos in Nice.

1 / ADMIRE THE VIEW FROM COLLINE DU CHÂTEAU

A must-see in Nice: the breathtaking view from Colline du Château over the Baie des Anges.

This hill with its former military fortifications separates Vieux-Nice from the Port. A veritable green lung for Nice, the nearly 20-hectare park is one of Nice’s favourite places for a stroll, offering breathtaking views, specifically at sunset, over the city and the sea. The Colline du Château obviously features in the Top 10 things to see and do in Nice. You can get there on foot from Vieux-Nice and Place Garibaldi, by Art Deco-style lift or by the Lesage staircase at the end of Quai des Etats-Unis.

2 / TAKE A WALK ON THE PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS

The Prom, one of the Côte d’Azur’s most emblematic and unmissable landmarks!

From Nice Airport to Port Lympia, the Promenade des Anglais tells the story of Nice over 8 kilometres, through its legendary hotels and its very special atmosphere. The “Prom”, as the people of Nice call it, with its famous blue chairs and pebble beaches, has become one of Nice’s unmissable places to meet up and take a stroll. As you head towards the tip of “Rauba Capeu”, don’t hesitate to take a photo in front of the #ILoveNice structure overlooking the Baie des Anges!

3 / VISIT OLD NICE AND FLOURISH AT THE COURS SALEYA MARKET

All the paths in Old Nice will lead you to the unmissable Cours Saleya!

In the heart of Old Nice, you’ll reach it via shady little streets with ochre facades, which plunge you into the intimacy of Italian charm. The flower market and local produce on Cours Saleya exude the authenticity of Comté de Nice, with its fragrances and colours. A must-see during your stay in the Côte d’Azur capital, the Cours Saleya is the soul of Vieux-Nice. Surrounded by restaurants and bars, the “Cours” is lively in summer and winter alike. From Tuesday to Sunday, browse its traditional fruit and vegetable market every morning, and enjoy the flower market all day.

4 / EAT SOCCA

How can you visit Nice without sampling a delicious socca?

Tasting a slice of socca: a must-try of things to do in Nice. Among the many local culinary specialities such as farcis, courgette flower fritters and chard pie, the famous chickpea flour galette is the must-try in Nice, to be shared in the greatest conviviality! Socca remains one of Nice’s most traditional dishes. You can eat it on the go, wrapped in paper, as an aperitif or as a main course when strolling through Vieux-Nice or the Quartier du Port.

5 / ENJOY THE TRANQUILLITY OF THE PORT

What to see in Nice: the Port district, a colourful place where it’s good to stroll!

Like the colourful dinghies moored there, you’ll appreciate the serene family atmosphere that reigns at the Port of Nice. Like a small village, here people know each other, local craftsmen rub shoulders with small food traders… Langoureusement, to the rhythm of the waves! Take a stroll along the quays and admire the colourful facades of the beautiful Italian-style houses that surround Port Lympia. For those with a sweet tooth, the Confiserie Florian is one of Nice’s not-to-be-missed addresses during your stay in Nice.

6 / TAKE TIME TO LIVE ON THE PROMENADE DU PAILLON

The Promenade du Paillon is a green setting right in the heart of Nice!

From Place Garibaldi, the Promenade du Paillon features an expanse of greenery running down to the Promenade des Anglais.

Peace in the middle of the city with wooden games for children, areas for picnics and a water mirror for cooling off in summer.

In the Top 10 things to see and do in Nice, the Promenade du Paillon has several play areas for children as well as a Caroussel.

Whatever you fancy, you can stroll along its paths, discover rare plants, picnic on the grass or relax and read under the arbours.

7 / CELEBRATE THE NICE CARNIVAL

The must-see event on the Côte d’Azur, for young and old alike!

One of the best-known in the world: the Nice Carnival! Carnival corsi and flower battles are rooted in Nice traditions. For 15 days every February, hundreds of thousands of spectators gather to take part in this colourful extravaganza. The costumes are ever more beautiful and original, the floats cheeky and funny, made by carnival-goers from father to son, and hundreds of enthusiastic participants stroll between the Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais. A popular, family-friendly event that richly deserves its place in the Top 10 things to do in Nice!

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8/ Experience the magic of LUMINISCENCE

Dive into the secrets of the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption

Every year, LUMINISCENCE invites visitors on a luminous, sensory journey to the heart of Nice. This exceptional event transforms the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption into a theatre of light and immersive art. Thanks to spectacular projections, the building is illuminated in vibrant colours and tells captivating stories, blending heritage and contemporary creativity.

The solemn atmosphere of the basilica, combined with the play of light and a spellbinding soundtrack, offers a unique experience that is both moving and spectacular.

9 / DIVE INTO NICE’S HISTORY AT THE ARENES DE CIMIEZ

With its large expanses of greenery and century-old olive trees, this garden is a haven of peace.

The Jardins du Monastère de Cimiez, dotted with the ruins of its arenas, are an invitation to tranquillity. Several museums and events have taken up residence here. Just a stone’s throw from the Musée Matisse and the Musée archéologique de Nice, this magical spot is a must-see during your stay in Nice. Every year in May, the Fête des Mais or “Lu Festin de Nissa” is one of Nice’s favourite family and folk events! Enjoy a real moment of conviviality and sharing, with a panoramic view of Nice and its Baie des Anges.

10 / TAKE HEIGHT ON MONT-BORON

Discover Mont-Boron and its unique panorama from Italy to L’Estérel!

Here is a preserved hill, where you can breathe during a country lunch in the shade of the pines, a fitness trail or a game of pétanque. At the summit, the former Mont-Alban military fort stands watch as the city of Nice’s last bastion on the Nice border with the village of Villefranche-sur-Mer and its sumptuous harbour. From Mont-Alban, you’ll enjoy a unique panorama stretching from Italy to the Estérel, via the Cap Ferrat peninsula and the Alpine peaks. The Parc du Mont-Boron is one of the must-see places in Nice.

Week End Nice — ©COTE D'AZUR FRANCE / Camille MOIRENC

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THE TOP 10

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NICE

By Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France

Lovers and enthusiasts of the Côte d’Azur, regularly discover on this site the selection, good addresses or even favourites of the Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France community.

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