The top 10 things to see and do in Nice

The splendour of beautiful Nice is incomparably described in the Occitan hymn sung by choirs here: O la miéu bella Nissa, Regina de li flou, li tiéu vielhi taulissa, léu canterai toujou (Oh my beautiful Nice, queen of flowers, I will always sing of your old roofs). These things to see and do will help you discover Nice’s heart and soul.

1 / ADMIRE THE VIEW FROM THE COLLINE DU CHÂTEAU

A maze of greenery with breathtaking views over the Baie des Anges, Old Nice and the Port.

This hill with its old military fortification separates Old Nice from the Port. An important green lung for Nice, the nearly 20 hectare park is a favourite place to walk for Nice locals offering breathtaking views – especially at sunset – over the city and the sea. The Colline du Château is one of Nice’s green spaces. You can reach it on foot from Old Nice and Place Garibaldi, taking either the Art Deco style lift or the Lesage stairway at the end of the Quai des Etats- Unis.

2 / STROLL ALONG THE PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS

The Prom, one of the most iconic places on the Côte d’Azur!

From Nice Airport to Port Lympia, the 8 kilometres of the seafront promenade tells the history of Nice with its mythical hotels and unique atmosphere. The « Prom », as the locals call it, interspersed by its famous blue chairs and pebble beaches, has become one of the most popular meeting and walking places in Nice. Heading towards the « Rauba Capeu » point, take a picture in front of the #ILoveNice structure which dominates the Baie des Anges!

3 / SHOP IN THE COURS SALEYA MARKET

All roads in Old Nice lead to Cours Saleya!

In the heart of Old Nice, it is reached through the small shady streets with ochre facades, which plunge you into the intimacy of Italian charm. The flower market and local produce in Cours Saleya breathes Nice, with its authenticity, its scents and its colours. A must-visit during your stay in the capital of the Côte d’Azur, Cours Saleya is the soul of Old Nice. Surrounded by restaurants and bars, the Cours is lively in both summer and winter. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can browse its traditional fruit and vegetable market every morning and enjoy the flower market all day long.

4 / EAT SOCCA

Impossible to visit Nice without tasting a delicious piece of socca

Among the many local culinary specialties such as stuffed vegetables, courgette flower fritters and chard tart, the famous chickpea flour flatbread is the essential Nice speciality for sharing. Socca is still one of the most widely eaten traditional dishes in Nice. It comes as street food to be eaten straight from the paper, as an aperitif or as a complete dish when you stroll in Old Nice or the Port District. A speciality best eaten with your fingers!

5 / ENJOY THE TRANQUILLITY OF THE PORT

Discover Nice harbour, a colourful place just perfect for a stroll

Just like the colourful “pointu” boats that are moored there, you’ll love the serene and family atmosphere that reigns over Nice’s harbour area. Like a small village, everyone knows everyone, the local craftsmen rub shoulders with the local food traders… Languorously to rhythm of the waves! While strolling on the quays, enjoy the colourful facades of the beautiful Italian style houses that surround Port Lympia. For food-lovers, the Confiserie Florian is not to be missed.

6 / TAKE YOUR TIME ON THE PROMENADE DU PAILLON

First called Coulée Verte, the Promenade du Paillon is a haven of greenery in the heart of Nice!

From Place Garibaldi, Promenade du Paillon presents an expanse of greenery down to the Promenade des Anglais. A haven of peace in the city with wooden games for children, picnic areas and a water mirror to cool off in summer. A must during your family holidays in Nice, the Promenade du Paillon has several playgrounds for children and a carousel. Stroll at will along its pathways, discover rare plants, picnic in the grass or rest and read in the shady arbours.

7 / JOURNEY INTO ART AT MAMAC

A museum with original architecture that overlooks the Promenade du Paillon!

The Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC), taking the form of a gigantic arch on 4 levels, is an emblematic figure on the Côte d’Azur artistic scene. Visit the permanent and temporary exhibitions covering all the international movements. The museum’s permanent artistic program takes its identity from somewhere between Pop Art and American assemblage art as well as in the new school of European realism. From the roof, you can enjoy the panoramic view over the city.

8 / CELEBRATE THE NICE CARNIVAL

The top event on the Côte d’Azur, for children and adults alike!

One of the best known in the world: Nice Carnival! The carnival parades, illuminated parades and flower battles are rooted in Nice’s traditions. For 15 days a year in February, hundreds of thousands of spectators gather to enjoy this colourful festival. Ever more beautiful and original costumes, impertinent and funny floats made by carnival goers passed down from father to son, and hundreds of enthusiastic participants going between Place Masséna, the Jardins Albert 1st and the Promenade des Anglais. A popular and family event not to be missed on the Côte d’Azur!

9 / PLUNGE INTO HISTORY IN THE ARÈNES DE CIMIEZ

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

The Jardins du Monastère de Cimiez, strewn with the ruins of its bullring, are an invitation to tranquillity. Several museums and events have taken up residence there. Close to the Musée Matisse and the Musée Archéologique de Nice, this magical place has a few surprises… Every year, during the month of May, the Fête des Mais or « Lu Festin de Nissa » is one of the family events and favourite traditional festivals in Nice! Enjoy the conviviality and sharing with a panoramic view of Nice and its Baie des Anges.

10 / CLIMB MONT-BORON

Parc du Mont-Boron: 11 kilometres of marked trails with stunning views of Nice!

An unspoilt hill where you can breathe fresh air while having a picnic in the shade of pine trees, completing a fitness trail or playing a game of petanque. At the top, the former military fort of Mont-Alban was the last bastion of the city guarding the border between Nice and the village of Villefranche-sur-Mer with its amazing harbour. From Mont-Alban, you will enjoy a unique panorama from Italy to Estérel, via the Cap Ferrat peninsula and the alpine peaks.

The top 10

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NICE

By Côte d’Azur France Ambassadors

Locals that love the Côte d’Azur, visit the website regularly to discover the Côte d’Azur France Ambassadors community selections, recommendations and favourites.