Things To Do In Nice

As the capital of the Côte d'Azur, Nice has a wonderful character and a fantastic range of attractions and sights for the entire family. The seafront is Nice’s crowning glory, which is fronted by the busy English Promenade and lined with beautiful Belle Époque hotels, while the Old Town is one of twisted, narrow streets filled with cafés and restaurants. Nice also boasts a large number of outstanding buildings such as the onion-domed Orthodox Cathedral and the Cimiez Convent, and museums are aplenty.

Beaches

Nice has a number of beaches and although picturesque, they are not very suitable for bathing due to their rocky and gravelly nature. There are however one or two private sandy beaches where a layer of fine sand has been added and facilities include lounge chair rentals as well as restaurants and bars. Showers are provided at all public beaches.

St Nicholas Cathedral (Cathdrale St-Nicolas)

St Nicholas’ Cathedral is one of Nice’s main cultural highlights and was designed to replicate St Basile in Moscow. Its six grey marble onion domes are most distinctive and mix beautifully with the red brick and snazzy ceramic walls. The cathedral is located to the northwest of the city centre, not far from the railway station, and was completed in 1912, when it was commissioned by Nicolas II and his mother. Visitors should dress respectfully when entering the cathedral.

Cimiez Convent (Monastre de Cimiez)

Another of Nice’s most outstanding buildings featuring some great works of art by the famed local artists, the Bréa brothers, who hailed from the 15th century. The other main features of the convent are the carved and gilded wooden main altarpiece; the Musée Franciscain, with its 17th century frescoes, numerous documents and works of art; and the 17th century chapel. The convent gardens are also worthy of a tour, from where views of the city and bay are stunning.

Nice Castle

Located in a park overlooking the harbour, Nice’s ruined castle offers one of the best vantage points of the city. The castle itself is not much to look at, but visitors are permitted to climb the stairs to the viewing platforms that stand over 300 feet above Nice for a fantastic view.

Palais Lascaris

Constructed in the 17th century and restored in the 1940s, Palais Lascaris contains many beautiful ornaments and is well decorated throughout. The palace was once owned by the rich Lascaris-Vintimille family.

Parc du Chteau

Located right on the bay near the marina, Parc du Château is a favourite spot for strolling residents and visitors, and is an ideal retreat during hot summer days, with its many shady areas and lovely views of Baie des Anges. Open-air concerts are a popular form of entertainment here at various times of the year, while the château itself offers fine views from its roof. The château was built in the 12th century, yet it was destroyed by Louis XIV in the early 1700s. Residing in the château’s single remaining 16th century tower is the excellent Naval Museum.

English Promenade (Promenade des Anglais)

The promenade is Nice’s most famous thoroughfare and it stretches the length of the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). It was built in the middle of the 18th century on the suggestion of the upper class Englishmen who spent their winters in Nice at the time. A stroll along this super-long promenade will reveal elegant Belle Époque hotels, tasteful condo buildings and a string of palaces and museums.

Museums

Nice is simply loaded with museums covering every era of the city. The Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall boasts the largest public collection of Marc Chagall’s works - a famous painter from Belarus (1887 to 1985) – while the architecturally-sound Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain Vieux is perhaps Nice’s most famous art museum, with its French and American avant-garde works. The Naval Museum is also worth a look and has the perfect position in Nice, situated as it is inside the tower of the Parc du Château. The museum displays paintings, models, ancient arms and navigational instruments.