The Promenade des Anglais is Nice’s most iconic landmark—a 7-km palm-lined seafront boulevard stretching along the Baie des Anges. Built in the 19th century by the English community to provide work during a harsh winter, it quickly became the fashionable place for the Riviera’s elite to stroll, ride horses, and enjoy the sea air. Today, it remains the heart of Nice life, with locals jogging, tourists cycling, and visitors relaxing on the famous blue chairs.

The promenade offers uninterrupted views of the azure Mediterranean, historic hotels like the pink-domed Hôtel Negresco (opened 1913), and the distant Alps. It’s especially magical at sunrise when the light turns the sea golden, or at night when the city lights reflect on the water.

• 7 km of palm-lined seafront with turquoise views
• Iconic blue chairs and direct pebble beach access
• Belle Époque landmarks including Hôtel Negresco
• Perfect for sunrise/sunset walks, cycling, or people-watching

Vieux Nice is the charming historic heart of the city, with narrow pastel-colored streets, Baroque architecture, lively squares, and a true Italianate feel. Nice was part of the Italian County of Savoy until 1860, when it became French, and the old town still feels more like Genoa or Liguria than typical Provence.

The pedestrian lanes are filled with hidden gelato shops, family-run trattorias, artisan boutiques, and small museums. Place Rossetti, with its Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate and famous Fenocchio gelateria, is the perfect place to pause. The area comes alive in the evening with street musicians and al fresco dining.

• Colorful narrow streets and Baroque façades
• Place Rossetti with Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
• Hidden gelaterias (Fenocchio) and socca vendors
• Vibrant daily life and street performers

Cours Saleya is Nice’s most famous square and the beating heart of Vieux Nice. Every morning (except Monday) it hosts the vibrant flower and produce market, with colorful stalls overflowing with roses, lavender, olives, fresh herbs, socca, and Provençal specialties. The square is surrounded by beautiful Baroque buildings and lively cafés.

On Mondays it transforms into the largest antiques and brocante market on the Riviera, with vintage items, jewelry, and collectibles. The market atmosphere is quintessentially Niçois—lively, fragrant, and full of local life.

• Bustling daily flower and produce market
• Fresh socca, pissaladière, and olive tastings
• Monday antiques and brocante market
• Surrounded by elegant Baroque architecture

Castle Hill offers the best panoramic views over Nice, the Baie des Anges, Old Town, and the port. Once the site of a medieval fortress (destroyed in the 18th century by Louis XIV), today it’s a beautiful public park with waterfalls, playgrounds, a cemetery, and two main viewing platforms. The free elevator from Quai des États-Unis or stairs from Old Town make it accessible.

The hill has been inhabited since ancient times—Greeks founded Nikaia here around 350 BC. Today, it’s a peaceful green escape with pine trees, exotic plants, and sweeping vistas that are especially spectacular at sunrise or sunset.

• 360° panoramic views of Nice, sea, and port
• Beautiful park with waterfalls and greenery
• Free elevator access from Old Town
• Historic cemetery and ruins

The Musée Matisse is housed in a beautiful 17th-century Genoese villa in the Cimiez neighborhood. Henri Matisse lived in Nice from 1917 until his death in 1954, and the museum holds the world’s largest public collection of his works. The collection spans his entire career—paintings, drawings, sculptures, paper cut-outs, and personal objects—displayed in bright, airy rooms overlooking olive groves.

The villa itself, with its arcaded courtyard and gardens, is a work of art. Nearby Roman ruins and the Cimiez Monastery add historical depth to the visit.

• Extensive collection of Matisse paintings and cut-outs
• Beautiful 17th-century villa and gardens
• Peaceful Cimiez neighborhood with Roman ruins nearby
• Temporary exhibitions and events

Nice’s famous pebble beaches line the Promenade des Anglais for 7 km. While not sandy, the water is crystal clear, and the views of the Bay of Angels and surrounding hills are spectacular. Public areas are free; private plages rent loungers, umbrellas, and serve food/drinks with waiter service.

The beaches have been central to Nice’s identity since the 19th century when English aristocrats “wintered” here for the mild climate and sea bathing. Today, they’re lively with locals and tourists, water sports, and beach clubs.

• Crystal-clear Mediterranean water
• Stunning views of the Baie des Anges
• Private plages with loungers and restaurants
• Water sports and beach clubs in summer

The Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas is one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox churches outside Russia. Built 1903–1912 in neo-Byzantine style with six onion domes, it was commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II in memory of his son. The interior dazzles with gold icons, frescoes, and chandeliers—reflecting the large Russian community that wintered in Nice in the 19th–early 20th centuries.

The cathedral is set in peaceful gardens and remains an active place of worship. Its architecture and decorations offer a fascinating glimpse into the Russian Riviera history.

• Six stunning onion domes and neo-Byzantine architecture
• Rich interior with gold icons and frescoes
• Beautiful gardens and peaceful setting
• Unique insight into Russian-Nice history

Just 30–45 minutes from Nice, Èze is one of the most beautiful perched villages on the Riviera, with narrow medieval streets and breathtaking views from the Exotic Garden. Nearby Monaco offers glamour with the Monte-Carlo Casino, Prince’s Palace, and Formula 1 circuit. Both are easy half-day or full-day trips.

Èze’s history dates to Roman times, while Monaco has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since 1297. The drive along the Moyenne Corniche offers some of the Riviera’s most spectacular coastal views.

• Èze medieval village & Jardin Exotique views
• Monaco’s Monte-Carlo Casino and harbor
• Prince’s Palace changing of the guard
• Stunning coastal drive (Moyenne Corniche)

The Musée National Marc Chagall houses the world’s largest public collection of Chagall’s works, with a focus on his biblical-themed paintings. Opened in 1973, the building was designed specifically for the artist’s large-scale canvases, including the famous Biblical Message series. Chagall lived in nearby Vence and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and the museum reflects his deep spiritual and artistic connection to the Riviera.

The surrounding garden with sculptures and a reflecting pool adds to the peaceful, contemplative atmosphere.

• Largest collection of Chagall’s biblical works
• Beautifully designed galleries for large canvases
• Serene garden with sculptures and pool
• Temporary exhibitions and events

Parc Phoenix is a beautiful 7-hectare botanical garden near the airport, featuring exotic plants, greenhouses, a butterfly house, and a flamingo pond. Inside the park stands the Musée des Arts Asiatiques, a striking modern glass pyramid designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, housing an impressive collection of Asian art from India, China, Japan, Cambodia, and Southeast Asia.

The park and museum offer a peaceful contrast to the bustling city, with tropical plants, koi ponds, and serene galleries.

• Exotic botanical gardens with greenhouses and flamingos
• Striking glass pyramid Asian Art Museum
• Collections from India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia
• Peaceful escape near the airport