By Dana Perkiss
Aside from Paris, Nice is the most popular destination in France plus one of the best places to vacation in the French Riviera. It offers beautiful Mediterranean beaches, pleasant year-round weather, and rich history to be explored. Discover the highlights of this region by checking out some of the best things to do in Nice!
Promenade des Anglais
Even if you haven’t been to Nice before, you’ve probably seen photos of the iconic Promenade des Anglais. This picturesque pedestrian boulevard follows alongside the Baie des Anges beaches and is framed by beautiful palm trees and gardens. It’s been a central attraction in Nice since the 1820s. Year-round people enjoy leisurely strolls and cycling through the promenade, while the vibrant Nice Carnival arrives every February.
Vieille Ville (Old Town)
Quite different from the rest of the city, the Old Town in Nice is somewhat similar to Italy with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleys. It borders Promenade des Anglais on the south and starts at the western point of Colline du Château (Castle Hill). Historical monuments, artsy stores, and local eateries fill this area with a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to walk around, shop, and eat in Nice.
Parc de la Colline du Château (Castle Hill Park)
Nestled on top of a hill 93 meters above sea level, the Colline du Château offers some of the most impressive views in Nice. Though the medieval castle originally built was destroyed in 1706 by Louis XIV, the area is now home to a peaceful waterfall and park perfect for soaking up the stunning views and grabbing a bite at the café. There’s even an elevator you can take if you can’t or don’t want to walk up!
Cours Saleya Market
In the Old Town of Nice is the historic and delightful Cours Saleya Market, also known as the Marché aux Fleurs, which is where local vendors sell beautiful flowers and fresh produce. The flowers are sourced from the Provence and Alpes-Maritimes countryside, while many food vendors give out tasty free samples. The market is set up every day except Mondays when a flea market takes its place.
Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain
This modern and contemporary art museum is housed in a sleek building with three floors featuring exhibits, collections, and a rooftop space with beautiful views of the city. The artwork ranges from the 1950s to the present, including popular pieces from noteworthy artists such as Andy Warhol and Yves Klein, born in Nice in 1928. This is one of the best museums in Nice and is well worth the visit!
Musée Matisse
Henri Matisse was a French painter who died in Nice in 1954. Now, the Musée Matisse houses the largest collection of his work including 31 paintings and 57 sculptures. You can walk through this wonderful art museum in Nice to discover more about the artist’s techniques and influences, then admire the beautiful olive grove and gardens on the property grounds. Guests may also visit the grave of Matisse at the nearby Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez.
Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez
As an official Historical Monument of Nice, visiting the Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez is a must on any France vacation itinerary. The monastery was established by the Benedictines in the 800s before the Franciscans took over in the 16th century. Now the building holds a museum dedicated to the history of Franciscan monks, a beautiful art collection, and luxurious gardens. Fun Fact: this is actually the oldest garden in the Côte d’Azur, having been planted in 1546.
Jardin Albert 1er
Tall shady trees, huge green spaces, and beautiful fountains make Jardin Albert 1er a great place to relax in the city. With its playgrounds and old-style carousel, it's also one of the best family-friendly activities in Nice. There’s also the Théâtre de Verdure, an open-air theater inside the park, which holds music concerts and festivals in the spring and summer. Visitors can head to the close-by Avenue Jean Médecin afterward for some of the best shopping in Nice.
Beaches
As one of the few cities in France with beaches, visiting (at least one) is definite whenever you travel to Nice. You’ll find a mix of private and public beaches here; private costs a bit and are more exclusive, while public beaches are free but generally more crowded. La Reserve is one of the best public beaches in Nice located near the city center, while Castel Plage is considered the best private beach in Nice.
Day Trips from Nice
There are tons of amazing destinations near Nice that are worth visiting, and the best way to explore them is with a guided tour of France. Otherwise, taking a car or train is easy for any of these day trips from Nice:
Monaco
The glamorous independent state of Monaco is truly a royal place to visit in France. Home to much of the world’s fortune, you’ll see tons of opulent things like yachts and Porsches in this unique principality. There’s also the Monaco race course used for the iconic Formula 1 Grand Prix, as well as the historical Palais Princier de Monaco (Prince's Palace of Monaco) which stands atop the “Rock of Monaco.”
Eze
This medieval village is found dominating a cliffside offering wondrous views of the Mediterranean Sea. Travel back through history as you stroll through the maze of cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and tiny squares with local restaurants and boutique stores. Some of the top attractions in Eze include the Jardin Exotique, the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, and the Nietzsche path, where the German philosopher finished the last parts of Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
Cannes
With its beautiful beaches, elegant atmosphere, and designer boutiques, it’s no surprise that Cannes is where celebrities vacation – and not just because of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. This scenic city offers a charming waterfront walkway, palm-lined boulevards, and upscale restaurants serving exquisite French cuisine. Check out Le Suquet, the oldest neighborhood in Cannes, and marvel at stunning views from La Croix des Gardes.
Now that you know some of the best things to do in Nice, are you ready to book a trip to France?
