Go to discovery of Nice, a charming town with beautiful scenery, cobblestone streets and a pleasant climate all year round. For those planning to visit Nice, here is our selection of 10 must-see sites to fully enjoy this splendid destination.

1.    Castle Hill for a breathtaking view

Le Castle of Nice was one of the essential places to live in the city medieval. Located high in the hills, it was unfortunately destroyed in the 18th century by the troops of Louis XIV.

In the 19th century, the city council decided to build a huge landscaped park of 19,3 hectares.Romantic paths and exotic vegetation now enhance the area. An artificial waterfall with a faux rock grotto has also been added to enhance the park's bucolic atmosphere.

Today, only a few remains of the castle are visible on site. Visitors come mainly to appreciate the various observation points which offer a remarkable panorama of the Bay of Angels, old City and port.

Themed trails, children's games, restaurants and refreshment stands, and various designated walks are also available. For the less athletic, a free elevator leads to the summit.

2.    Promenade des Anglais: symbol of the art of living in Nice

The iconic Promenade des Anglais was born under the impetus of the English reverend Lewis Way in 1821. He wanted to create a path along the seafront to provide locals with a place to walk. At the time, the Chemin des Anglais, as it was nicknamed, was only a few meters long. It was not until 1860 that the place was renamed Promenade des Anglais.

Gradually, it expanded with casinos, Belle Époque palaces and other aristocratic villas that line the seafront. Today, the Prom' has become an open-air museum thanks to the presence of historic buildings such as the Negresco Hotel (1913), the Mediterranean Palace (1929) or the Villa Massena (1885) classified as a Historic Monument.

In addition to exploring the city's architecture, there are plenty of activities to do on the Promenade des Anglais: running, rollerblading, scooter riding, walking, cycling or electric scooter riding...

Halfway through the walk, a gourmet break is a must. The Prom is dotted with small cafés and street food joints, perfect for sampling local culinary specialties. Fashion boutiques are also plentiful for shopping trips. As for photos, here are the best spots for taking postcard-worthy shots:

-          The I LOVE sign NICE (Rauba-Capéu)

-          The kiosk in the Albert I Garden

-          Dog Beach

-          The Mediterranean Palace

3.    The old Nice : a historic and lively district

Considered the oldest part of the city, the Old Nice is a labyrinth of flavors, sounds, and scents, where every step reveals a new discovery. A stroll through this historic site begins at Place Masséna, known for its Fontaine du Soleil and monumental statues of scribes.

Then, head towards the Cours Saleya to discover its famous flower market and the diversity of its products.

Then, the picturesque alleys will lead you to the Place Rossetti which houses among other things the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral which surprises with its interior volumes and its immense organs.

The walk can end with a discovery of the Castle Hill which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Bay of Angels.

If you wish, EDEN CAB can make its limousines or luxury vans with driver and put together a tailor-made itinerary for you to discover the Old Town Nice in all its splendor. Make your reservations as soon as possible!

4.    Cours Saleya Market: a market of a thousand colors

Le Cours Saleya market is a true institution in NiceIt must be said that it has existed since 1816 and has even been recognized as an “exceptional market in France” by the National Council of Culinary Arts.

Located in the heart of Old Nice, the market is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. It invites you to discover the best local products, including local specialties from the Nice hinterland which give off captivating scents. Fill your baskets with lemons, tomatoes, fragrant strawberries, zucchini Nice with unique flavors, etc.

Food lovers can also enjoy regional specialties such as soccas (savory pancakes made with chickpea flour) or fine charcuterie accompanied by delicious regional wines.

Otherwise, the market transforms into a place for dining and going out in the evening, with its many restaurants and welcoming terraces. On Mondays, it's time for the antiques market, a true paradise for bargain hunters.

5.    Port Lympia, jewel of the Côte d'Azur

At the heart of Nice, Port Lympia spreads its quays between maritime tradition and lively urban life. Both a commercial and pleasure port, it houses a local treasure: la M breakdown where the pointus are moored, these emblematic brightly colored boats which give the basin the appearance of a living postcard.

The name "Lympia" originates from an ancient spring that once fed a small lake nestled in a marsh. Construction of the port began here in the 17th century. Today, this location has become one of the city's main hubs of port activity.

The port is divided in two: on one side, the infrastructure dedicated to maritime transport, and on the other, those reserved for pleasure craft. Walkers and curious onlookers alike happily gather there to observe the majestic yachts that rub shoulders with the traditional pointus, whose shimmering lines and hues delight photographers and lovers of authenticity.

In summer, an unusual crossing is offered to visitors: boarding a Lou Passagin, a Nice boat with an electric motor, to connect the two banks of the port free of charge. And every year, the Harbor Festival brings together residents for a festive evening punctuated by concerts, light shows, culinary events and workshops for young and old.

6.    The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC): a dive into the heart of art

Installed near the Garibaldi Square, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art ou BAIT was created in 1990 in a building designed by architects Yves Bayard and Henri Vidal. The building consists of a four-legged arch and is inspired by the rules of neoclassicism. Spread over a 4000 m2 area, the museum is made up of nine exhibition rooms arranged on four levels.

The collection consists of 1400 works by 370 artists highlighting numerous movements, mainly the New European Realism and American version of Pop art. Visitors will also be able to appreciate works from the minimalism and art povera. Artists like Yves Klein, Andy Warhol, Niki de Saint Phalle, Ben Vautier and Arman are worth discovering.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts various cultural events such as film screenings, artistic performances, and concerts. Educational activities such as art workshops and guided tours are also offered.

7.    The Matisse Museum: discovering the artist's vision

Nestled in the peaceful Villa of the Arenas in the heart of Cimiez, the Matisse Museum was founded in 1963. Classified as a “Museum of France”, it covers 2800 m2, including 1200m2 accessible to the public: exhibition spaces, auditorium, educational room, shop-bookstore... All of this is part of an exceptional heritage setting between the Cimiez monastery, the ancient arenas, the hundred-year-old olive trees in the garden and the cemetery where Matisse rests.

The unique place houses the precious donations made to the City of Nice by Henri Matisse himself, then by his family. More than 600 works and more than a hundred objects belonging to him are to be discovered.

Among the must-sees are masterpieces such as Storm at Nice, Odalisque with the red box or, Blue Nude IV testify to the richness and diversity of his work. What makes this unique museum, is that it preserves almost all of the artist's sculpted production as well as an exceptional collection of drawings and graphic works.

The proposed itinerary invites us to follow Matisse's artistic evolution throughout his life. And at each stage, his deep attachment to Nice, a bright and inspiring city, which he had chosen as his home port.

8.    Cimiez Arena: vestiges of the past

Established in Nice in the Cimiez district, the Cimiez arenas are a Roman amphitheater that was built in two main campaigns between 70 and 80 AD. It then appears to have been abandoned towards the end of the 1930rd century. After excavations carried out between 1940 and 2007, the site opened to the public in XNUMX.

The various objects discovered during these excavations are visible within the Archaeological Museum of Nice-Cimiez which is dedicated to the ancient history of Nice. Among the collections on display are milestones from the time of Augustus and Hadrian, carved stone sarcophagi, several funerary steles, a monumental statue of Antonia Minor, a mask of Silenus, etc.

Initially, the Cimiez Arena served as entertainment venues. Roman citizens could witness a variety of spectacles such as gladiatorial combats, wild animal hunts, and even theatrical performances. In keeping with tradition, these venues hosted open-air concerts and various cultural activities during the summer. Their lush green surroundings were ideal for quiet picnics, adding to the charm of the site.

9.    Phoenix Park: an unforgettable botanical escape

Located at the southwest entrance of Nice, in the Arenas district, a stone's throw from the Promenade des Anglais, the Phoenix Park is a botanical and zoological park spread over 7 hectares.

Labeled "Remarkable garden", it stands out as a true green setting sheltering 2500 species of plants. Around twenty themed gardens are to be discovered, showcasing succulent plants, Mediterranean plants, tropical plants and aromatic plants. The park has the tallest pyramid-shaped greenhouse in Europe named “Green Diamond” extending over 7000 m2 and with a height of 25 meters.

At Parc Phoenix, visitors can also discover up to 2000 animals from 70 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects or amphibians.

But that's not all! The public has access to a scientific, artistic, and educational exhibition space to discover fascinating worlds.

For more practical information around the park, here.

10.  The Promenade du Paillon: for a lush stroll

In the heart of the city, between the hustle and bustle of the avenues and the sun-drenched facades of Nice, the Promenade du Paillon stands out as a parenthesis of freshness and greenery. A true green lung of Nice, this 12-hectare landscaped setting links the Théâtre de Verdure to Place Garibaldi.

Here, more than 1 trees, 600 shrubs and some 6 perennials form a living landscape. As you walk, your senses are awakened: the rustling of the leaves, the Mediterranean scents, the gentle lapping of the water...

The water mirror, a huge 3 m² pool equipped with 000 jets, attracts young and old alike who come to cool off, especially during the hottest hours. A little further on, an impressive mist plateau spreads over 2 m².

Just east of the reflecting pool, a section of the promenade bears the name Espace Jacques Médecin, in homage to the city's former mayor. But beyond the names and numbers, it's above all the use that makes this place so dear to the people of Nice: families gather there, children have fun in the play areas inspired by the marine world, while those who enjoy strolling are guided by the sculptures scattered throughout the route.

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