Nice initially gained fame as a winter resort. The aristocracy from Russia, England and other European countries, where the winter months were not particularly mild, came here. Gradually, this cozy town turned into a fashionable and desirable place, a real pearl of the French Riviera.

Nice is the coveted Cote d'Azur, the center of fashionable hotels, expensive clubs and restaurants. Holidays in Nice are preferred by wealthy tourists or travelers who value comfort, excellent service and high standards.

The capital of the French Riviera boasts more than just beaches and entertainment. This is a beautiful city with many historical buildings, pretty streets, and magnificent embankments. Architecture lovers will definitely have something to see during their trip to Nice.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Nice?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

The main city “promenade”, a symbol of Nice and the center of the local establishment. The embankment stretches for 6 km. along the bay with the poetic name “Bay of Angels”. The name of the place dates back to the 18th century, when wealthy Englishmen began to come to Nice to survive the cold winter. The embankment pavement has seen many famous people from F. Nietzsche to members of the imperial Romanov family.

Neoclassical luxury hotel located on the Promenade des Anglais. It is a symbol of the entire Cote d'Azur. The hotel opened in 1913, among its famous guests were Coco Chanel, M. Dietrich, E. Hemingway. The original ceiling of the medieval castle was used to decorate the Louis XIV salon (one of the hotel rooms). The design of the hotel's luxury apartments is unique, each room has an individual name and interior.

Waterfront quarters with buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries that make up the historic center of Nice. The area of ​​the old city is small - only a couple of square kilometers. The place is a labyrinth of narrow stone streets, covered in medieval romance and shrouded in the atmosphere of sophisticated French antiquity. Most of the attractions are located in the historical center.

The sea gate of the city, which is adjacent to the picturesque promenade and bustling marina. Despite the abundance of yachts and other ships, the water in the port bay is so clean that fishermen can often be seen here. Construction of the port began in the middle of the 18th century; construction continued for more than 100 years. Cruise ships often dock here, as Nice is included in most Mediterranean itineraries.

The square was built throughout the 19th century. Now it is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Nice. The place was named in honor of A. Massena, a talented and successful French commander. There are many interesting architectural objects around the square; in the southern part there is a fountain “Sun” with a 7-meter statue of Apollo installed in the middle.

At the end of the 18th century, on the site of Piazza Garibaldi there was a large wasteland, which began to be built up in 1780. Gradually, the wasteland turned into a busy area; in 1869, a picturesque small garden was laid out here. The place was named after the Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. This was not done in vain, since the architecture of the square resembles a typical Italian piazza.

The gallery was created with the direct participation of the artist himself, who lived in the vicinity of Nice in the 1960s. XX century. The building was erected on the ruins of an old estate according to the design of the architect A. Erman. Chagall worked on the design of the garden and on the stained glass windows. The museum was opened in 1973. Visitors can admire the master's creations, created under the influence of the study of Biblical texts.

The museum's exposition is dedicated to the work of the famous painter A. Matisse. Not only the master’s paintings are exhibited here, but also his personal belongings. The collection is located in a Genoese villa of the 17th century. The maestro lived in Nice for almost 40 years, many of his works are picturesque landscapes of the incomparable French Riviera, which are currently exhibited in the museum. Matisse himself is buried nearby on the territory of the monastery.

The gallery was created in 1990 according to the design of architects A. Vidal and I. Bayard. According to the standard concept, the Museum of Modern Art exhibits works of art from the second half of the 20th century. Of particular interest are the works of contemporary artists from Nice, such as Arman, Cesar or Klein. The museum building itself is an interesting art object with a roof garden and glass corridors.

The collection is housed in a historic 19th-century mansion built in the neoclassical style for the Russian Countess Maria Kochubey. The collection mainly presents works by French artists of the second half of the 19th century, but also includes works from the Classical and Renaissance periods. At the Museum of Fine Arts you can admire paintings by Sisley, Degas, Mauss, Dufy, Monet and Cheret.

The small museum building was erected at the end of the 20th century according to the design of the Japanese architect K. Tange. The idea to create such a place came to the mind of the mayor of Nice, J. Medsen, who successfully served in this post for five terms. The collection contains about 200 exhibits brought from Japan, China, India, and Tibet. The museum building is located on the shore of a small artificial lake in one of the city parks.

The collection is located on the territory of a neoclassical palace located on the Promenade des Anglais. The building was erected at the very beginning of the 20th century. The mansion was named after Andre Massena, a marshal of the Napoleonic era. In 1919, the military leader’s heir donated the palace to the state and wished for a free museum to operate on its territory. The authorities gladly accepted the gift, and since then the Massena Museum has opened its doors to the general public.

Monumental building in classical style, located in the historical center of Nice. It was erected at the end of the 19th century on the site of an old Dominican monastery (the monastery was destroyed during the French Revolution). The building is very popular with local youth, and in the evenings dozens of people sit on the stone steps with drinks and food. Sometimes street musicians perform on the square in front of the Palace.

The stage building is located on the territory of the old city. Since its foundation in 1826, the theater has been considered one of the best provincial opera stages in France. Unlike the capital's Opera Garnier, tickets here are sold at more affordable prices. The local troupe has very talented actors. The repertoire mainly consists of classical productions of musical works by famous authors.

One of the largest Orthodox churches in Western Europe. The cathedral was erected on the site of the mansion where the heir to the Russian throne, Nikolai Alexandrovich (son of Alexander II), died. During his journey, the Tsarevich fell ill and died in Nice. By the will of his father, a chapel was erected in memory of the young man. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Orthodox community, in need of a large temple, began building a full-fledged church.

Nice Cathedral, which was built and illuminated in 1699. Until 1903, the building continued to be overgrown with additional extensions. The temple is named after Saint Reparata, a young Christian martyr who was killed by the Romans for her faith. It is believed that the saint's body was placed in a boat and set free to travel around the Mediterranean Sea. As a result, the ship landed on the shores of Nice.

The church building is one of the main attractions in Nice. The basilica was erected in an elegant neo-Gothic style in the middle of the 19th century according to the design of C. Lenormand. The light facade is decorated with gilding, which gives the temple an elegant and festive look. Notre-Dame de Nice was built immediately after the city was annexed by France. From the outside, the temple resembles the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.

The church was built very close to the port, so after its construction in the mid-19th century it became known as the “port parish”. Previously, the temple was surrounded by modest houses of fishermen, now in their place there is a calm and respectable urban area. J. Febvre worked on the church façade. The interior is decorated with works by E. Costa. The temple has a second name - the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

A Franciscan monastery of the 16th century, surrounded by a magnificent medieval park (the oldest on the Cote d'Azur). The interior of the monastery cathedral is decorated with a carved wooden altar, which is covered with gold leaf. The church also contains a stone cross from the 15th century. On the territory of the monastery there is a small cemetery with the grave of A. Matisse. There is a museum of Franciscan monks for tourists.

The observatory building is located on the Mont Grosse hill. It was built according to the design of G. Eiffel and C. Garnier. The structure is topped with a rotating dome 24 meters in diameter. Initially, the observatory belonged to the Sorbonne University, but after the First World War the building was abandoned for a long time, and only in 1988 there was some revival. In addition to being a scientific institution, the observatory will serve as a popular attraction.

The fort is located in the east of Nice in the hills of the Mont Baron Park. The fortress was built in 1560 for defensive purposes to prevent enemy attacks from the sea. The architectural complex is a standard example of French military architecture. Some buildings are quite well preserved. From the height of the hill on which Alban stands, a fabulous view of the Bay of Angels opens up.

Monument from 1928 dedicated to the victims of the First World War. The monument is clearly visible both from the sea and from the embankment. Surprisingly, this war memorial, located in calm and peaceful Nice, is one of the most impressive in all of France. It reaches a height of 32 meters. The names of Nice residents who fell during the fighting are carved on the stone slabs of the monument.

Cours Saleya is a street on which the city's food and flower markets are located, and an antique market opens once a week, bringing together antique lovers from all over the area. In addition to a huge variety of flowers, they sell cheese, vegetables, wine, spices and other foodstuffs. During the daytime the market is quite crowded, so it is better to come between 6.00-8.00 am.

A fragrant flower park located in the western part of Nice. On its territory you can enjoy the view of lush Mediterranean flora, stroll among colorful flower beds and relax your soul. Nice has many picturesque parks, but Phoenix occupies a special place among them. It is preferred by both locals and tourists. The park is spread over an area of ​​7 hectares, its space is divided into 12 thematic zones.

Back in the 12th century, there was a fortress on the top of the hill, hence the name Castle Hill. You can climb using the stairs leading from the Suisse Hotel, or use the winding walking path. At the top there are several observation platforms from where tourists admire the surroundings of Nice, the view of the azure marina and the beauty of the city’s well-groomed embankments.

Nice is rightfully considered the most famous city in France. The rich history of the region has left its mark on the appearance of the city and its surroundings - here you can find the ruins of ancient settlements and architectural monuments of different eras and styles. In the city you will find numerous interesting museums and galleries, cozy parks and gardens, a gentle sea and snow-white beaches.

Nice - the history of paradise on earth

Founded in the 4th century BC by the Greeks, who named it Nicea (the ancient Greek goddess of victory - Nike) to commemorate their victory over the Ligurians, Nice was one of the most important trading centers of antiquity.

Nice was repeatedly captured by various tribes - at different times the Longobards and Saracens ruled here, and Nice was conquered by the Genoese rulers. The French kings repeatedly tried to capture this city. In the 16th century, King Francis I even resorted to the help of the Turkish naval commander Khair ad-Din Barbarossa, who led the pirate flotilla. Residents of the city fiercely resisted, but under the pressure of the united troops they were forced to surrender the city. Finally, France managed to annex Nice to its possessions only in 1691.

At the end of the 18th century, thanks to the favorable climate, aristocrats from all over Europe began to come here, and Nice acquired the status of an international resort, maintaining it for more than two centuries.

In the 19th century, Nice fascinated the Russian nobility. Empress Alexandra Feodorovna even purchased land here, where houses were built for the royal family. After this, many rich families began to buy plots and real estate here. In 1912, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas was built in Nice, and Emperor Nicholas II came to consecrate it.

Great artists and world cinema stars also chose this paradise on earth - Picasso, Modigliani, Yves Montand, Greta Garbo and Catherine Deneuve vacationed here. Marc Chagall lived and worked here for many years.

Do you want to get an education in France? then you will probably be interested to know that this can be done at the most famous university in France, the name of which you can find out.

A short guide to the sights of Nice. Old town

When you wander around the Old Town (Le Vieux Nice), you get the feeling that you are in a medieval town. Densely standing colorful houses with terracotta roofs and small carved balconies, completely filled with pots of flowers, blooming olives, the heady smell of lavender and caraway, unusual shops and summer cafes with tables right in the middle of the street, because there are practically no sidewalks here - the very atmosphere of the ancient streets is inviting for relaxation and a leisurely walk.

The old town is the heart of Nice and undoubtedly the most interesting part of the city; all tourists come here eager to admire the sights of Nice and its surroundings.

From two monasteries built in the 17th century - Franciscan and Dominican - only two clock towers have survived to this day, which rise in the north and east of the Old Town. One of them, the Ryuska Tower, built in 1504, was destroyed and rebuilt several times. She was even moved twice to different parts of the city. The tower, which was erected on the site of one destroyed in 1704 during the siege of the city, has survived to this day.

Here in the Old Town of Nice is the Opera building, built according to the design of one of Gustave Eiffel’s students, François Ona. The Opera Hall seats more than a thousand spectators. The artistic design of the building was entrusted to the artist Emmanuel Costa - the entire ceiling is painted with his fresco of mythological subjects. The building has two facades: the central entrance to the Opera from the street Saint-Francois-de-Paul is located in the northern part, and the southern facade overlooks the Eta Uni embankment. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Nice, the painted ceiling is made in the shape of the chariot of the Sun, the hall, decorated in Italian style, is illuminated by a luxurious chandelier with 600 lamps.

Hardly the most favorite place for residents and guests of Nice is the cours Saleya square, where the market is located. You won’t find any kind of olives here! Black and green, with and without seeds, salty, spicy and not very spicy. Particularly popular is a flatbread made from bean flour fried in olive oil - socca. It is served with a glass of local wine.

The main decoration of the square cours Saleya is the Chapel of Mercy (Chapelle dela Miséricordede Nice), recognized by art historians as one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in the world.

On the site of the former salt warehouses of the Sardinian king, it was decided to build a church in honor of Saint Cajetan. The work lasted from 1747 to 1770. The design and supervision of the construction work were entrusted to the architect Antonio Bernardo Vittone from Turin, a student of the great Baroque architect Filippo Juvara. He had already established himself as an experienced builder, according to whose designs several famous churches were erected in Italy.

The painting of the chapel dome is done in such a way that it creates the feeling that there is an open sky above you. The interior decoration of the temple is striking in its beauty and richness - brightly painted vaults, the use of large quantities of gilding and multi-colored marble, frescoes and, of course, two altars dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy.

Immediately after the opening and consecration, the church was transferred to the brotherhood of Black Penitents, whose members took upon themselves the responsibility to protect people condemned to execution. In addition, they cared for the sick and buried the dead, and provided shelter for the homeless and pilgrims. This brotherhood mainly included fishermen and sailors.

After the facade of the chapel was damaged and cracks appeared during the construction of an underground parking lot in 1980, large-scale restoration work was carried out here. Almost a million Euros were spent on the reconstruction of the building. The grand opening of the rescued masterpiece was held in 2010.

And although the chapel is quite small, thanks to the excellent acoustics, various concerts are often held here. Traditionally, the Exhibition of Ceramics from Vallauris takes place here. Once upon a time, Pablo Picasso studied ceramics in this town.

A few steps from the square cours Saleya is a beautiful three-story building that once housed the Senate of Nice (Senat de Nice), built in Genoese style in 1614. This is a gift to the city from the Duke of Savoy Charles-Emanuel I, who himself personally monitored the progress of construction. Along the side walls of the building there are arcades and a long narrow balcony.

A historical event took place within the walls of this building - the solemn proclamation of the transfer of the County of Nice to French citizenship on June 14, 1860.

For the next few decades, the Palace of Justice was located here. At the end of the 19th century, banker Jules Gilly organized a shelter for the homeless in it, which existed here almost to the present day, when the remains of fortification structures of the 13th century were discovered under it during renovation. After that, it received the status of an architectural and historical monument.

Palace of Justice

When the Senate premises became too cramped, it was decided to build the Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice) and move the judiciary there. The building, built in neoclassical style, with an imposing staircase and Ionic columns that trample the triangular pediment, took two years to construct. Opposite the Palace of Justice stands the rather modest Rusca Palace, which houses the Grand Court.

The square in front of the Palace of Justice, as it is sometimes called, is an amazing place. There are two very serious organizations located here, and crowds of tourists walk between them, young people sit with bottles of beer on the steps of the Palace of Justice.

Fort Mont Alban

Another attraction of Nice is the well-preserved Fort du Mont Alban, which was specially built in the 16th century to protect the city from the Ottoman conquerors.

It was built on a hill 200 meters high, its own “height” reaches 15 meters. This is a square-shaped structure with several small towers and loopholes. After the French Revolution until 1860, a prison was located here.

Currently, the fort has been carefully restored and is one of the popular excursion sites. Particularly attractive to tourists is the opportunity to admire from its height a magnificent view of the sea and the surrounding area of ​​Nice. Mediterranean pines and oaks grow in abundance around the fort.

You can find out all about the variety of tours from Moscow to Paris by clicking on the link:

Marble cross

In honor of the historical meeting that Pope Paul III organized and conducted between the French king Francis I and the Spanish king Charles V, another landmark of Nice was erected - the Marble Cross (La Croix de Marbre). The meeting took place in 1568 and put an end to the half-century-long confrontation between the rulers of the two European powers.

The monument was destroyed several times - the first time during the revolution of 1793, the Cross was destroyed, then 17 years later it was restored. The second time this happened in 1881, this time it was immediately restored.

There are several historical monuments around the Cross. Opposite stands the “Return from Egypt” column, built in memory of the arrival of Nice by Pope Pius VII (1809 and 1814).

Behind the column is the Maria Christina Palace, built and named after the wife of King Charles-Felix, who came to Nice in 1828.

La Croix de Marbre also gave its name to the quarter in which English tourists settled in the winter of 1731.

It was then that Nice acquired the status of a winter resort, and then turned into one of the most fashionable and famous resorts in the world, where millions of tourists from all over the world come annually to relax.

7 278

What to see in Nice in one, two or three days

What to see in Nice, perhaps the most famous resort city on the French Riviera? Everyone comes here - both thrifty tourists and those who relax on a grand scale. There is enough entertainment for everyone, and we have specially prepared another selection - the main attractions of Nice for one day. You will no longer need to look for what to see in Nice - your day will be as eventful as possible.

We have placed everything to see in Nice on the first day on a map, which you can download by filling out the form below. We will send you a guide to Nice and Cannes, consisting of 4 routes and their maps.

The guide includes:

• description of the main attractions,
• their work schedule,
• ticket prices,
• parking lots near the route for those traveling by car
• selection of cafes and restaurants
• plus a route for children that will also be interesting for adults.

What to see in Nice

Promenade des Anglais

We suggest starting your walk on the Promenade des Anglais. This is the main boulevard of Nice, 6 kilometers long, along which all the main attractions of Nice are located. It stretches along Angel Bay from the Old Town to the airport itself. The embankment was landscaped in the 19th century thanks to the efforts of the English aristocracy. The nondescript path was turned into a full-fledged embankment in 1820 by the Reverend Lewis Wey. A century later, in 1931, the renovated embankment was inaugurated with the participation of the Duke of Connaught.

Tourists coming to Nice are sure to stroll along the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais. It was chosen by cyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters, and families with children. The signature sign of the Promenade des Anglais is the bright blue and white umbrellas that sway against the backdrop of art nouveau mansions. Every building here is remarkable in its own way. Admire the beauty of breathtaking villas and expensive hotels, sit in one of the chic restaurants.

Just be vigilant, watch your purses and wallets! The promenade along the Mediterranean can be ruined by pickpockets.

Hotel Negresco

On Nice's main boulevard is the Hotel Negresco, a famous neoclassical luxury hotel. This symbol of the Cote d'Azur opened on January 4, 1913, and since then it has always been included in the main attractions of Nice. It took 3 million gold francs to build and equip it. Negresco has 121 rooms and 24 apartments of completely different styles. The hotel operates the Gastronomic Restaurant “Chantecler” (Le Chantecler).

Inside the hotel there are several rooms open to all guests. One of the most notable is the so-called Royal Salon, which is crowned with a pink dome. The frame of the dome was forged in the workshop of Gustave Eiffel. According to legend, the master made it after the bust of his beloved. Under the dome there is a 4-meter chandelier made at the French glass factory Baccarat. According to historians, two chandeliers were made - one for Henri Negresco, and the second for Emperor Nicholas II. The second chandelier is located in the Grand Kremlin Palace.

During ceremonial receptions, the floor of the Royal Salon is covered with a carpet woven in 1615 for Queen Marie de Medici; its area is 375 square meters. m. Adjacent to the Royal Salon is the Louis XIV Salon. Its ceiling, created in the 14th century, was taken from the Savoy castle by the niece of Cardinal Mazarin, Maria Mancini. The Louis XIV salon has a 10-ton fireplace.

Famous guests of the luxury hotel included Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dali, Coco Chanel, Pablo Picasso, Marlene Dietrich and many others. In 2003, Negresco was included in the list of architectural objects of historical significance in France.

Address

How to get there:

Museum of History and Art Masséna

Next to the Negresco Hotel is the Massena Museum. This villa, built in 1910 in a neoclassical style, served as the winter residence of Prince Victor d'Esslin, grandson of the famous Napoleonic marshal André Massena. D'Esslin inherited the villa to his son, but demanded that a free museum be opened in the building. Now 15 thousand exhibits are exhibited in 23 museum halls: valuable furniture and jewelry, weapons, porcelain.

Some rooms are dedicated to primitivist paintings, and there are paintings with religious themes. On the lower floor of the museum, palace interiors of the 19th century have been preserved: ceiling paintings, festive parquet, wall decor. On the second floor there is a collection dedicated to the Massen family. Some of the exhibits belonged to Napoleon himself, and the gold watch of Josephine Beauharnais is rightfully considered the pearl of the collection.

There is a wonderful garden around the villa; it was planned and furnished by the famous gardener-designer Edouard Andre, who designed the parks of Monte Carlo.

Address: 37 Promenade des Anglai, Nice, France

How to get there: buses 08, 11, 52, 62, 94, 98, T60, T61

Working hours: Monday-Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, Tuesday - closed

Free admission

Tourist Office (Office de Tourisme)

If you walk further along the Promenade des Anglais, where almost all the attractions of Nice from our list are located, you will see the Tourist Office. Here tourists are ready to provide any background information and will be told where else to go if you have a little free time in the cultural program.

Address: 5 Prom. des Anglais, 06300 Nice, France

Working hours: daily from 9:00 to 19:00

Centenary Monument (Monument du Centenaire)

This monument was unveiled on March 4, 1896 in honor of the 100th anniversary of the annexation of Nice to France in 1793. The monument is a column crowned by a statue of the goddess of victory Nike. The monument is installed at the entrance to the garden of Albert 1st and faces the Promenade des Anglais and the sea.

Address: Espace Jacques Cotta, Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

Albert I Gardens (Jardins Albert 1er)

In the oldest park in Nice, among neat lawns, fountains and palm trees, it is very easy to forget that you are in the center of a bustling city. The main green artery of Nice is located on an area of ​​3.2 hectares! The park area connects the Promenade des Anglais with Place Massena.

The park was opened in 1851 and was originally designed for tourists who could relax here while walking around the center of Nice. In 1914, it received the name of the Belgian King Albert I. This park presents plants from many regions of our planet. Mediterranean pines, tea trees, juniper, lavender and olive trees coexist well here alongside exotic palm trees.

The main decoration of the park is the cultural composition “Arch of Veneta” by the modern sculptor Bernard Venet. Try to guess for yourself what this unusual sculptural structure, arched in shape and 19 meters high, symbolizes.

Address: 2-16 Avenue de Verdun, 06000 Nice, France

Working hours: daily from 11:00 to 20:00

Nice Opera House (Opéra de Nice)

Even if you are not an opera fan, be sure to visit the luxurious theater building, built in 1885. The construction work was supervised by Eiffel’s own student, François He. No expense was spared: the best artists were invited, rare materials were used. The auditorium is decorated with a painted ceiling that depicts the chariot of the Sun, as well as a magnificent theatrical chandelier with 600 lights. The hall itself is made in Italian style - red velvet upholstery, gilding and stucco.

Every year the theater produces 7 operas and 15 concerts. The Nice Philharmonic Orchestra, considered one of the best orchestras in France, regularly performs here. And tickets here are two times cheaper than at the Paris Opera.

Address: 9 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06000 Nice, France

Chapel of Mercy

The Catholic Chapel of Mercy is one of the TOP 10 most beautiful Baroque buildings in the world. Admire the smooth lines of its façade and rich decor. The church is dedicated to Saint Cajetan and was built between 1747 and 1770 on the site of the salt warehouse of the King of Sardinia. The building was designed by Turin architect Antonio Bernardo Vittone, a student of the great Baroque architect Filippo Juvara. The interior of the temple is designed mainly in gray-blue tones, decorated with marble columns, frescoes and gilding.

Two masterpieces have been preserved in the chapel - “Virgin of Mercy” by Louis Brea (1515) and “Virgin of Mercy” by Jean Mirele (1429). Despite its small size, concerts are often held in the chapel - it has excellent acoustics. The church also hosts art exhibitions.

Address: Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice, France

Castle Hill

From this hill there is a wonderful view of Nice and, in particular, the Promenade des Anglais and all the main attractions of Nice. It can be reached on foot or by free elevator. At the top you will see the ruins of ancient castles, palaces and churches. They have not survived to this day, but their surviving fragments harmoniously fit into the park laid out here.There is also a cemetery on the hill where Alexander Herzen was buried.

It also offers views of Nice Airport, so you can watch planes take off and land. This spectacle becomes especially exciting in the evening.

Address: Montée Lesage, 06300 Nice, France

Monument to the Fallen (Monument aux Morts)

This 32-meter-tall monument was erected in memory of the four thousand inhabitants of Nice who died during the First World War. However, over time, the monument began to be interpreted as a monument to those killed in all wars of the 20th century. The monument was erected in 1928 according to the design of local architect Roger Sissal. High reliefs symbolizing Peace, War, Strength and Freedom were created by the sculptor Alfred Janniot.

The monument is clearly visible from the sea and from the embankment that runs around Castle Hill. It is made in the form of a colossal arch carved into the rock, with the likeness of a temple decorated with a colonnade inscribed in it. Externally, the monument resembles a funeral urn.

Address: Quai Rauba Capeu, 06300 Nice, France

Where to eat in Nice

Le Salon des Independants

Le Salon des Independants is a very intimate restaurant run by a married couple. They welcome all guests as if they had come to their home. While the wife prepares incredibly tasty dishes of French and Mediterranean cuisine, the husband entertains visitors by singing with a guitar. This is one of those rare places where after lunch you will want to return for dinner - the sights of Nice leave so many impressions that you just want to spend the evening in some very quiet and cozy establishment. And the prices for such an establishment are very reasonable.

Address: 11, rue Louis Perrissol, 06300 Nice, France

Working hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 19:00 to 21:00

Le Mesclun

Le Mesclun is a special place where gourmet cuisine is prepared. The spirit of France is felt in every detail of the interior and in every ingredient. The dishes served please not only the stomach, but also the eye. The menu is small, but it is very elegant. No matter what you order, everything will be delicious and beautiful.

Address: 215 Avenue de la Californie, 06200 Nice, France

Working hours: Monday - Saturday from 12:00 to 14:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00

Nice is a unique city. Its history and culture are closely connected with Russia. Beautiful architecture, a friendly environment, a variety of restaurants and shops and Nice's impressive sights will make your holiday in Nice unforgettable. When planning your first day in Nice, be sure to include a walk along the Promenade des Anglais, a visit to the opera and a climb to Castle Hill. Getting to know the world-famous and most respectable resort in the world is absolutely indispensable without this.

What to see in Nice on the second and third days

To see the other two Nice itineraries, along with the Cannes itinerary and the kids' itinerary, leave a comment below and we'll email the guides to you.

In the 19th century, Nice was a winter resort for aristocrats from all over Europe, especially those where the winter was too harsh. Gradually, Nice turned into a fashionable and expensive resort, accessible only to wealthy people from high society. Actually, even today this pearl of the French Riviera is not affordable for everyone.

What to see in Nice? What is interesting in this city, besides fashionable hotels, expensive clubs, restaurants, comfort and excellent service? Many people have heard about the sights of Nice; there are a huge number of them here. Russia has also made a worthy contribution to the history and culture of this wonderful resort.

TOP 15 attractions in Nice and its surroundings

Nice not only has beaches and entertainment, it is an extremely beautiful city where you can find many palaces, temples and museums. Lovers of architectural delights can admire their best Italian and French examples. We bring to your attention a description of the sights of Nice with photos and names.

As you know, Nice has always been considered an English resort, because... Since the 19th century, mostly Englishmen from aristocratic families have vacationed here and purchased property. Therefore, the Promenade des Anglais, built in the British style in the mid-19th century, is considered the most popular in Nice. Back then, English ladies and gentlemen walked along it, and Queen Victoria also visited here.

Later, the Promenade des Anglais repeatedly increased in length and width; magnificent palaces, fashionable hotels, casinos, squares with palm trees were built near it on the odd side - everything that was necessary for wealthy tourists. As a result, today this embankment stretches to the local airport and has turned into the most famous and popular attraction in Nice.

This is perhaps the most famous hotel in Nice. It stands opposite the Promenade des Anglais and is considered one of the symbols of this resort, and indeed the entire coast. The Hotel Negresco (Le Negresco) first opened before the First World War, receiving its name from the name of the first owner of Hungarian origin. Chanel, Hemingway, Dietrich, Camus, Cocteau and other great and famous people once lived here.

The Negresco Hotel has the famous pink dome, which was forged by a student of Gustave Eiffel. The four-meter-high chandelier installed under the hotel's dome is not unique. It has only one analogue, which once belonged to the Russian Emperor Nicholas II, and today is installed in the Grand Kremlin Palace. The hotel's large carpet dates back to the early 17th century and previously belonged to Marie de' Medici.

Each room at the Negresco Hotel is decorated in its own unique style: Gothic, Empire, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Art Nouveau, etc. The world-famous Chanticleer restaurant welcomes visitors here, constantly receiving the highest ratings from the best experts in the field of gastronomy and restaurant business. It is also worth noting that the receptionists of the Negresco Hotel are dressed the same as their colleagues dressed in the 19th century.

3. Old Town

This is the heart of Nice, telling the history and culture of this beautiful city. What can you see in the Old Town of Nice? This is a real paradise for architectural historians, because... The area is full of unique architectural monuments, most of which were built in the Baroque style. Also in the Old Town there are many restaurants and cafes offering delicious local cuisine and the best French wines.

Be sure to walk through the Old Town of Nice and see the Museum of Modern Art with a collection of avant-garde paintings, Place Saint-François and its tower with a large clock, Palais Lascari, Place Rossetti, Cathedral of Saint Reparata, Palais de Justice, Palais Rusca, Place Cours Saleya, Chapel Mercy and many other unique attractions of Nice.

4. Russian Quarter

Nice was a very popular resort among the aristocrats of the Russian Empire, who often purchased or built local real estate. For almost the entire 20th century, for obvious reasons, there were significantly fewer Russians in this city. And with the beginning of the 21st century, many wealthy people from New Russia appeared here. Now every year their number is only increasing.

The Russians have left their mark on the architecture of this beautiful city on the Cote d'Azur. It is generally accepted that in the Old Town there is an entire Russian Quarter, which includes the St. Nicholas Cathedral, the monument to Tsarevich Nicholas who died in Nice, the Russian cemetery Kokad, Tsarevich Boulevard, Nicholas II Street, etc. You will probably be interested in wandering among the historical monuments of Russia in the 19th century .

The name of this museum is translated from French as “The Biblical Message of Marc Chagall.” It exhibits 17 illustrations of the Old Testament by this famous artist, which he gave to France. In addition, in the museum you can see several of the artist’s earlier illustrations on a biblical theme, created in the thirties of the last century. This is the Russian cultural landmark of Nice.

The Marc Chagall Museum in this city was opened to visitors in 1973. And it was organized by the French writer Andre Malraux. A one-story building was built especially for the museum. It has three halls, which today house Chagall's works, and one concert hall, where various musical evenings are often held. The famous artist himself created stained glass windows and mosaics for his museum.

Perhaps one of the best attractions in Nice and throughout France is the museum of the famous Fauvist artist Henri Matisse. It is located in a small house built in the 17th century. All of his paintings and almost all of his sculptural works are on display here for visitors to see. Specialists and art lovers can trace all stages of the creative path of this artist and great man.

At the Matisse Museum you can also see books illustrated by Matisse, ceramics, stained glass, tapestries and silk-screen prints of his work. His personal belongings and documents are collected here. For admirers of the artist’s talent, visiting his museum is a real pleasure. Let us note that he lived in Nice for more than forty years, enjoying the beauty of this city; Henri Matisse was buried here in 1954.

This is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Western Europe, located in the Russian Quarter of Nice, not far from Tsarevich Boulevard on Nicholas II Street. Nicholas Cathedral was built in memory of the heir to the Russian throne, Tsarevich Nicholas, son of Emperor Alexander II, who died here.

First, on the site of the villa where Tsarevich Nicholas died, on the instructions of the emperor, a white marble chapel was erected, and at the beginning of the 20th century, construction began on a large Orthodox church. Nicholas II, Prince Golitsyn, Countess Apraksina, Rothschild, the Eliseev merchants, etc. donated money for its construction.

In the 20th century, the temple existed outside of Russia, and only in 2010 the Nice court recognized that St. Nicholas Cathedral belongs to the Russian Federation; later it came under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church. In 2015, the cathedral was restored, re-illuminated, after which its second official opening took place.

The construction of the Nice sea harbor began in the mid-18th century on the orders of King Charles Emmanuel III. Construction lasted about 150 years. Only after Nice finally became French was a temporary and then permanent lighthouse installed in the port of Limpia, and the port itself took on its current modern appearance and size.

Today, large sea ships and cruise ships moor here. The yachts and fishing boats, of which there are countless in the port, look picturesque. You can always take a ride on ships and boats to see the surroundings of Nice and the entire coast. Passenger and cargo ferries depart from here to Corsica.

The place in and around the port is very beautiful. It is surrounded by 19th-century mansions built in Baroque style and many cafes and restaurants. Near the port there is the Monument to the Fallen in Wars and the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Having been here, you will understand even better the mentality, history and culture of the indigenous people of this city.

The opera house of this city is considered one of the best in France. Back in the 19th century, Berlioz and Massenet performed their operas here, with Strauss conducting. And in the 20th-21st centuries, all the great opera singers of our time sang from the stage of this theater for grateful spectators, and opera premieres were given.

The first building of this theater burned down during the opera, and people tragically died. The city municipality built a new building with excellent acoustics and interior decoration. The New Opera of Nice opened its doors in 1885. Here, lovers of this art form heard the operas of Verdi, Wagner and Tchaikovsky for the first time.

Today, the Nice Opera has been restored and is technically well equipped. The best classical and modern orchestras of France often perform here; every season the theater premieres a new opera and presents more than a hundred performances of the highest directing, musical and performing level to the audience.

This place was first chosen by the ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC, who arrived here by sea and built Nicaea here, which they wanted to make a strategic trade and military center of the entire coast. Today on Castle Hill you can see the ancient remains of the fortress and the ruined cathedral of the 11th century, as well as the Watchtower, built in the first half of the 19th century. From here a cannon fires every day to indicate the time.

Castle Hill has a second name - Chateau Hill. It houses the Chateau Cemetery, where Alexander Herzen, who was once “awakened by the Decembrists,” is buried. Tourists can climb the mountain to look at Nice and everything near it using a special lift or simply on foot. And on Castle Hill itself you can explore the ancient ruins, stroll through the park and botanical garden with a waterfall.

We begin our walk around Nice from the main street - the Boulevard des Anglais embankment. This is where tourists spend most of their time: beaches, bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels and, of course, famous attractions. There is nothing more pleasant than starting the morning in Nice with a cup of espresso and a fresh croissant, sitting in one of the coffee shops on the Boulevard des Anglais and enjoying the view of the azure sea.

Hotel Negresco

Crazy installations, difficult-to-understand art objects, sculptures and paintings by contemporary artists, and all this is free. The Museum of Modern Art is one of the most amazing places in Nice.

Restaurant Pastry Plaisirs

After visiting the museum, you can eat at a nearby French restaurant, especially since it opens for lunch at the most appropriate time for a Russian person. Be sure to try the signature desserts and hot chocolate.

Marc Chagall Museum

Moving along Carabaselle Boulevard you can reach the Marc Chagall Museum. The artist’s works in this museum are united by a biblical theme; something like this is worth seeing at least once.

Archaeological Museum

Next, it is best to travel along Boulevard Cimiez by bus. The archaeological museum consists of two parts and this part is the most interesting. Here you can see the ruins of a pre-Christian amphitheater, baths, arenas and much more. The inspection will not take much time, but it will help you get ready to visit other attractions on the hill.

Matisse Museum

The exhibitions at the Henri Matisse Museum are mostly dedicated to the French Riviera. These works will help you understand why creative people loved this region so much. After visiting the museum, you can go to the cemetery of the Cimiez monastery, where Matisse is buried.

Cimiez Monastery

The Cimiez Monastery includes the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Franciscan Museum, where you can trace the development of the life and everyday life of the Franciscans since the 13th century. The most interesting thing here is the magnificent garden with an observation deck, which offers an absolutely stunning view of the city.

St. Nicholas Cathedral

Next, it is best to take a bus to Nice train station and from there walk to the wonderful Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas. It is considered the largest Orthodox church in all of Western Europe.