Things to do in Nice France.
Nice is the French Riviera’s largest and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It used to serve as the region’s capital back in Roman times. The aristocratic and sophisticated past of the city reflects from the 19th-century mansions on the promenades and incredible boulevards, Italianate old quarters and art galleries, and museums.
Nice also stands out with its exceptional cuisine at the cozy cafes and restaurants. It is impossible to walk by the Promenade des Anglais and not notice the turquoise sea and chic beaches, feel the soft breeze, and enjoy the splendid atmosphere Nice offers.
When planning a trip to Nice, make sure to go through this list of incredible places to visit and include in your itinerary the ” things to do in Nice France ” to fully enjoy this glamorous French city.
Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais may seem like a regular seaside walking area, but it is so much more than that. It is worth mentioning that this area has actually been an inseparable part of Nice’s city life. The promenade stretches around seven kilometers with the Old Town in the west and the regal 19th-century palaces on the eastern side.
Back in the 18th century, the promenade used to be a famous location for the English who used to spend the winters on the French Riviera. There is nothing more pleasant than walking by the shore, taking a seat on one of the benches under the palm trees, and enjoying the beautiful view of the sea.
If you happen to visit Nice in February, make sure to catch the parade for the ebullient Nice Carnival, which is truly something exceptional. One of the most prominent architectural buildings in Nice is the five-star hotel Le Negresco featuring a collection of around 6,000 pieces of artwork, including identical copies of portraits that can be found in the Louvre.
Nice Old Town
The old town, the must in your list of ” things to do in Nice France ” or Vieille Ville called in French is the oldest part of the city with exquisite boulevards and squares. The most prominent one is Place Massena, which stands out with its antique beauty. As a matter of fact, you will surely notice the Italian atmosphere around here, since Nice wasn’t French until the 1860s.
The narrow streets of the old town are filled with local shops, stores, fine dining restaurants, and cafes. On the eastern side, the Colline du Chateau can be captured overlooking Vieille Ville. The squares are also crowded with tourists and locals enjoying ice cream and delicious crepes.
Nice Cathedral
Built-in the 17th century, Nice Cathedral is located in the Vieille Ville, and a confusing fact is that it doesn’t really seem like the most important landmark in Nice.
The exterior is not very exquisite and appealing until you step inside the cathedral. It seems like an entirely different building from inside lavished with a stunning baroque style with gorgeous sculptures and paintings.
Parc de la Colline du Chateau
The eastern side of the city is lavished with the thick green park, which presents some of the greatest panoramas in the French Riviera. It is possible to capture the entire city from here and admire the azure sea and the promenade, Hotel Negresco, and many important landmarks in the city.
It is possible to walk all the way to the top from the Vieille Ville to enjoy the exquisite view of the city. There is also a free elevator which you can take to reach the top.
Beaches in Nice
The majority of Nice’s beaches stretch along the Promenade des Anglais. If you wish to swim, the best time to visit Nice is between April and October. Around 20 public and a number of private beaches in Nice are mainly pebbly with plenty of restaurants and cafes on the shores to pass a relaxing afternoon in the sun and enjoy French delights.
There are a number of water sports activities you can find here. Best beaches in Nice for families with kids are located on the other side of Mont Boron, where the waters are shallower, and many kids’ attractions can be found.
One of the most popular beaches in Nice is Opera Plage, which is also Nice’s oldest private beach dating back to 1889. It is located across from the Old town on the Promenade des Anglais. Opera Plage is one of the most enjoyable shores in France where you can relax and enjoy the sun, perhaps get a seaside massage. The waterfront terrace offers delicious meals you can order and be served by the beach.
Visit Monastere de Cimiez
This stunning monastery located in the north of the center is considered to be one of Nice’s most important landmarks. It was established in the 800s by the Benedictines and is lavished with extraordinary frescoes and gothic façade.
One has to walk through the Boulevard de Cimiez to reach the monastery, an area with exquisite 19th-century hotels, mansions, and incredible gardens with beautiful flowers, olive trees, geometric lawns and terraces with a breathtaking view of the city. As a matter of fact, these gardens are the oldest on the Cote d’Azur formed back in 1546.
Nice is one of the most incredible cities in the South of France, rich with history and incomparable beauty. It is impossible not to admire the sea view sitting on a bench on the Promenade des Anglais or simply enjoy evening walks by the seaside.
The unique architecture of the buildings and mansions, cozy cafes, and restaurants on every corner and the splendid landmarks of the city will fill your heart with so much peace and love. It is also possible to spend some time by the beach under the sun, enjoy the gentle breeze coming from the sea and try some French delights.
When planning a trip to Nice, make sure to go through the list of places to visit there and include them in your itinerary to make sure you see all the important landmarks of the city as well as enjoy your time to the fullest.
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