Things to do in Nice

About Nice

Nice serves as the primary gateway to the French Riviera, defined by its blend of Italianate architecture and Mediterranean coastal geography. The city is famous for the Promenade des Anglais which stretches along the Baie des Anges, providing a direct link to landmarks like the Colline du Château. Beyond the coast, the urban landscape features significant religious architecture such as the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice and the historic Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice. Modern public infrastructure, notably the extensive Promenade du Paillon, successfully connects the old town with newer central districts.

Good to know

1. 1

   The city was part of the Duchy of Savoy for centuries before being annexed by France in 1860, resulting in a distinct Niçard dialect and culinary identity separate from the rest of France.

2. 2

   Nice has the highest density of museums in France outside of Paris, owing to its status as a historic refuge for avant-garde artists during the 20th century.

3. 3

   The famous Promenade des Anglais was funded and initiated by British tourists in the 1820s to provide work for locals during a harsh winter that had ruined the citrus harvest.

4. 4

   The city's 'Flower Market' (Cours Saleya) operates under a specific municipal regulation dating back to the 19th century, ensuring it remains exclusively for horticulture and fresh local produce.

5. 5

   Nice is home to the world's first tram network to utilize a ground-level power supply system, eliminating the need for overhead lines in historic city center areas.