20 Great Things to Do in Nice, France

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Things To Do in Nice France

There are so many fun things to do in Nice you could easily stay a week. (Or 37 years, like the artist Matisse did.)

Read on for my top tips on what see in this sparkling French Riviera city.

About Nice

Situated on the light-filled French Riviera, this popular city in the South of France makes a great base for touring the beautiful towns of the Côte d’Azur, but it also has many charms of its own.

With a glorious Mediterranean location on the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels), Nice is a laid back destination with ‘glamorous resort’ written all over it. With a population of 350,000, it’s the right size for travellers who want plenty of life, but don’t want to be overwhelmed by a huge metropolis.

Best Time To Visit

It’s always a good time to visit Nice. Today Nice is known as a summer destination, but the city’s rise to tourist fame began as a winter destination in the 19th century for cloud-weary Brits who came to enjoy the milder climate of the French Riviera. (Being from Canada, this sounds like a great idea to me.)

My first visit was a summer spent here when I was 15, and I’ve spent so much time here since, I’m an honorary citizen. Or at least I should be. (Let’s talk to the French authorities about that.)

It’s my favourite city in the country for cycling, relaxing at an outdoor café with a chilled glass of rosé, and indulging in in huge bowls of ice cream), and whether you’re after a luxury vacation in France or on a strict budget, you’ll find plenty to do.

It’s also super easy to get around on public transportation and do day trips to legendary places like Cannes, Monaco and Eze.

Below you’ll find my personal travel guide listing the top activities, restaurants, beaches and attractions – everything you need to plan your trip.

1. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais

The first place to check out is the palm-tree lined Promenade des Anglais. This 7 km (5-mile) oceanside promenade curves gently along the Bay of Angels, and is a focal point for strollers, cyclists, joggers and sightseers.

Stretching from the Nice Airport in the west to the Quai des Etats Unis near the Port of Nice in the east, the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais is the best place to breathe in the city’s sea-scented atmosphere.

On one side you have parks, grand hotels, and and endless string of condos (many which have holiday rentals). On the waterfront side is a string of private beaches, seaside restaurants, and the silvery Mediterranean.

2. Cycle Nice on a Velo Bleu

The last time I rented an apartment in Nice, I became obsessed with the bike share program Velo Bleu. It wasn’t so much the convenience of getting from point A to B – although that was helpful – but as entertainment in its own right.

What could be more breezy and enjoyable than peddling on the well-maintained bike lanes along the Promenade des Anglais or along one of the city’s many bike lanes to one of its top museums?

With 175 Velo Bleu bike stations in the greater Nice Côte d’Azur area, and 125 km of bike lanes altogether, it’s a great way to travel. It’s also cheap.

How to Use the Velo Bleu

In all honesty, however, I find it confusing to figure out these bike share programs. Once you do figure it out, you can use it every day. The way it’s supposed to work is that you register online on the Velo Bleu site and get a code. You can then enter the code into any Velo Bleu bike station around the city and grab a bike.

The way it worked for me was that I screwed up and had to go to the Velo Bleu office at 17 Avenue Thiers across from the train station and get them to sort it out.

Want a cycling tour? You can sign up for a Nice: Panoramic French Riviera E-Bike Tour here.

3. Visit One of the Beaches in Nice

The idea of lying on a beach in Nice is bliss.

The reality is that Nice beaches are not soft and sandy, but pebbly. Ah, well. It’s still the French Riviera and it can still be blissful.

You can go upscale and splash out (see what I did there?) for a chaise lounge at a private beach with change rooms, waiters to cater to your every need and even – depending on the beach – a DJ.

Or, you can stick with a public beach which is free.

What are the Best Beaches in Nice?

The Plage Beau Rivage across from the Beau Rivage Hotel toward the eastern end of the Baie des Anges is a recommended private beach.

Coincidentally, one of the most popular public beaches in Nice is beside it, the free La Plage Publique de Beau Rivage.

When looking for a free beach, I usually just head down to the Promenade des Anglais, and park my towel on whatever strip of sand isn’t taken up by a private beach club.

I also like the look of the family-friendly beach in nearby Villefranche sur Mer, a sleepy coastal town just to the east of Nice. To get to Villefranche sur Mer from Nice, you can take the 100 Bus or the train, but I can’t promise there’s no uphill walk back to the station.

4. Peek into the Hotel Negresco

As far as things to see in Nice go, the Belle Époque Hotel Negresco should be on your list. To my mind, it’s the aristocratic heart of Nice.

Right across from the beach at 37 Promenade des Anglais, the Negresco is a wacky art-filled luxury hotel built in the early 20th century. The dome in the Royal Salon was designed by Gustave Eiffel and the chandelier was created for a Russian Tsar.

One of the most romantic things to do in Nice is to stop in at Le Negresco’s Bar for a glass of champagne – then wander through the hallways of the hotel taking in the museum-quality art before taking in the evening air on the Promenade des Anglais.

You don’t even need to go inside to see one of the Negresco’s top pieces in its art collection. Perched by the entrance is the unforgettable pop art sculpture of Miles Davis by superstar artist Niki de Saint Phalle.

Inside the hotel you’ll find gems such as the historical portrait of Louis XIV in the Salon Versailles and a 17th-century tapestry in the bar.

5. See the Palais Massena

The restored Palais Massena is near the Hotel Negresco, so if you’re sniffing around that area anyway why not stop in?

Here you’ll find displays about the history of Nice and some interesting mementos of Napoleon and Josephine – but you’re out of luck if you want detailed English explanations. The villa itself and the gardens are what draw most tourists.

6. Explore Old Nice

Winding lanes crammed with creaky yellow-ochre buildings are what you’ll find in Nice’s Old Town, also known as Vieux Nice. Situated between the Quai des Etats Unis and Place Massena, it’s an atmospheric place to shop for Provencal specialties such as lavender soap and olive oil.

When you’re tired of shopping take an ice cream break at Fenocchio at 2 Place Rossetti. Dive into fun flavours like Lavender and Flower of Orange Tree or the intriguing-sounding Pie of Overripe. Or, be like my husband and opt for (boring) vanilla.

The best ice cream stores in Nice is a hotly debated topic, however, and others prefer Azzurro on Rossetti Square.

When to visit the Old Town: Go in the morning when the market at the Cours Saleya is bursting with fresh flowers, or straggle in during the evening when the cafes and cocktail bars are lively.

Make sightseeing in Nice easy. Try a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour for one or two days. Check it out here. 

7. Take in the Baroque Architecture

If you’re heading to Vieux Nice anyway, keep an eye out for some prime examples of the city’s Baroque architecture. Baroque, an excessive, wonderfully ornate style, dates from the end of the 16th century to the early 18th century.

Here are three Baroque buildings not to miss:

The Chapelle de la Miséricorde

With its unexpected circular walls and windows and fresco-filled interior, the Chapelle de la Miséricorde is considered one of the top Baroque churches in the world. You’ll find it at 2 Place Pierre-Gautier on the north side of the Cours Saleya.

Eglise de Gésu

Another Baroque masterpiece is the small Eglise de Gésu at 12 Rue Droite. Built in the 1600s, its pale blue and yellow facade is a delight and its interior will satisfy all your desires for cherubs, gilt and marble.

The Palais Lascaris

The Palais Lascaris is both a museum and historic monument. Built in 1648 for the aristocratic Lascaris-Ventimiglia family, it was restored in the 1960s and opened as a civic museum.

Salivate over the elaborate staircase, frescos and luxe salons as you see how the other half lived (at least until the French Revolution).

The address is 15 rue Droite. Closed Tuesdays.

8. Visit Place Massena

It would be hard to tour Nice and not stumble upon the grand Place Massena. Nice’s impressive (and busy) main square sits majestically between the New and the Old Town. With its striking red buildings and checkerboard ground, it’s eye-catching indeed.

9. Learn about the Scandal of the Sun Fountain

Here’s a curious thing about the Place Massena: When the square’s monumental fountain, the Fontaine du Soleil, or Sun Fountain, was unveiled in 1956 onlookers gasped in shock.

The seven-metre (23-foot) marble statue of Apollo in the centre of the fountain drew second, third (and possibly) fourth scandalized looks. Not only did Apollo have a crown of four horses on his head, but the seven-ton god also had, er, a rather large member.

The Rebirth of the Sun Fountain

The poor sculptor, Alfred Janniot, had to chisel it down to size. Only perhaps he took his task too much to heart because Apollo went from being a seriously large Greek god to being ridiculed as ‘The Virgin.’

Even so, the Catholic League of Feminine Virtue (I’m not making this up) gathered enough support in the 70s to get the offensively nude statue removed, and the once mighty Apollo was banished to a new home outside a sports stadium.

Don’t despair. In 2011, with great aplomb, Apollo regained his rightful home in the Place Massena, where you can still get a gander at his chiselled-down privvies today.

10. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas

Built during the reign of Czar Nicholas II, the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, Nice’s Russian Orthodox Church, has dazzled visitors with its brilliant domes and spires since 1912.

A two-year restoration ordered by Putin himself means that now it will dazzle you even more. The cathedral is an eye-catching attraction in Nice, France, and is located on Avenue Nicolas-II.

11. Hike Up Castle Hill

When it comes to outdoorsy things to do in Nice, walking up the (seemingly endless) steps of Castle Hill, also called the Colline du Château or the Parc du Château, is a great active option thanks to the panoramic views you’ll be rewarded with.

Just don’t expect a castle to be part of that view. The medieval citadel was destroyed by Louis XIV in 1706.

While you’re up here, note that this hill-with-a-view, which is now a pleasant park, has been occupied for centuries. Archeologists have found Celtic, Greek and Roman remains.

Important note: If you’re mobility challenged or tired you can take the elevator.

12. Don’t Miss the Musée Marc Chagall

Painters and sculptors have long found the South of France irresistible, attracted by its luminous light, enjoyable climate and sensual lifestyle, so it’s no surprise the city is a treasure trove for art fans.

When it comes to the best cultural attractions in Nice, the  Chagall Museum is my top choice, even if the Matisse Museum gets more buzz.

Like glowing illuminated gemstones, Chagall’s 17 major Biblical Message tableaux line the walls and conjure up a vibrant world where magic, folk art and creative sophistication meet.

The Musée National Marc Chagall is at Avenue Docteur Ménard. Closed Tuesdays.

13. Visit the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain

With nearly 1,300 works in the collection, the very urban Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC) covers major art movements from the 1960s on. You’ll find big names such as Niki de Saint-Phalle, Andy Warhol and Fluxus.

Speaking of Fluxus, I saw these conceptual art stars at a performance in Seoul, Korea, years ago, and will never forget them putting a rose in a blender and drinking it. To this day I wonder what a rose smoothie tastes like.

MAMAC is at Place Yves Klein. Closed Mondays.

14. Visit the Musée Matisse

To see the renowned Matisse Museum head to the very posh Cimiez district, one of the best neighbourhoods in Nice and nicely off the main tourist track.

The great master Henri Matisse originally came to Nice to try and cure his bronchitis, but ended up staying on and off for the rest of his life.

The Matisse Museum, housed in a lovely red-ochre villa, has one of the largest collections of his work in the world. Here you’ll be able to get a sense of the wide range of his talent that includes sculptures, monumental paintings and cutouts.

The Musee Matisse is located at 164 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez. Closed Tuesdays.

Take a Museum Tour

If you prefer exploring the cultural attractions in Nice with a well-informed guide, check out this half-day museum tour.

15. Tour the Cimiez District

If you’re already in Cimiez to visit the Matisse Museum, take the opportunity to check out more Nice attractions in this fashionable ‘hood.

Surrounding the Matisse Museum, you’ll find the remains of a Roman settlement.

Nearby you’ll find the Franciscan Monastery and Museum (closed Sundays) that dates back to 1546. It’s a popular stop for its gardens and 15th-century masterpieces by the famous Niçoise artist Ludovic Bréa.

Across from the Matisse Museum, you can see the imposing Regina building where Matisse once lived. Now a swanky apartment building, it was originally built as a grand hotel. Nice’s most venerable fan, Queen Victoria, would stay here for up to six weeks at a time.

(As an irrelevant side note, I tried to get a vacation rental in the Regina last time I was in Nice but someone snatched it before me. Rats.)

16. Eat in a Top Nice Restaurant

Eating well is part of every vacation in France, and Nice is no different. Here are a few recommended restaurants in Nice.

Seafood at Peixes

For fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere with a maritime theme, try Peixes Restaurant at 4, rue de l’Opéra Nice, France 06300.

Health Food at Badaboom

Need a fennel fix, some gluten-free dining or a fresh smoothie? Try the health-focused Badaboom Bistro at 11, rue François Guisol.

Fine Dining at Le Chantecler

This 2-star Michelin restaurant in the Hotel Le Negresco offers a gastronomic exploration of Provencal-inspired food.

Have a Meal With a View at La Terrace

Located in the rooftop of Le Meridian Hotel, La Terrace is one of the highest points on the Promenade des Anglais.

Try the Local Cuisine at La Merenda

Run by pedigreed chef Dominique Le Stanc, La Merenda is a small restaurant in the Old Town that serves regional dishes such as fried zucchini flowers, tomato pie and stuffed sardines. And no, you can’t phone and make reservations ahead of time. It’s part of the charm. Rue Raoul Basio, 06300 Nice, France.

17. Eat a Salade Nicoise

Since we’re on the topic of local cuisine, it’s hard to ignore the city’s namesake salad. While you can eat a Salade Nicoise just about anywhere on the Riviera, there are raging debates about the proper way to make this humble dish, which, when it was developed in the 19th century was described as “simple food for poor people.”

What is a Salade Nicoise?

Traditionally, a Nicoise Salad consists of anchovies or tuna, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives and olive oil. Whether you consider boiled potatoes a second-rated Parisian addition, or the inclusion of any cooked vegetables at all an unforgivable sin depends on if you’re a purist or not.

Don’t be surprised to find corn, green beans or potatoes on your plate. If you want a nouvelle version with swordfish or shrimp, you can find that too.

Just know, when you order this famous dish, the salad queen of the French Riviera, that there is a big history behind it.

Why not try a Nice Evening Food & Wine Tour? Check it out here.

18. Take a Day Trip from Nice

The city is ideally located for exploring the other towns of the French Riviera, and one of the best things to do in Nice is to leave it – at least for a day.

Day trips from Nice are simple by train, cheap (but slow) by bus, and there are so many great destinations in the South of France region you’ll be spoiled for choice.

My top picks are Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, Biot, Grasse, Eze, Vence and St-Paul de Vence.

Organized Tours

If you’re looking for guided day tours from Nice, you could try an Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Tour. Check it out here.

Another option is a French Riviera Guided Driving Tour here.

You can also rent a motorbike to get around – but to see what I think about that read renting a motorbike in France.

If you want to hit several of the best French Riviera attractions in one day, consider  Full-day French Riviera tour. It’s a great way to see the sights while learning some facts and history from a knowledgeable guide.

Visit my Things to do in the South of France travel article to get some more ideas on what you can see around the French Riviera, and which towns make great day trips from Nice.

19. Take a Boat Cruise

If you’re staying on the Mediterranean, it would be a shame not to get on the glittering Mediterranean itself. From affordable 1-hour cruises to Villefranche-sur-Mer to private evening cruises on the bay of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat there are plenty of options. Maybe a day cruise to Saint Tropez?

20. Chill at an Outdoor Cafe

As you can see, there are a ton of things to do in Nice, but to truly appreciate the Côte d’Azur lifestyle, settle into a sidewalk cafe, order a Compari and soda and watch the world go by. Doing nothing just might be the most rewarding activity of all.