Nice unusual places. The main attractions of Nice: description and photos

Nice is the capital of the Cote d'Azur. In her character, French traits are mixed with Italian ones. This is a fun, lively, beautiful city.

Nice is not provincial; it has an excellent university, known for many years for its research in marine biology. Not far from Nice, about 30 years ago, an area emerged that is sometimes called the French Silicon Valley. The center of this area is the town of Sophia Antipolis, and in addition, it includes small mountain villages where the scientific departments of large companies and small computer start-ups are located. As a result, many computer science graduate students come to these parts to write their dissertations.

In 1982, the Faculty of Philology of the University of Nice awarded the title of honorary doctor of science to the remarkable American writer James Baldwin, who lived for many years in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Baldwin belonged to another generation for whom racial problems in the States were very acute, and he chose to live in France.

The mild climate of Nice, even for the Côte d'Azur, protected from the northern winds by the high Alps, in the 19th century attracted rich people from all over Europe here in winter - Russian and Austro-Hungarian aristocrats, English lords and ladies gathered here.

Resort beaches

At the beginning of the 20th century, much less rich people who lived much more modestly - petty nobles, merchants, commoners - began to come to the city of Nice for the winter. Patients with tuberculosis spent the winter in Nice.

Embankment

Cote d'Azur Nice, Cannes

SIGHTSEEING NICE IN ONE DAY

Nice is clearly divided into two parts by the Paillon River, which is now mostly taken underground. Above it are gardens and squares. To the west of it is Nice of the 19th, 20th, 21st centuries, to the east is old Nice.

The main attractions of Nice are located in the Old Town. The old town is located at the foot of a hill, on top of which there was once a castle.

Area cours Saleya

The market square cours Saleya is almost on the shore. I crossed the quai des Etats-Unis embankment and found myself on a beach with round shiny pebbles. One summer we lived in a tiny apartment right on this square and from the second floor window we were choosing peaches on the shelves.

In winter the market smells of mimosas and lemons, in summer of tomatoes and peaches, and always of roses.

Autumn, time for grapes

Mountains of olives for every taste - black, green, spicy and not so spicy. Flowers. Including the bright yellow flowers of zucchini, which in Provence and Italy are fried in batter. Goat cheeses, their producers come down from the nearby mountains with them - often from those people who settled in abandoned villages in the late 60s, took up agriculture, and the production of ceramics. You recognize these people by their wide-brimmed hats and overall very attractive, but somewhat operetta-like appearance.

If you are in Nice in winter, be sure to eat at the souk (Bossa), which is fried in a giant frying pan by local celebrity Teresa. Socca is a Turkish dish in origin, but it has become local in Nice. This is a pancake made from bean flour. It is fried in olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper and eaten piping hot - out of paper. Once upon a time, dock workers ate socca in the morning. Just keep in mind that on a hot summer day it’s too hot to eat this magical scalding pancake.

Marina with private yachts

Look at the facades of the houses, standing in the middle of the market at the cours Saleya - they are painted, like in neighboring Italy - yellow, red, ocher - a feast for the eyes. And in the foreground is the Chapel of Mercy (chapelle de la Miséricorde) - a masterpiece in the Baroque style, built by the architect Bernardo Vittone in 1740 according to the sketches of Guarino Guarini, the famous Italian architect of the 17th century. Since 1828, this chapel has belonged to the Order of Pénitents Noirs, which in Russian means the Order of Black Penitents. They are called black because of the color of their clothes. This is one of four monastic orders that are represented in Nice. Once upon a time, the monks of this order defended those sentenced to death from a crowd ready to tear them to pieces. The history of the order is not very well known. Some claim that it originated in Italy in the 12th century, others say that this order did not exist before Francis of Assisi and that it was Francis who founded it in 1221.

Multi-colored house facades

Watermelons, melons at the market

The chapel is very beautiful inside - there are elegant arcades and a bright baroque multicolor reigns. It has two wonderful altars by local primitivist artists - both dedicated to the Madonna of Mercy. One of them is still quite Gothic - the work of the artist Jean Mirayer, and the second is 80 years younger, and the influence of the Italian Renaissance is already felt in it. This is the work of Louis Brea. Perhaps this spirit of the Renaissance is felt most strongly in the landscape of Nice depicted on the panel.

The chapel is open on Sunday morning.

From the cours Saleya, in the depths of Place Pierre Gautier, you can see a building called the Government Palace (Palais du Gouvernement) or the Royal Palace (Palais Royal).

Classic facades, photo

On its facade, Doric columns alternate with Corinthian ones. This elegant building is crowned with a balustrade. The palace was built at the end of the 16th or beginning of the 17th century (the exact date is unknown). From 1610 to 1717, the palace of the Dukes of Savoy was located here. Then Nice belonged to France for some time, and in 1814 it went to the king of Piedmont and Sardinia, who built a royal palace in this building. In 1860, Nice became French again, and the building housed the prefecture. Unfortunately, with the exception of “days of historical heritage”, it is impossible to get inside this palace.

The market is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, and at any time of the year the square is drowned in flowers. By the way, about 20 years ago a large parking lot was built underneath it, where you can always park your car. Unless in July-August there may be problems with this.

Behind the square begins the Old Town with its dark narrow streets and bright small squares, with Baroque churches, with alleys that climb up and turn into stairs, with the clink of forks at lunchtime. At night, the streets are washed with hoses, and streams cascade down the steps. Secluded corners, benches, the smell of lavender - Nice is a very cozy city.

Old Nice is crossed by rue Droite. Once upon a time it went from one fortress wall to another. You should definitely walk along it, but, of course, turning into small alleys that branch off from it and returning back. If you walk along rue Droite from the sea into the depths of the Old Town, rue Malo-nat will be on the right. Turn onto it, then onto rue de l "Ancien Sйnat. Painted houses, tiny squares, staircases with time-worn steps - echoing steps. Rue Droite where the bourgeoisie: in the 17th century the nobility, bankers, lawyers lived there. Witnesses of those times - built in Genoese style in the mid-17th century, the Lascari Palace (palais Lasca-ris), richly decorated with stone flowers and balconies, and the Gesu Church (église du Gésu), built by the Jesuits in 1642. Its Baroque façade, richly decorated with marble, dates from 1825.

Street rue Droite

The Lascari Palace is worth a visit. There are shops downstairs, and the Music Museum opened on the upper floors in 2010: it displays an impressive collection of ancient instruments. A monumental staircase leads upstairs, and the interiors have expressive painted ceilings.

A cannonball is embedded in the wall of a house on the corner of rue Droite and rue de la Loge - it has been preserved from the siege of Nice by the Turks, allies of Francis I.

So you have come to Saint-François Square, overlooked by the clock tower (tour de St. François). In the mornings there is a colorful fish market. You have two options: you can go further to (D Place Garibaldi) along rue Pairolière, where there are many restaurants, boutiques, shops, or you can walk a few steps back in your footsteps along rue du Collet, and then turn left along Mascopnat street and exit to Rossetti Square.

Lascari Palace

Bellanda Tower

Place Rossetti is one of the most pleasant in old Nice. It was created in 1825. It is incredibly calm there. The fountain gurgles, it is impossible not to sit down at a table on the terrace of some cafe... This square is reminiscent of the Roman quarter of Trastevere: both here and there the feeling of the city is lost - a small village square, there is no need to rush anywhere...

Some of Nice's attractions are located on Castle Hill.

In ancient times, there was a Greek city on the hill, then the first medieval city, there was a fortress there, of which practically nothing remains. In its place is a wonderful Mediterranean garden.

The castle was destroyed back in 1706, and now this 92 m high hill is called the castle by the residents of Nice. And at the top of the hill there is a round platform, with a view of the sea and tiled roofs, the entire Bay of Angels is visible at a glance...

One of the hill climbs starts from the end of the quai des Etats-Unis. From here you can take the elevator or climb the 400 steps to Montée Lesage. In addition, there are pedestrian climbs Montée du Chêteau and Montée Rondelly.

And now you have reached a huge round bastion built in the 19th century - the Bellanda Tower (tour Bellanda), this name is written slightly differently on different maps - sometimes Bellanda, sometimes Bellande, sometimes Belande. Nowadays there is a maritime museum at the top of the tower.

Once upon a time the composer Hector Berlioz (1803 - 1869) lived in the bastion; he was happy in Nice: “I am in Nice, I breathe in this air, warm and balsamic... Here is life and joy, and music that embraces me, and the future smiles... I am in Nice to wander through the forests of orange trees..."

Cemetery

Alexander Ivanovich Herzen (1812-1870) is buried in this cemetery on a hill. He died in Paris and was first buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery, but then his ashes were transferred to Nice, where he lived from 1850 to 1852 and where his wife died in 1852... In Nice, Herzen published many works , in particular “Letters from France and Italy,” first published in German. He had almost no contact with Russians in Nice. After the death of his wife, Herzen moved to London.

Herzen came to Nice at one of the most tragic moments of his life. In France, after the collapse of the revolution of 1848, Napoleon's nephew Louis Bonaparte (Napoleon III) came to power, Herzen fled from Paris with someone else's passport. He settled in Nice to be in solitude and think...

Above Herzen's grave is a monument by the sculptor Parfen Zabello (1830-1917).

From the cemetery, to the left, a descent begins along a series of stairs to the church of Saint-Martin-St-Augustin. This is the oldest parish in Nice. Luther celebrated Mass there in 1510, and Garibaldi was baptized there. Come inside and look at the beautiful baroque interior. Here is the central part of the altar by Louis Brea - Pietà (Lamentation).

As you leave the church, pay attention to the monument to Catherine Segurane. In the 16th century, when Nice belonged to the House of Savoy, it was attacked by Francis I along with his Turkish allies. Catherine Seguran came to the fortifications with a basket of food for the soldiers; just at this time the Turks tried to launch an assault on the city, and then Katerina rushed at them with a kitchen knife. One after another, the Turks fell from the assault ladder into the ditch. Other residents of Nice also stood behind the valiant Catherine, so the attack was repelled. True, a little later, after 20 days of siege, the city was taken anyway.

A few more steps and you are at Place Garibaldi - the houses on it are yellow ocher; very similar squares are found in the towns of Piedmont. It was created in the 18th century, and then it marked the northern border of the city.

After a walk through the Old Town, you can continue east towards Italy and look at another attraction of Nice, the colorful port of Lympia. It is located just behind the castle hill, where the Rauba-Capeu promenade turns and becomes the Lunel promenade.

Port of Nice

The port was created in 1749 by order of Charles Immanuel III of Savoy so that Nice could compete with Marseille and Genoa. But it never became a large trading port. Now yachts and private ships are moored there, and a ferry goes from there to Corsica. The houses on the waterfront around the port are very Italian in appearance, with colorful facades, mostly in the neoclassical style. Pay attention to the Liprandi house (Liprandi, 20, quai Lunel).

Of course, there are many fish restaurants around the port. A wonderful dish, widespread both in Nice and neighboring Italy, is frit - tura mista - small fish, shrimp, squid fried in boiling oil.

Water and rocks

If you like to walk, go around the port and continue along the promenade. The city ends, the embankment turns into a coastal path: follow it to some cove, where in the summer brown, curly Provençal boys jump from the rocks into the water. And if you like snorkeling, then this is the best cove to do it. The water is clear, red starfish shine at the bottom, schools of silver sardines rush around, with stripes on their sides, sparkling in the bottom grass like tin cans.

In the bay

Promenade des Anglais

The most famous street of Nice of the 19th century is undoubtedly the Promenade des Anglais. Until 1820, it was difficult to get to this corner of the coast, pressed against the water by mountains. The English colony, which had settled here since the 18th century, took upon itself the construction of the road. Hence the name - “promenade of the British”. For the first time, the idea that it would be nice to create a walking street bordering the Bay of Angels arose from an Anglican priest, Reverend Lewis Way.

The wide Promenade des Anglais stretches along the sea, offering views of the bay, Fort Antibes, and the mountains. The city beach is right below it.

There are many beautiful gardens and beautiful buildings on the embankment: for example, le Palais de Mediter - ranée, the famous luxury hotel le Negresco, la villa Massena, the West End Hotel... In the east, the Promenade des Anglais smoothly turns into the quai des Etats-Unis.

Both of these embankment streets - Promenade des Anglais and quai des Etats-Unis - would be very nice if it were not for the abundance of cars.

Mediterranean Palace

This palace was built in 1929 by order of an American billionaire, and the building united the world of gambling with the world of art within its walls. Louis Armstrong and Josephine Baker sang here, Diaghilev's Russian ballets and Duke Ellington's jazz performed here...

The building now houses a luxury hotel and casino. The façade is an example of late modernism and has been completely preserved.

You can sit down and enjoy the view

Palace Negresco

This house is one of the most striking examples of Art Nouveau from its heyday. The palace was built by order of the Romanian prince Henri Negresco in 1912. It was opened by five crowned heads. And two years later, the First World War broke out, and a military hospital was placed in the palace. A few years after the war, the building, as planned, turned into a hotel. But it was only in 1957 that the hotel became what it is now - both a symbol of luxury and a museum. In 1957 it was bought by the Augier family. This hotel is run by eighty-four-year-old Jeanne Augier. She not only heads the famous institution, but also collects art that she places in her hotel. , To the left of the entrance is Salon I “Versailles” - it has a 17th-century ceiling, a huge fireplace brought from the Hautefort castle, a portrait of Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743). Behind the Versailles salon is the Grand salon. This huge living room has a glass ceiling designed by Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923), and a 16,800-piece baccarat crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. There lies the largest carpet in the world (375 square meters). Exhibitions are constantly held in this salon.

Each of the six floors of the Negresco Hotel is dedicated to a specific era. Well, if you want to sit on the walnut bench at Bar Negresco and have a drink, you'll probably meet a ginger cat named Carmen. She has her own counter stool at this bar.

Jules Chéret Museum of Fine Arts

Very close to the western edge of the Promenade des Anglais is the Museum of Fine Arts. The building in which the museum is now located was built for the Ukrainian princess Kochubey in 1878 in the style of the Genoese palaces of the 17th century, and the museum opened in 1928. Artists from various times are represented here, and the core was the collection sent to Nice by Napoleon III for the Museum of Fine Arts, opened in 1860. The current museum represents classics, impressionists, and artists of the early 20th century. Jules Chéret, after whom the museum is named, is the man who invented modern posters. It is he who owns the famous poster “Bal au Moulin Rouge” (“Ball at the Moulin Rouge”). Cheret had a significant influence on contemporary artists - Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa, 1864-1901, Pierre Bonnard (1867 - 1947). Cheret lived in Nice for a significant part of his life and died here. He devoted a lot of time to interior design. The interior decoration of the assembly hall in the prefecture of Nice is his work. And the museum that bears his name contains many of his works.

Raoul Duty Gallery

Dufy lovers should definitely come here. There are still lifes, landscapes, and street scenes - beautiful, vibrant works typical of Dufy.

Place Massena

Place Massena was founded in 1815. It is a colorful ensemble of houses connected by bright ocher yellow and red arcades. At the southern end of the square, bronze horses burst from the fountain.

Now this huge square is pedestrian. Beneath it, driven underground, flows the Paillon River, which begins in the Coaraze hills, 25 kilometers from here. In the square there is a huge sculptural ensemble called “Conversation” by the Catalan sculptor Jaume Plensa Uaume Piensa): thinkers kneeling or sitting on tall pedestals holding a conversation symbolize the continents. The best time to look at these figures is when it gets dark and they are illuminated from within. An absolutely enchanting spectacle! This sculpture is one of fifteen works of contemporary urban monumental art located along the route of tram number 1, launched in 2007.

Fountains, play of light and shadows... It is best to walk here in the dark with amazing lighting.

In the north, avenue Jean Medecin joins the square, a busy street with many shops. It is named after a Resistance fighter who served as mayor of Nice for many years after the war. To the west of place Masséna there are Masséna and France streets - both are pedestrian: it is very pleasant to stroll along them leisurely, looking around - there are many cafes, benches, and cinemas.

By the way, on Fridays at 7 pm there are excursions called “Art dans la ville” (“Art in the city”). If you love modern urban sculpture and architecture and speak French, taking a tour like this would definitely make sense. To do this, you need to call the tourist office (0 0-802-707-407) and make an appointment. The cost of the excursion is €8 per person

You can get to place Masséna from the Promenade des Anglais along Avenue de Verdun. Stop by the Jardin Albert I along the way. There is a huge sculpture by Bernard Venet (b. 1941), called “Arch 11 5.5°”, and next to it is the fountain “The Three Graces” by Antoniucci Voltl (191 5-1989).

Musée Masséna

Inside the Massena Museum, photo

On rue de France, in a building surrounded by gardens, there is a very unique museum. The building, designed in the style of Italian Empire mansions, was built in 1898 by architects Tersling and Messiaen for Victor Masséna, the great-grandson of the famous marshal, and in 1919 his son Andre donated the building to the city.

On the ground floor there are Empire salons. In the gallery there are figurines, marble busts, trinkets.

In the right wing of the second floor there is excellent painting, many local primitivists. Pay attention to the altar by Jacques Durandy with an amazing portrait of John the Baptist. There is also an altar by Louis Brea. Flemish, Italian, Spanish primitivists are also represented in this museum. A very nice statue of the Madonna made of silver and enamel - a magnificent example of the Italian Renaissance.

Two halls are dedicated to religious art of the 15th-17th centuries. The museum also contains knightly armor, and even a helmet dating back to 1500 BC. And on the third floor there is a collection of jewelry from all over the world. On the walls there are watercolors with landscapes of Nice. The museum also houses various documents from the Napoleonic and revolutionary eras. Many watercolors illustrate the history of the city.

The Promenade de Paillon starts from place Masséna. This esplanade runs between two parallel streets: avenue Jean Jauris and boulevard Félix-Faure. A very elegant tram runs along it among endless flowers. And this entire shining blooming esplanade is literally above the river. Once upon a time they washed clothes here... As everywhere else, where glass and concrete rush into the sky, there is a slight nostalgia for this river, for Nice, described by the wonderful writer Louis Nucera (Louis Nucera, 1928-2000). The son of emigrants from Italy, he lived all his life in Nice and in his very warm and poetic novels he wrote about the so-called “ordinary” people... Nucera died in 2000, during his daily bicycle ride, when he was hit by a car.

Museum of Contemporary Art Nice

Museum of Modern Art (Musée d"Art Moderne et d"Art Contemporain)

If the art of the second half of the 20th century interests you, go to another attraction of Nice, the Museum of Modern Art, to which Promenade de Paillon will lead you. The building in which it is located is a stylized fortress. It consists of four square towers connected by glass walkways;

Modern Art

This fortress was built from glass and concrete by architects Yves Bayard (1935-2008) and Henry Vidal. The museum perfectly presents the artists of the Nice school. This school arose in the fifties of the 20th century, and from it came some movements of modern art - for example, the minimalists and the new realists. Much of modern European painting and sculpture grew out of this school. Its creators were Yves Klein (1928-1962), Armand (Fernandez Armand, 1928-2005) and Martial Raysse (born 1936). Later they were joined by Cézar (1921-1998) and Sasha Sosno (born 1937), and among the people of the next generation it includes Patrick Moya (born 1955). Probably, this school is most clearly represented in urban spaces - these are buildings, fountains, urban sculpture.

European new realists are close to representatives of American pop art - both of them tried to convey in their works the everyday life of consumer society. Their works often use a variety of objects - everyday or industrial - usually for other purposes. Yves Klein is one of the most prominent representatives of this trend. On the terrace of the museum stands his monumental sculpture “Wall of Fire”.

Minimalists are distinguished by the fact that the artist is almost invisible in their works. Very often, canvases consist of many repeating elementary forms.

The permanent exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art is not very large; temporary exhibitions replace each other here.

Acropolis

After the Museum of Modern Art, the Promenade de Paillon leads you to the huge Palais de Congris, made of glass and concrete. It is also called the Acropolis. Its length is 338 meters and it occupies the entire space between Avenue Galleni and Risso Boulevard. This building, built by a group of local architects, looks like a giant ship at anchor. Its 55,000 square meters are spread over five levels. Inside and outside there are works by a variety of sculptors from the second half of the 20th century. Among them are Armand ("The Power of Music"), Volti ("Nikaya"), Cesar ("Thumb"), Calder (Alexander Calder, 1898-1976), Paul Belmondo (1898-1982), Moretti ( "Louis Armstrong") and others.

When you return back to place Massuna, you will see another landmark of Nice, the building called “Square Head”. It is located on the corner of the Jardin Marchal-Juin garden. This 30-meter-tall structure, completed in 2002, is a cube standing on a realistically made huge neck, and the cube houses the municipal library named after Louis Nucer. The author of this very peculiar house is the monumental sculptor Sasha Sosno. Another of his works - a bronze Juno - stands in the Elysée Palace at number 59 on Promenade des Anglais. There are works by Sasha Sosno in the Museum of Modern Art.

This is the aristocratic part of Nice. The villas here are surrounded by greenery. At the edge of Cimiez Boulevard, a statue of Queen Victoria of England (1819-1901) reminds us that kings once stood on this hill.

If you are by car, then you should go here from the Acropolis along Saga-basel Boulevard, which turns into Cimiez Boulevard, and just about the place where the name changes, a little to the side is the Chagall Museum.

Chagall Museum

The building in which the museum is located was built especially for it by the architect Andre Herman in 1972. The all-pervasive Provençal light pours into it through the huge windows, and the paintings in this light are completely alive. It houses the world's largest permanent collection of Chagall's works. It is interesting that this collection is thematic - the museum is called “Biblical Message”, and all the works in it are on biblical themes. These paintings were donated to the state by the artist himself. He created 17 large works in 13 years (1954-1967). In the huge hall there are 12 paintings dedicated to the history of Adam and Eve, the earthly Paradise, the history of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and in the next hall there are 5 works illustrating the Song of Songs. All these paintings are absolutely Chagall-esque - lyrical, tender, slightly ironic and completely magical, luminous. And of course, they contain the true Chagall deities - his animals and birds... Pay attention to the mosaic on the wall, made in 1970. Stand at the door of the library and you will see how this mosaic is reflected in the pond. It depicts the ascension of Elijah the prophet in a chariot of fire. And in the conference room the air is blue from three huge stained glass windows. The museum also contains sculptures and sketches for paintings. Even if you are only in Nice for a short time, you simply cannot miss this museum.

By the way, Chagall lovers, don’t forget to go to the Faculty of Law of the University of Nice (Villa Passiflores, 34, avenue Robert Schuman), where you will see a huge, wall-sized mosaic: Odysseus, after all his trials, returns to Ithaca to Penelope.

Matisse Museum

The villa itself with red walls, standing in a quiet garden where olive trees coexist with cypress trees, already deserves to come here. It was built in 1670 in the Genoese style. The villa looks out to the sea. Its first owner was the Italian consul. In the 19th century, new owners rebuilt it, and it began to meet all the requirements for a large bourgeois house. And in 1950, the state bought the villa, and it began to be called Villa des Arіnes, because the Roman arenas are located very close to it. In 1993, the Matisse Museum was opened in Villa Arena.

This museum displays works not only by Matisse. There are paintings by both Cézanne and Signac, allowing you to see how these artists influenced Matisse. There are books and a variety of objects that belonged to Matisse and were depicted on his canvases. In two rooms there are models and sketches related to the Matisse chapel in the nearby town of Van.

Museum window

City Cemenelum

Archaeological Museum (Musée Archéologique) and Cemenelum

The museum mainly displays objects found during excavations on the Slgsheg hill itself and in the vicinity of Nice - ceramics, bronze, coins. Nearby are the remains of a Gallo-Roman settlement of the 2nd century AD - the city of Setepeit, where the procurator of the imperial province of the Maritime Alps lived.

As always, what remained from the Romans were the baths - the northern baths, where the procurator and patricians went, a summer pool, a hall of cold baths (fri-gidarium). Some houses and baths for the common people have also been preserved.

And, of course, the arenas were quite modest in size, 67x56 m, and could accommodate 4,000 spectators. As elsewhere, gladiator fights and animal fights were held in the arenas.

Nowadays, various traditional holidays are held here, and various music festivals are held throughout the summer.

Monastery and monastery square (Monastеre, place du Monastеre)

At the very top of the Cimiez hill in the square there is a calver - a white marble column topped with a cross. This column was installed in 1477. On one side of the calvera is the seraphim who appeared to Saint Francis and left stigmata on his body, on the other - Saint Clare and Francis of Assisi on either side of the Madonna.

Nearby is the cemetery where Raoul Dufy and the author of “The Thibaut Family”, the famous writer Roger Martin du Gard (1881-1958), are buried, as well as the magnificent crypts of the local nobility. And in the olive grove on the northern edge of the cemetery lies Matisse.

Franciscans have lived in the monastery since the 16th century, and before that this ancient monastery, founded in the 9th century, was Benedictine.

In the church of Notre Dame de l'Assomption there are three very important works of the primitivists. To the right of the entrance is the Pietà (“Lamentation”).

Ruin

This is the youthful work of Louis Brea (executed in 1475), and one of his best works. The horizontal composition is emphasized by the cross and the frozen body of Christ. And despite the surrounding angels, Mary with the baby on her lap looks surprisingly lonely. Saint Martin is magnificent - a horseman in a blood-red cloak.

Very different from the Pieta is the “Crucifixion” of the same Louis Brea, located to the left of the choir. This work is later, dating back to 1512, and there is nothing Gothic in it: instead of a deep golden background, there is a Provençal landscape.

In the second chapel, to the left of the entrance, there is a wooden sculpture of Christ, made in the 18th century.

In the third chapel (at the back on the right) is a work attributed to Louis Bréat, but it is possible that he was assisted by his brother Antoine. The Renaissance is already clearly visible in it.

The interior of the monastery is closed to the public, but there is a Franciscan Museum, where various documents, frescoes, and sculptures tell the story of the Franciscans in Nice from the 13th century to the present day.

On the south side of the monastery there are amazing terraced gardens. Lemons grow there, and an incredible abundance of different flowers. These gardens rise above the valley of the Paillon River. And all of Nice and the Bay of Angels are visible from here in full view.

Evidence of the Russian presence in Nice is the Russian Orthodox Church, which stands on Piot Hill, on Tsarevich Boulevard (Boulevard du Tzarewitch, tel. 04-93-96-88-02). It was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the model of St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square in Moscow. This is perhaps one of the most ornate Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia. Its golden domes shine. And inside there are many icons donated to the church by post-revolutionary emigrants.

Russian Orthodox Church on Pio Hill

And another building that shows the importance of the Russian presence in Nice is the Chateau Valrose, which now houses the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the local university. This huge luxurious mansion was built on the Si-mier hill by the rich man and music lover Baron von Derviz in the second half of the 19th century. It was in the Valrose castle that Mikhail Glinka, who was visiting him, composed the opera “A Life for the Tsar,” which under Soviet rule was performed under the title “Ivan Susanin.”

Valrose Castle

In Nice, at number 63 on Promenade des Anglais, lived Maria Bashkirtseva, a cult figure of the late 19th century. She was born in 1858 into an aristocratic family in Ukraine. In 1871, after her parents separated, Musya moved with her mother, aunt and cousin to Nice. Maria Bashkirtseva was undoubtedly very talented. This bohemian, exalted girl tried herself in both literature and painting. From the age of 12 she kept a diary in French. It was this diary, printed after her death in different languages, that aroused great interest among contemporaries. And she died from severe tuberculosis very early - in 1884. She was only 25.

Her naive diary juxtaposes a romantic thirst for fame with a sense of doom. This diary is psychologically very close to the self-perception of exalted young people of the early 20th century. It is not surprising that he was appreciated by Marina Tsvetaeva, who, by the way, was friends with the mother of Maria Bashkirtseva.

In the last months of her life, Bashkirtseva entered into an epistolary dialogue with Maupassant.

After her death, she gained extremely ecstatic fans around the world.

And at the Oasis boarding house (tel. 04-93-16-08-14, 23 rue Gounod), Anton Pavlovich Chekhov and the young Vladimir Lenin stayed at a not very long interval. The boarding house still exists today and is now a hotel.

And another story connected with the Russians in Nice - this time tragic. It was here that the American dancer, Scottish by birth, and friend of Sergei Yesenin, Isadora Duncan, died so absurdly. Her long, carelessly worn scarf wrapped around the wheel of the open car she was riding in and suffocated her.

Film description of the resort: Nice (duration 14 min.)

Famous all over the world Nice– a real pearl of the Cote d'Azur. This city has earned a reputation as a very popular and prestigious French resort, but Nice has something to offer its guests besides luxurious beaches and clear sea water. Not only Nice itself, but also the surrounding area of ​​the province is full of unique and unforgettable sights, judging by the enthusiastic descriptions of tourists and colorful photos.

Sights of Nice

The city was founded by the Greeks and named after the goddess of war Nike. A little later, the Roman Empire recaptured Nice, annexing it to the County of Savoy, and at the end of the 19th century the city became part of France. Thanks to such a rich and varied history, this place and its attractions, which arose in different eras, are of interest.

Old Nice

Old Nice- The tourist center of the city, which is why it serves as an excellent starting point for a route designed to get to know Nice more closely. Here you can easily find a large concentration of iconic attractions, historical monuments and architectural structures with an interesting history. Palaces and churches, clock towers and an ancient fort create the unique appearance of this place.

The old town, from an architectural point of view, is similar to typical settlements, which have narrow and winding streets, buildings painted in ocher and red colors, as well as numerous churches made in the Baroque style, shopping shops and cozy home-made cafes.

The heart of Old Nice - a miniature square Saint Francois– the central square of the city, made in Italian style. Previously, there was a chapel of the Holy Spirit, a cemetery and a garden that belonged to the Franciscans. When these relics were demolished, a cozy small square with the city hall was built in their place. Today, on Place Saint-François there is a fountain with dolphins, and next to it there is always a fish market where you can buy the freshest seafood.

Another symbol of Nice - Garibaldi Square. The largest square of the city appeared relatively recently. At first, in its place there was a landfill with the rubble of dismantled fortifications, but in 1780 the king of Sardinia ordered the “triumphal gates of the city” to be built here. Over the many years of its existence, the square has changed names, starting from Perolières and ending with Napoleon Square. As a result, it received its final name thanks to the monument to the Nice-born revolutionary Garibaldi.

Walking from square to square, along the road you can see:

• Catholic Cathedral of St. Reparata and St. Jacques;
• Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas;
• Jesuit Church;

• the old Senate building;
• Ryuska Tower;
• Prefectural Palace.

Palace of Justice Square is another significant point on the route through the Old Town. Here you can get acquainted with the classic building of the Palais de Justice, one of the two clock towers of Nice, as well as a fountain that gives coolness on a hot summer day.

Finally, walking through the Old Town, sooner or later you end up at General de Gaulle Square. It has the city's largest and oldest market, with a tempting array of cheeses, fruits, vegetables, baked goods and unique lavender ice cream.

Promenade des Anglais

The visiting card of Nice is Promenade des Anglais, ready, thanks to its attractiveness and beauty, to compete with the magnificent views that Old Nice offers. This part of the city, stretching for many kilometers along the Cote d'Azur, is designed for long walks and getting to know the vibrant places of the city:

• hotels "Negresco", "Royal" and "Weltmeister";
• pond with caimans;
• flower greenhouses;

• pompous boutiques;
• luxury restaurants.

The history of this embankment began when the wealthy Englishman Lewis Way began to develop this place in the 19th century. A little later, other Englishmen began to buy land and build luxurious villas on it. Since then, the Promenade des Anglais has become a popular place for daytime walks and exploring pompous Nice, as well as for evening and night concerts that are constantly held here.

Deserves special attention in Nice Hotel Negresco- the largest grand hotel, which became legendary thanks to the impressive list of world celebrities who stayed here to live. Among the guests were Coco Chanel, Marlene Dietrich, as well as Ernest Hemingway, Albert Camus, Francoise Sagan.

The appearance and interior decoration of the Negresco Hotel, named after its owner, evokes genuine admiration. The neoclassical six-story building with its pink dome and curvaceous façade is a true work of art. Gustave Eiffel himself worked on creating the glass ceiling of the main hall, and the luxurious chandelier that hangs from under the dome was created by order of Nicholas II.

Despite the status of a prestigious hotel in Nice, where kings, dukes, artists, musicians and other eminent personalities have always stayed, any tourist can admire its luxury.

Museums in Nice

In terms of the number of museums located in the city, Nice ranks second right after. Each of these places boasts an extensive collection of masterpieces to suit every taste.

The clear favorite among them is Matisse Museum, located in Nice on Simeiz hill in an ancient palace of the 17th century. The city inspired the artist throughout his life, resulting in the creation of unique Fauvist paintings, paper collages, stained glass, ceramics, glassware and about 70 sculptures. In total, there are about 200 works by Matisse.

All the fruits of Henri Matisse’s creativity are located in 18 rooms, each of which is dedicated to a specific theme, united into a real ensemble. Also in the museum there are “bibliographical” things of the artist - his furniture, clothes and some other accessories.

Just a 15-minute walk from the Matisse Museum in Nice is another art repository - Marc Chagall Museum. The full name of this place is “Marc Chagall’s Biblical Message”, since it is here that the complete collection of 17 paintings by the author illustrating the Old Testament is located. According to the artist’s will, this collection was to be placed in the Louvre, but it was so priceless that a separate museum was built for it in Nice.

Other famous museums in Nice:

• Museum of Fine Arts, housed in Nice in the luxurious Cochubey Palace, is home to a rich collection of 19th-century paintings and sculptures. Among them are works by Claude Monet and Auguste Rodin.
• Modern Art Museum– repository of an extensive collection of works by more than 300 artists working in the second half of the 20th century.
• Asian Art Museum presents its visitors with delightful exhibits belonging to Indian, Japanese, Tibetan and Chinese culture. These include embroidered fabric, wooden vessels for making tea, and handmade toys.

Finally, on the Cimiez hill is the Archaeological Museum, where you can learn about the rich history of Nice.

roman hill

You can get acquainted with the ancient history of Nice if you go to the outskirts of the city to the Cimiez quarter. Here are the ruins of an old Roman settlement Cemenelum, among which there is a well-preserved amphitheater, residential areas and baths, surrounded by wonderful olive groves. Excavations are still ongoing on the hill, and things found here are sent to the Archaeological Museum.

In addition to Nice, visit other colorful places of European civilization. Here you can read our authors’ travel impressions from the visit or find out what you can see there and where you should go first.

Nice begins to amaze us immediately upon arrival, because the picturesque Promenade des Anglais, covered with palm trees and flowers, meets us at the airport and escorts us to the city center, where the most delightful and varied attractions of this place are hidden.

The article does not pretend to cover all attractions; it reflects the individual experience of our blogger.

For the first time, Nice became popular as a winter resort. Many Russian and English aristocrats, as well as famous figures from European countries, came here. Winters in Nice were particularly mild. Over time, this small town has become a fashionable and desirable place, a real pearl of the French Riviera.

Nice is the coveted Cote d'Azur, rich in luxury hotels, expensive clubs and restaurants. They prefer to relax here wealthy tourists or travelers who value comfort, impeccable service and high standards.

Nice can boast not only of its numerous entertainments and beaches, but also of chic historical buildings, beautiful streets, and pretty embankments. Architecture lovers will definitely find How to have fun in Nice.

Let's take a closer look at the main attractions, with some reviews tourists about holidays in the town and much more.

Nice: Wikipedia

Nice's main attractions and beautiful places

Holidays in Nice: reviews from tourists

Previously, we often went on vacation with the whole family to the province of Provence. France is generally our favorite European country for a holiday. However, recently we have spent several holidays in Nice. And to be honest, it’s no worse than Provence. Both places are beautiful and interesting in their own way. It’s better, of course, to divide your vacation between Provence and Nice.

Olesya, 27 years old

I have always heard only positive reviews about Nice from my colleagues who have already been there. I noticed on forums that it is often compared to Provence, but I have never been to either place, let alone all of France. This year I decided to buy a ticket to Nice and was very pleased. I really love ancient cities and sights, and there is a lot of that here. Overall, I was pleased with my time spent this summer.

Katerina, 31 years old

We went to France for the first time. We spent a long time choosing a specific city for our vacation, reading reviews from tourists who had already been here. We decided to visit Nice with the whole family. I really liked the city: small and cozy, there is a lot to see. Prices are high, of course, but this is still France. I advise everyone to visit Nice at least once.

The sights of Nice and the surrounding area are very diverse; reviews of those who have visited the Cote d'Azur and, of course, sightseeing tours and “tourist maps” with marked interesting places and their brief descriptions can help you figure out what to see first. You can book a tour of the objects you like using the websites and.

Main attractions and iconic places

Tourist maps of Nice with attractions and marked historically interesting places with which something is connected are sold in all major languages, including Russian, in literally every shop, be it a flower shop, a wine cellar or a tobacco pavilion.

Google Maps / google.ru

Initially, the small town on the French Riviera was in demand only as a “winter” resort and only among the impoverished aristocracy, trying to maintain its brand with all its might. Representatives of the nobility from England, Germany, the Baltic states and Russia came here for the winter.

Then the rich and rootless joined the poor and noble. Fathers of families of merchants, manufacturers and other representatives of the middle class, with tightly packed bank accounts, began to take their daughters and even sons to Nice.

Bob Hall / flickr.com

From that moment on, the dawn of the resort began and it was filled with the most fashionable, ultra-expensive hotels, where it is still customary to go to the restaurant for dinner in evening dresses, the shine of precious stones and tuxedos.

There is a distinctive feature by which it is in Nice that one judges the presence of good taste, social status and, in general, the idea of ​​“beauty” and upbringing - the color of evening dresses for ladies should not be dark, much less black, it is “mauvais ton”.

Evening is the time for golden warm tones, silvery, rich herbal or heavenly. Black dresses and dark colors are reserved for cocktail hour, when it is customary to get acquainted. Evening already implies the presence of a companion or companion.

Roland Turner / flickr.com

These once established traditions are still an integral part of Nice. A Russian-speaking guide will tell you about them and much more during a sightseeing tour of the city, covering all the main attractions of Nice, marked on the map:

1. Place Massena.
2. Piazza Garibaldi.
3. Hotel Negresco.
4. Old city.
5. Port of Limpia.
6. Chagall Museum.
7. Matisse Museum.
8. Gallery of Contemporary Art.
9. Museum of Fine Arts.
10. Asian Art Museum.
11. Massena Museum.
12. Palace of Justice.
13. Opera House.
14. Russian St. Nicholas Cathedral.
15. Cathedral of Saint Reparata.
16. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice.
17. Church of Notre-Dame du Port, better known as the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
18. Cimiez Monastery.
19. City Observatory.
20. Fort Alban.
21. Monument to the victims of the First World War, better known as the Monument to the Fallen.
22. Cours Saleya street.
23. Centenary Monument.
24. Cemetery Chateau.
25. Boulevard Anglet.
26. West Park or Phoenix Park.
27. Nice observation deck - Castle Hill.

Such large-scale excursions start from Place Massena, from the Centenary Monument and from Place Garibaldi; they do not have an exact route; the order of movement to interesting places depends on the preferences of the particular guide. Almost all of them end the sightseeing tour either at the observation deck or at the Palace of Justice. The cost ranges from 48 to 52 euros, depending on the number of tourists in the group.

Jim McDougall / flickr.com

The cost and range of sightseeing tours vary. In addition to walking sightseeing tours, which sometimes take up to 6 hours, including breaks, there is an alternative.

Individual guide

If you use the services of an individual guide who speaks Russian, the price will be above 350 euros, and the duration will be adjusted at the request of the tourist, as well as the set of objects to be visited.

Usually, private sightseeing tours exclude museums, leaving only the sights of Nice, which can be explored in the open air. The duration of such excursions ranges from 4 to 5 hours, and their feasibility is a subject of debate among tourists.

Bus

The fastest and most inexpensive introductory tour is a bus tour of Nice. Buses depart every 30-40 minutes from the parking lot at the Centenary Monument, located on the Promenade des Anglais boulevard, literally a meter from the Promenade des Anglais at its “junction” with the Albert I Garden, which literally connects Place Massena and the promenade area.

Jim G / flickr.com

Everything in Nice is within walking distance, you don’t need to drive anywhere or anything, but you need to know how to use a map.

The double-decker buses with an open platform on top have a huge inscription “Nice - Le Grand Tour”. The tour has 12 stops, during which you can get off or on the bus if you have a ticket valid for a day or two.

The route exactly follows the standard guidebook that tourists are given when purchasing a two-day pass.

• regular ticket – 20 euros;
• children from 4 to 11 years old – 5 euros;
• subscription for an adult for two days – 23 euros;
• subscription for a child – 6 euros;
• one-time excursion on the last flight – 12 euros or 13 euros and a guidebook as a gift.

The schedule is:

1. From April to November - from 9:45 to 18:15, with a lunch break from 12:45 to 13:45.
2. From November to April - from 9:45 to 16:45, with a break from 11:45 to 13:45.

A children's version of a sightseeing “tour” of Nice, which adults enjoy using. The duration is 50 minutes, the train departs from the Centenary Monument and from Place Massena every 30 minutes.

Sharon Hahn Darlin / flickr.com

Closed from January 4 to mid-February. In summer - daily from 10:00 to 19:00, in spring and autumn until 18:00, from October to March, except after hours - until 17:00.

The cost is 7-8 euros, and for children under 9 years old - 4 euros, from 9 to 11 years old - 5 euros.

Trixie

Trixie is a bicycle taxi, similar to a rickshaw. Excursions start from the squares and from the embankment. You can choose the topic of reviews, and prices depend on time:

• half an hour – 15-16 euros;
• hour – 23-24 euros;
• two hours – 30-34 euros.

“Bicycle guides”, as they say in Nice - cyclo, work without a schedule, usually they are always there, from 10 am to 19:00, except on days with bad weather and the winter season.

There are boat trips along the coast from the piers on the waterfront, walking tours from the squares and Lascari Palace. Their prices, schedules and routes change periodically.

Excursions in the surrounding area

The outskirts of Nice are not only picturesque chateaus and pastoral grazing goats. The entire life of the province is concentrated around the town and the surrounding area is full of interesting things, from the addresses of movie stars, for example, Bardot, to places known to every person’s ears, such as Cannes or St. Tropez.

f. ermert/flickr.com

When considering where to go first from Nice, there are three areas you should pay attention to:

1. Lerain Islands.

Tourist boats with observation open upper decks, reminiscent of our river buses, depart from the port in Nice and travel through the beautiful Bay of Angels. During the trip you can take amazing pictures of marine species.

Steve Cadman / flickr.com

The boat departs for the Lerain Islands at 9:15 am, the journey to the sea takes one hour and ends at the pier of San Margarita. The return flight to Nice departs at 18:15. Price – 40 euros round trip.

The boat departs for the legendary St. Tropez at 9 am, the journey takes 2.5 hours, the return flight is at 16:00 or 16:30, it depends on the weather. The round-trip price is 60 euros.

Cannes is the “film face” of France, despite the fact that the French themselves do not consider the film festival a particularly significant event, giving priority to mime festivals, short film days and other interesting cultural events that take place in the vicinity of Nice.

Trans World Productions / flickr.com

When visiting Cannes, you need to understand that you cannot see everything in this town in 1 day, but if you go to the festival, then we will be talking about at least three days.

You can go to Cannes:

• By helicopter in 10 minutes and for 446 euros, 3-4 people at a time.
• By rented or passing car, along the A8 road, in 30-40 minutes.
• Taxi – 30-40 minutes and 75-99 euros, many taxi drivers in Nice communicate well in Russian.
• The bus is the best option, you need number 200, it leaves from the airport and from the Verdun stop in the very center, near the Albert the First garden, follows along the entire coast and ends the flight at the bus station of the station in Cannes, and costs only 2 euros, spending about 2-2.5 hours, flights from 7 am to 4 am, with an interval of one and a half hours.
• The train departs every hour from 5 am to 11 pm from Nice-Ville station, travel time is 50 minutes, and the price is 8 euros.

The bus stops in the following towns:

1. Saint Laurent du Var.
2. Biot.
3. Cagnes-sur-Mer.
4. Antibes
5. Villeneuve-Loubet.
6. Juan le Pen.
7. Cros de Cagnes.
8. Golf Juan.

Each has parking for 10 to 20 minutes. In fact, one flight for 2 euros is a full-fledged sightseeing tour of all the surrounding towns on the coast.

If you go by car or taxi, then first of all you need to find out who pays the cost of the road; the roads around Nice are paid. When announcing the cost of taxi services below 90 euros, it is assumed that the passenger pays for using the highway.

If you have a Schengen visa, you can go to Monaco; the principality is located 15-30 minutes by car or train from Nice.

Salvatore Freni Jr / flickr.com

For gourmets

When thinking about where to go in Nice, you should not forget about its, if not the main, but one of the main attractions - its cuisine. Riviera restaurants are a separate story and a real legend. The dishes served here cannot be tasted anywhere else in the world.

Of particular note is Le Fish, located on Place du Marche Forville, on one of the turns away from the embankment. Here it is worth paying attention to the “day” offer - this is a signature one-day dish from the chef.

Restaurant opening hours are usually from 10 am until the evening, some are open only until the end of the cocktail hour, that is, until 18:30, some until 23:30.

Travel Buzz / flickr.com

Night opening hours do not have a regular schedule; working nights are announced by information boards at the entrance to establishments.

Speaking of prices, it is worth noting that signature cuisine and a bottle of wine as part of the “for two” offer will cost 200-250 euros, a full lunch for two persons will cost 100-150 euros, costs during a cocktail are usually lower, a glass of wine and salad is rare exceed the cost of 50-70 euros.

Roland Turner / flickr.com

Nights in Nice are usually spent in hotel restaurants, where all conditions are created for late dinners, or simply stroll along the promenade areas, along which nightlife is in full swing.

Video: the best attractions of Nice.

A walk along the Promenade des Anglais is a pleasure: fresh sea air, spreading palm trees and the incomparable atmosphere of Nice. This wonderful city attraction is included in the itinerary. By purchasing a ticket for it, you can explore Nice in comfort for 2 days, getting off and on with one pass. Order.

Matisse Museum

Matisse and Nice are linked by inextricable ties: the artist largely contributed to the growth of the popularity of the city, which inspired him to create his paintings. The museum exhibits an extensive collection of works that spans all stages of Matisse's career until his death. By the way, the artist lived and worked in a building located nearby on Cimiez Boulevard. The museum will be of interest to both those who are little familiar with Matisse’s work and his loyal fans. Experience an important part of France's cultural heritage on a professional tour of permanent and temporary exhibitions. The walk is conducted in Russian and also includes the Chagall Museum and the Rothschild Villa. Book a convenient time and date.

Address: 146, Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez.

Working hours: from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Tuesday.

Entrance: 10 €. The ticket is valid for 24 hours for all municipal museums of Nice: MAMAC (Museum of Modern Art), Galerie des Ponchettes, Espace Ferrero, Galerie de la Marine, Théâtre de la Photographie et de l'Image (Theater of Photography), Musée Matisse (Matisse Museum) ), Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts), Musée d'Art Naïf (Museum of Naive Art), Musée Masséna (Museum Masséna), Palais Lascaris, Musée d'Archéologie (site de Cimiez et site de Terra Amata) (Museum archaeology), Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle (Museum of Natural History), Prieuré du vieux logis.

Marc Chagall Museum

Don't be fooled by the museum's small size: this small building houses the largest collection of Chagall's works, including 17 biblical messages. Paintings, sculptures, mosaics and tapestries created by the great artist are also exhibited here.

Address: 36, Avenue Dr Menard.

Working hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 (from to from 10:00 to 17:00). Closed on Tuesdays.

Ticket price: 8 €.

The cathedral was built in 1902-1912 for the growing Russian diaspora in Nice. This is the largest and most beautiful Orthodox church outside of Russia. The gilded domes of the cathedral look a little unusual against the background of the traditional landscape of Nice: and the azure sea. Looking at the church, it seems that you were temporarily transported to St. Petersburg. Learn more about the Russian history of Nice on a private tour from local guides! Walk through this wonderful French city in the footsteps of the great compatriots - Gogol, Chekhov, Tyutchev. The tour is conducted, of course, in Russian. .

Address: Avenue Nicolas II.

Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 18:00.

Free admission.

Flower market "Cours Saleya"

It is impossible to imagine Nice without flowers. And the Cours Saleya market is a real decoration of the city. Lush armfuls of bright buds from all over will surround you on all sides, and it is impossible to resist buying at least a small bouquet. Other temptations also await here: spices, fresh fruits and vegetables, aromatic ones, piles of warm bread and other pastries. It is at Cours Saleya that you can buy good ones inexpensively.

Address: Cours de Saleya.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 6:00 to 17:30, on Sundays from 6:00 to 13:30. Closed on Mondays.

The historical center of Nice has preserved the spirit of a serene French town of the 19th century, not yet chosen by aristocrats and nouveau riche. Walking through the narrow streets of the Old Town is not easy; at times they turn into a labyrinth with steep slopes. But it's worth it to get to know the real Nice. A Russian-speaking guide will be happy to take you through the most interesting streets of the historical center! Shows you the main squares, palaces, churches and houses of the ancient part of Nice. Listen to urban legends on the author's tour and find out where to take the best photos. Book the required time.

Small cafes and vintage shops will await you everywhere in the historical part. Relax in them while enjoying the architectural sights of the Old Town over a cup of coffee, or buy them as souvenirs of Nice.

Musée Massena

The Musée Massena tells the story of pre-war Nice, from the last decades of the 18th century to the Second World War. The exhibition includes interior items, Art Deco posters, early photographs, paintings and other details from the past century. The museum is located in the villa of André Massena, Marshal of Napoleon's Empire. The estate is surrounded by a wonderful garden.

Address: 65, Rue de France.

Opening hours: Wednesday-Monday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Entrance -

Parc du Château

One of the most beautiful places in Nice and the best observation deck. From here you have a view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Getting to Chateau Park is not easy; to do this you will have to climb a hill along numerous paths and stairs. But if you don’t want to bother going up the mountain, use the elevator located near the Bellanda Tower. At the top of the hill you will be greeted by beautiful views of the port and the Bay of Angels, the freshness of a shady park and the coolness of a sparkling waterfall.

Address: Montée Eberle.

Opening hours: from 8:00 to 20:00 in , until 18:00 in .

Free admission.

Archaeological Museum (Musée d'Archéologie)

Even before conquering the English and Russian aristocrats, Nice attracted the ancient Romans. Discover their legacy at the Archaeological Museum, located near the ruins of the Roman baths and arena. The exhibition consists of various collections of antiquities: coins, tools, ceramics.

Address: 160, Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez.

Price: 10 €. The ticket is valid for 24 hours for all Nice municipal museums.

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Musée d"Art Moderne et d"Art Contemporain, MAMAC)

Nice loves and appreciates art, hence the large number of free museums and galleries. At the heart of MAMAC is a fine collection of works by European and American avant-garde artists - 400 works illustrating the development of art from the 1960s to the present day. Here you will see paintings by local artists such as Yves Klein and Niki de Saint Phalle, and iconic celebrities such as Warhol and Lichtenstein.

Address: Place Yves Klein.

Opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 18:00. Closed on Mondays.

Entrance: 10 €. The ticket is valid for 24 hours for all Nice municipal museums.

Port of Nice (Le Port de Nice)

The Port of Nice is a lively and incredibly beautiful area of ​​the city. It is a unique exhibition of exclusive yachts, boats and expensive cars. Ferries depart from here.

The port is located near the Old City, next to the United States waterfront.

Theater of Photography (Théâtre de la Photographie et de l’Image)

The museum-theater hosts popular permanent and temporary exhibitions. The most famous photographers organize exhibitions of their works here. The museum is also famous for its gallery of celebrities who once visited Nice and a huge library with 4,000 books on the art of photography.

Don't forget to download our app for Nice, it contains a map with all the attractions for you.

Address: 1, Place Pierre Gautier.

Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Monday.

Free admission.

Nice sightseeing map

Enjoy your holiday on the Cote d'Azur!