Visit Nice, the capital of the French Riviera
A true jewel of the French Riviera, Nice is a city with Italian accents that charms with its seaside, its luxury hotels and its Mediterranean gardens. Discover the places and activities not to be missed in this incredibly elegant city.
Nice : the places not to be missed
« The Promenade of the English »
Nice is famous worldwide for its Promenade des Anglais, which runs along the Mediterranean Sea for 7 km. This palm tree-lined promenade is ideal for soaking up the glamorous atmosphere of the Riviera. Walk, bike or rollerblade along its bike path. You will enjoy a view of the azure blue sea and the palaces of the Belle Époque such as the Negresco.
The Masséna place
Considered as the heart of Nice, the place Masséna looks like an authentic Italian square. It is easily recognisable thanks to its red facades, its arcades and its checkerboard paving. You can admire the fountain of the sun and its statue of Apollo. Place Masséna will also delight shopping enthusiasts thanks to its many luxury boutiques.
The old town of Nice
If you don't know what to visit in Nice, go to the old town. Famous for its ancient facades ranging from yellow to ochre, the Old Nice is crisscrossed with picturesque streets where soap stores exalt their colourful perfumes. You will naturally end up in the Italian-style Rossetti square, dominated by the Sainte-Réparate cathedral. Don't miss the Cours Saleya and its flower, fruit and vegetable market. Take the opportunity to try Nice's specialities such as the socca, a cake made of chickpea flour and olive oil, baked in the oven.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
A real curiosity, St. Nicholas Cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox buildings outside Russia. In this building completed in 1912, you can admire sumptuous frescoes, woodwork and icons.
The hill of the Castle
This hill which culminates at 93 metres is one of the main places to visit in Nice. Don't expect to see the castle, which was destroyed in the 18th century. Nevertheless, an equally pleasant surprise awaits you: a breathtaking view of Old Nice, the Bay of Angels and the surrounding hills. The hill of the Castle is also a park of 2 hectares, suitable for romantic walks.
Museums not to be missed
Culture lovers will never be disappointed in Nice. The city has a number of fascinating museums, such as the Marc Chagall national museum, which houses many works by the artist of the same name. Art lovers will also appreciate the Matisse museum, housed in a magnificent 17th century Genoese villa. In Old Nice, the Lascaris Palace opens its doors to you. You will find an amazing collection of old musical instruments. Not to be missed is the Masséna museum, surrounded by lush gardens, and dedicated to the history of the city of Nice.
Enjoy the sea in Nice
Nice is inseparable from the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to its exceptional climate, perfectly adapted to seaside activities, it has been a major vacation spot since the beginning of the 20th century. Its long beaches are ideal for relaxing and swimming in warm, clear waters. Nautical clubs will also offer you all kinds of activities: sailing, kayaking, diving, water-skiing, etc.
Take a cruise on the Bay of Angels
And why not offer yourself a cruise? It's the ideal way to see the city from another angle and to appreciate this very special light. The different companies in Nice offer various options. For example, you can embark on a coastal walk to the bay of Villefranche to enjoy an exceptional view of Nice and its surroundings. If you prefer sailing, you can rent a boat with a skipper to meet the dolphins and whales of the Mediterranean Sea: sensations guaranteed!
Attend the most important events in Nice
Nice is a city of events. The most famous is the Nice Carnival, which takes place every year in February. It is one of the main carnivals in the world, along with those of Rio and Venice. On the program: parade of monumental floats, big heads and battle of flowers. Since 1948, music lovers have flocked to the Nice Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, which takes place in July.
Go hiking
Nice is lucky to be between land and sea. If you prefer to stay on dry land, let yourself be tempted by a hike in the area. For example, you can follow the coastal path to Villefranche-sur-Mer, climb Mount Boron or go to the top of the Vinaigrier nature park. For those who can't resist the call of the mountains, the Préalpes d'Azur national park offers many possibilities in a sumptuous landscape of gorges and green hills.
Practical information
Coming to Nice
Entry requirements in Nice, France:
Need information about the entry requirements in the country?
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Map of Nice
How to get to Nice
Going to Nice from Noumea
To reach Nice easily from Noumea, consult our page Flight Noumea Nice.
Travel time
The shortest travel time to Noumea Nice is 27 hours and 15 minutes. This travel time may vary depending on your itinerary. Flights beyond the Aircalin network are operated by our partner airlines.
Time difference
It is 9 hours later in Noumea, New Caledonia than in Nice, France.
When to go to Nice
When is the best time to visit Nice?
Nice has a warm temperate climate and can be visited at any time of the year. The best time to visit is :
- Summer period : From April to October, discover the city under the Mediterranean sun. Beware, however, of temperatures that can reach 40°C in the hottest part of the summer, in July and August.
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