7 Wonderful Attractions in Nice, Beyond the Beaches

Gorgeous beaches, luxury yachts and villas of celebrities, chic restaurants and hotels — all these are about the French Riviera. This article will guide you on what to visit in Nice and how to independently travel to Cannes and Monaco. It also includes information about the attractions of these cities.

Nice has always attracted guests from around the world. Its fame and stylishness do not mean there is nothing for people with average income. Even a short trip to Nice is worth it.

The article will first cover the attractions of Nice and then the nearby cities.

Promenade des Anglais (English Promenade)

The length of the promenade is 7 kilometers.

It is home to Nice’s most famous and expensive hotels, numerous boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The promenade was created and built in the first half of the 19th century.

Walking along the promenade, enjoying the sea breeze, past luxurious villas and restaurants, and having a coffee in a cafe with a sea view is an unforgettable experience.

Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill)

This unique place preserves traces of Nice’s long history, including remnants of the Greek civilization that founded the city and ruins of an early medieval temple. Despite its name, there is no longer a castle here, as it was destroyed in the Middle Ages. Climbing the hill from the English Promenade, you can enjoy views of the sea and the boulevard itself.

On the other side of Castle Hill, a magnificent panoramic view of the Old Town opens up. At the top, a beautiful park awaits with unique trees and waterfalls.

Roman Hill

Interesting for history enthusiasts.

This place was once a suburb of Nice but has now transformed into the city district of Cimiez. Half a century of excavations revealed the baths of the ancient city of Cemenelum, a first-century amphitheater, and residential areas.

The surrounding olive grove, amidst the ruins, is now a venue for various festivals and celebrations.

Old Town

A visit to the Old Town is a must. Every corner here preserves its own attractions, blending Renaissance, Classicism, Medieval, and Modern styles. The Clock Tower, the building of the Old Senate, the Palace of Justice, the Naval Arsenal, and the Marble Cross – a symbol of the peace treaty between Spain and France – are notable.

The narrow streets and cozy squares of the Old Town are filled with numerous cafes, where one can enjoy the atmosphere of life and joy.

Museum of Fine Arts

Among the museums of Nice, the Museum of Fine Arts stands out.

The collection includes works from the 17th to the 20th centuries, featuring pieces by Fragonard, Creti, Robert, Monet, and Sisley. Also housed here is Rodin’s “The Age of Bronze” sculpture. The museum is named after Jules Chéret, an artist and graphic designer known as the father of the modern poster. His works are displayed in an exhibition that changes every three months.

Entrance fee: 6 euros.

Address: Avenue des Baumettes, 29.

Matisse Museum

The Matisse Museum is located in the mansion where the artist spent every summer for forty years. The exhibition is organized not by periods but by themes, as envisioned by Henri Matisse. The museum’s 18 rooms display numerous paintings, drawings, and sculptures of the famous impressionist and fauvist artists.

Museum hours:

Daily, except Tuesday, from 11:00 to 18:00 (from October 16 to June 22)

From 10:00 to 18:00 (from June 23 to October 15)

Ticket price: 10 euros.

Address: 164, avenue des Arenes de Cimiez.

Chagall Museum

The National Museum of Marc Chagall’s Biblical Message displays 17 large canvases on biblical themes. According to Chagall’s will, these paintings were supposed to be housed in the Louvre, but instead, a separate museum was created for them in the artist’s favorite city – Nice. The museum also features stained glass, a mosaic panel, and works from Chagall’s shtetl cycle.

Opening hours:

Daily, except Tuesday, from 10:00 to 17:00 (from November to April) and from 10:00 to 18:00 (from May to October)

Ticket prices:

8 euros for the permanent exhibition 10 euros for the permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions.

Address: Avenue Docteur Ménard.

This list does not exhaust all the museums and attractions of the capital of the French Riviera, but it includes the most significant ones. One day is certainly not enough to see everything. There are countless interesting places in Nice to talk about.