Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Nice, France. #Top Attractions

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Are you contemplating a vacation to Nice, France? Make the most of your vacation time in Nice, France, we have compiled a list of our favorite things to do in Nice, France. Explore the top attractions and activities in the best places to go in Nice, France, by scrolling down! As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter aspires to make a huge impact on the world.

Avenue Jean Médecin

Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice, France
Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice, France / bobbsled / Flickr

Shopping galore? Find what you need in this avenue!

Suppose you want to take a leisurely stroll down one of the most famous avenues in Nice. In that case, you should consider walking down the famed Avenue Jean Medicin.

This well-known neighborhood in town was named after one of the city’s former mayors. He served as the town’s mayor for more than 50 years. 

A great deal of thought has been put into the overall design, and the tour of the famous promenade is nothing short of spectacular.

The Avenue Jean Médecin is Nice’s main shopping area, stretching north and south with the tram running up the center.

A touristy atmosphere dominates the southern portion of the street, while the northern half has an artistic, neighborhood vibe.

Stop in at one of the many shops and movie theaters while appreciating the architectural elements of the Belle Époque Riviera Building and Galeries Lafayette, among other buildings, to get your shopping fix.

The streets are ideal for pedestrians and have plenty of room. So come and check out the great deals the various stores offer!

Address: 06000 Nice, France

Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption

Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, Nice, France
Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, Nice, France / Teresa Grau Ros / Flickr

The little sister of Notre Dame in Paris.

The Roman Catholic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice is in the center of Nice on the Avenue Jean Médecin.

Louis Lenormand was inspired by the Neo-Gothic architecture of Angers Cathedral, which was built in 1864-1868 and was Nice’s largest cathedral at the time.

The construction of this gothic-style structure was driven by France’s ambition to Frenchify Nice after it was captured from Italy. Gothic architecture was considered to be a French invention at the time it was built.

Its most noticeable features are the two 65-meter-tall square towers and a massive rose window depicting images of the Assumption of Mary.

You’ll find the church about a 15-minute walk north of the Promenade des Anglais. 

If you need to take a break from all of the walking, you may ride the tram along Avenue Jean Medecin, north and south.

Nevertheless, it is a beautiful and intricate basilica that is well worth a visit!

Address: 2 Rue d’Italie, 06000 Nice, France

Castle Hill Park (Parc de la Colline du Château)

Castle Hill Park Parc de la Colline du Château, Nice, France
Castle Hill Park (Parc de la Colline du Château), Nice, France / Charles JACQUES / Flickr

Capture the city’s best panoramic views at the top of the hill!

When you think of Nice, the first image that undoubtedly comes to mind is the beach reaching out to the horizon, with the Mediterranean on the left and the red-tiled roofs of the Old Town on the right.

The original inhabitants of Nice were the Greeks, who occupied Castle Hill on a hill overlooking the coast about 2000 years ago.

The Castle of Nice was once the crowning glory of the region, but Louis XIV’s army razed it to the ground in 1706. Today, it serves as a public park to take in the city’s best views.

It’s also possible to bring a picnic lunch, perhaps some fruit you bought at Cours Saleya.

A waterfall, green palms, and meandering walkways beckon visitors to take a leisurely stroll through this lush haven. 

Most people take the staircase to get to the top. Still, there is also an accessible elevator available if you are unable to or do not choose to go by the stairs.

Castle Hill is truly one of the most beautiful sites to visit in Nice, so don’t miss it!

Address: Rue des Ponchettes, Rue de Foresta, Montée Montfort, Nice

Cimiez Monastery (Monastere de Cimiez)

Cimiez Monastery Monastere de Cimiez, Nice, France
Cimiez Monastery (Monastere de Cimiez), Nice, France / historical couple / Flickr

Stop by the park and give yourself a good recharge!

Nice’s quiet park is being hailed as a beautiful respite from the city’s busy beaches and squares.

The garden features an abundance of flora and fauna, including exquisite climbing roses and a stunning perspective of the city and bay.

The monks of the Abbey of St. Pontius created this structure in the ninth century, and it will excite any visitors to Nice who are interested in architecture.

The Franciscans used it as a residence, which is now a museum before it was turned into a hospital after the Revolution. 

Later, the monastic group again took over and used it as a parish church. The building’s Neo-Gothic front, redesigned in the nineteenth century, can now be admired.

Stained-glass windows and a carved balcony on top of the abbey offer an impressive facade for the architectural ensemble.

The Cimiez Monastery and Garden is open year-round and accessible to the public, so don’t forget to add it on your Nice’s day trip!

Address:164, Avenue des Ar̬nes de Cimiez Р06000 Nice

Flower Market (Marché Aux Fleur)

Flower Market Marché Aux Fleur, Nice, France
Flower Market (Marché Aux Fleur), Nice, France / Matt Kieffer / Flickr

Looking for some local produce? Cours Saleya is the perfect place for you!

The Cours Saleya is a wide boulevard in Nice’s Old Town where numerous open-air markets may be found.

It is best known for Marché aux fleurs or the flower market. However, there are more fruits and vegetables than flowers. Nice has a long-held affinity for flowers.

In Nice, farmers have gathered for more than a century to sell their blooms to wholesalers, who then ship them to other parts of the country.

Nice also hosts the Bataille de Fleurs, a flower march as part of the Carnaval festivities.

Nearby homes built in the 18th century today house pubs and restaurants selling traditional Niçois fare, which once served as the park for the aristocratic classes of Nice.

Free samples are a great approach for businesses to convince you to buy their products.

Take advantage of the early bird specials and arrive as soon as possible!

Address: 06300 Nice, France

Hotel Negresco

Hotel Negresco, Nice, France
Hotel Negresco, Nice, France / Clark Weber / Flickr

More than a hundred years old, but the beauty never fades.

It’s hard to think of a better representation of the French Riviera legend than this palace. 

Le Negresco, the iconic image of the fabled Riviera, symbolizes the desire for pleasure, leisure, and comfort.

The rosy pink dome and exterior of this building were built in 1912 by Henri Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais.

It is one of the few luxury hotels in France that is not owned by a tourism or hotel corporation.

From the first floor all the way up to the top floor, there are works of art to be found everywhere: Eiffel stained glass, a Baccarat chandelier, and an official picture of Louis XIV, to name a few highlights.

The Hotel Negresco has 96 guest rooms, including 21 suites. In each area, antique furniture and original artwork ranging from Louis XIII-style to contemporary works are used to create a distinct look and feel.

Moreover, their suites have ocean views, making them quite popular with visitors.  

Enjoying a hearty breakfast on a Riviera balcony, with the sound of the ocean lapping nearby, is an experience that cannot be matched.

Explore Hotel Negresco yourself and experience a luxurious stay! 

Address: 37 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

Garden of Arenas Cimiez (Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez)

Garden of Arenas Cimiez (Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez), Nice, France
Garden of Arenas Cimiez (Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez) is one of the best places to go in Nice, France

Hidden away atop the hill where the residents of Nice most enjoy mingling.

The Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez is a 3.2-hectare olive grove that is very precious to the people of Nice.

On the weekends, it is a haven of peace. It quiets away from the commotion of the central city for locals and visitors alike.

This historical monument has the ruins of a Roman amphitheater that could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators.

In this pesticide-free park, held every May, is the Fête des Mai (Festa Dei Mai in Niçois), a long-running ritual that dates back centuries.

The nice residents congregate yearly for festivals, exhibitions, food kiosks, folk dances, music performances, and other events.

In addition, the Nice Jazz Festival was held on these grounds from 1974 to 2010 before moving to its current location in the Jardin Albert 1 er.

A family picnic, a leisurely walk, a game of pétanque, or even a short snooze in the shade of thousands of centuries-old olive trees are some of the many things you can do here, so come and visit now!

Address: 184 Av. des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice, France

Marc Chagall Museum (Musée Marc Chagall)

Marc Chagall Museum Musée Marc Chagall, Nice, France
Marc Chagall Museum (Musée Marc Chagall), Nice, France / historical couple / Flickr

Take a look at Chagall’s interpretations of biblical stories.

The Musée Marc Chagall, a French national museum in the heart of Nice, honors the life and work of the artist most known for his Biblical-themed paintings.

For a museum, Marc Chagall Museum is not only a bustling hub for art lovers, but it also has one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Russian-French artists’ works.

All of Chagall’s work, including 12 big paintings illustrating Old Testament images, is included in the collection.

Stained-glass pieces, sculptures, sketches, and many other exhibits have been added to the collection, making it one of the largest collections of Chagall’s works in the world.

Chagall’s hundreds of works have been added to the museum’s collection since 1973.

The exhibitions are geared for children and adults alike, and they’re displayed in a spacious, bright room.

The Museum Marc Chagall provides free admission and educational events, workshops, and guest speakers.

Learn more about Chagall’s art when you visit the museum.

Address: Av. Dr Ménard, 06000 Nice, France

Marinières Beach (Plage des Marinières)

Marinières Beach (Plage des Marinières), Nice, France
Marinières Beach (Plage des Marinières) is one of the best places to go in Nice, France

Enjoy a relaxing day at one of the French Riviera’s most famous beaches.

About a kilometer of the beach may be found on the southwest-facing Plage des Marinières, which wraps around the bay.

Marinières beach is the principal beach in the port and can be found right below the station, whose walls are adorned with spectacular fuchsia bougainvillea. 

A real paradise all year round, this sandy beach with striking color contrasts is a wonderful haven of relaxation.

The view from Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most stunning on the French Riviera, and it’s free.

With a shallow water depth of roughly 10 meters, Plage Marinières is an excellent beach for families with young children.

This small, colorful village, nestled between Nice and Cap Ferrat, offers a stunning view of a harbor surrounded by blue waters, making it a popular tourist destination.

Spend a fun-filled weekend here at Marinières Beach.

Address: 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Mont Boron Park (Parc du Mont Boron)

Mont Boron Park (Parc du Mont Boron), Nice, France
Mont Boron Park (Parc du Mont Boron) is one of the best places to go in Nice, France

Take in the breathtaking views of the French Riviera.

In the heart of Nice, the Parc du Mont Boron is a gorgeous 57-hectare tract of forest offering tree-shaded walking pathways that provide stunning views of the mountains, sea, and city below.

It includes an 11-kilometer hiking trail, a 1.5-kilometer exercise circuit, picnic areas, and pétanque fields – everything you need for a fun-filled day at the park.

There are hundreds of species of natural Mediterranean plant life to discover, and you can get away from the noise and bustle of the city.

You can even go on a tour of the ruins of a military fort from the 16th century. 

It’s a family-friendly recreation facility surrounded by unspoiled wilderness only a few minutes from the city center.

Travel through the countryside and discover miles of wild olive and carob trees, winding alleyways, and bright natural flora.

The natural surroundings of Mont Boron Park make it an ideal place to go for a hike or participate in other types of exciting outdoor sports.

You can enjoy a picnic lunch, throw a ball, or play some lawn bowling during your visit.

Address: 4 Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck, 06300 Nice, France

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Musée Matisse

Musée Matisse, Nice, France
Musée Matisse, Nice, France / historical couple / Flickr

One of the greatest artists once said that you can “escape reality” through art.

The Musée Matisse houses one of the world’s largest collections of Matisse’s paintings, amassed during his almost 40-year residence in Nice.

Explore the life and work of one of France’s most famous painters, with paintings, drawings, sculptures, and his iconic paper cut-outs all on display at the Musée Matisse and some of his personal belongings.

It is situated on the hill of Cimiez and houses a historic Genoese palace surrounded by beautiful Italianate landscaped gardens.

Since Matisse and his heirs generously gave numerous works to the museum, it now houses 68 paintings and gouaches, over 200 drawings, over 200 prints, 57 sculptures, and approximately 100 photographs, among other things.

Woman Reading, Le Bonheur de Vivre, Blue Nudes, and The Dessert: Harmony in Red are just a few well-known pieces on display in the museum.

Other events held at the museum include art workshops and temporary exhibits. 

The beautiful environment is just another reason to visit this museum. Aside from the gardens, there’s an olive grove on the property.

A visit here is highly recommended for art enthusiasts.

Address: 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice, France

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Nice, France
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Nice, France / Tammy Lo / Flickr

Meet the creations of famous artists here!

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art launched in Place Yves Klein in 1990 and is commonly referred to as MAMAC.

The museum is housed in a modern skyscraper designed by architects Yves Bayard and Henri Vidal.

It features four towers made of Carrara marble in the Italian city of Carrara.

Art from well-known to lesser-known artists is displayed in the museum’s avant-garde gallery.

You’ll find works by artists such as Yves Klein, Francois Dufrene, Andy Warhol, Claude Pages, and Niki de Saint Phalle among those on display here.

There is a lot to see over the three levels of this museum.

Still, the highlight is the building’s rooftop exhibition room, where breathtaking views over the town create an outstanding backdrop to the art. 

A ticket costs 10 euros, but you can pay 20 euros to access all of Nice’s museums for seven days.

You can visit MAMAC on your own or as part of a full-day tour of Nice.

Address: Place Yves Klein, 06000 Nice, France

Nice Carnival (Carnival de Nice)

Nice Carnival Carnival de Nice, Nice, France
Nice Carnival (Carnival de Nice), Nice, France / Lambert Rellosa / Flickr

The best carnival hits the town!

The Nice Carnival alone is reason enough to visit the city. The city of Nice celebrates this glamorous festival every February.

A world-famous event, Nice’s carnival draws about one million visitors from all over the world each year, representing all cultures.

It is the largest winter festival on the Riviera and a must-see for anybody visiting the area.

Taking place for 15 days during Mardi Gras, this massive French carnival parade showcases 16 elaborately adorned floats as they make their way along the Promenade des Anglais to Nice’s center square, Place Masséna.

The carnival comes to an end with the ceremonial burial of the Carnival King here.

Everything is exaggerated in the Carnival, which draws inspiration from traditional motifs and political and social events. 

A hearty dosage of satire is sprinkled throughout the festivities, and every year has a new theme to it.

The carnival of Nice is the European version of the world-famous Carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The streets are crowded with stalls selling presents, including Provencal goods, lavender, vividly colored fabrics, and food available day and night.

Don’t miss the experience and enjoyment like never before, only here at the Carnival de Nice!

Address: Place Masséna

Old Town (Vieille Ville)

Old Town Vieille Ville, Nice, France
Old Town (Vieille Ville), Nice, France / Guilhem Vellut / Flickr

Find all the hidden gems in an old town painted in orange and yellow.

Lovely Old Town Nice, with its cobblestone streets and winding lanes, will remind you of Italy’s bustling capital city.

There are wide boulevards such Place Masséna, Jardin Albert I, and Promenade du Paillon encircling the Vieille Ville, affectionately referred to as “Babazouk.” 

The westernmost point of the Colline du Chateau marks the beginning of the Vieille Ville.

Fishers and farmers sell their wares at the Ponchettes market stalls on the Cours Saleya, which borders the southern edge of the Old Town.

Tourists that continue their exploration of the Old Town north of the Cours Saleya will come across the Palais de la Préfecture, the Cathedral of Nice (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate), and another notable 17th-century Baroque church.

A bit further north, at 15 Rue Droite, you’ll find the lavish Baroque palace belonged to the family of Lascaris-Vintimille, who were the Counts of Castellar and lived there until the mid-17th century.

The Palais Lascaris now serves as a historical landmark and is home to a museum with a diverse collection of artwork.

Feel the distinct difference in atmosphere between the Old Town and the rest of the city. It’s as though you’ve entered another world!

Address: Nice, France

Parc Phoenix

Parc Phoenix, Nice, France
Parc Phoenix, Nice, France / danieleinstag / Flickr

Explore the sanctuary of nature.

Parc Phoenix houses over 2,500 types of plants from around the world in themed zones.

There includes a fountain, a pyramid and trail, the Oasis, a Provencal Shed, a Valley of Grasses, a Vegetable Garden, Citrus Fruits, and the Island of the Past.

Additionally, there are animal cages and terrariums containing turtles, otters, and tropical spiders, while in the greenhouse, mandarin ducks, Chilean flamingos, and iguanas can be found freely roaming.

You must pay a three-Euro entrance fee to enter this park, but it is money well spent considering how much is jammed into just seven hectares on the western end of the Promenade des Anglais in Cannes.

Children are admitted free of charge, and it is one of the few attractions in Nice that they are sure to appreciate.

On-site amenities include a snack shop that serves beverages, ice cream, sandwiches, and light cuisine. Toilets and change spaces are available on-site for your convenience. 

Loans for wheelchairs and strollers are available, but availability may be limited due to high demand.

See the beauty of what nature has to offer here at Parc Phoenix!

Place Garibaldi & Le Petit Marais

 Place Garibaldi & Le Petit Marais, Nice, France
Place Garibaldi & Le Petit Marais, Nice, France / Bill Tyne / Flickr

Dine and sip coffee under the shade of trees.

This square is one of Nice’s best-known landmarks. You can walk to various exciting destinations from here, or you can take advantage of the multiple restaurants and cafes that dot the area.

Garibaldi Square can’t be missed if you’re in Nice (Place Garibaldi). After Place Massena, it is the city’s second-most important urban square.

Victor Amadeus III of Turin (Victor-Amédée III de Sardaigne), King of Sardinia, was greeted in it. As a result, Piazza Vittorio was the initial name of the square.

At the time, Nice was part of Italy, and Garibaldi Square remained more Italian than French.

You’ll find Le Petit Marais, one of Nice’s most fashionable districts within Place Garibaldi and the port. The area’s restaurants and entertainment like nightclubs have earned it a tourist destination.

Located in the heart of Le Petit Marais’ restaurant district, the Place du Pin serves as a meeting point for locals and tourists alike.

Have a great time and enjoy the urban feel of the place!

Address: 06300 Nice, France

Place Massena

Place Massena, Nice, France
Place Massena, Nice, France / Sheila Sund / Flickr

Be amazed by the moment you step onto Place Massena!

Lots of kids were having a good time in the local fountain, and others were dancing, and all of this was overlooked by a statue of a nude Apollo, the Greek god, seated on pillars above the square.

Because of his distinguished service in Napoleon’s army as “l’Enfant chéri de la Victoire,” or “the Dear Child of Victory,” Andre Massena, the Duke of Rivoli, was given the honor of having his name placed on this square.

Its surrounding 17th-century architecture serves as a connector between the Old Town quarter and the city’s commercial center.

A pedestrian-only zone was established in the square when a tramway transportation system was rebuilt, and an art project by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa was placed.

There are palm palms lining the square, which was designed in 1843 by Joseph Vernier and is where most public festivals and activities take place.

It’s a good idea to begin your city tour here.

Address: 13 Pl. Massena, 06000 Nice, France

Promenade des Anglais

Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France
Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France / piet theisohn / Flickr

Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the stunningly blue Mediterranean Sea as you stroll down the coast.

The Promenade des Anglais, also known as the ‘Walkway of the English,’ runs along the Mediterranean coast between Nice Airport and Quai des États-Unis for approximately 5km.

This iconic beachfront avenue is adorned with planted palm trees and magnificent gardens.

It comprises a sidewalk/esplanade for pedestrians exclusively, a cycling lane, and a vehicle road.

In addition to various restaurants and pubs on the beach where you can relax while watching the waves, the seaside offers a variety of shopping opportunities.

Palais de la Méditerranée theater and the Villa Masséna, home of the Musée Masséna, a designated Historical Monument, mansion are two examples of the sumptuous buildings that have graced the Promenade des Anglais since the Belle Epoch.

This is a classic Riviera experience that should not be missed if you are in town!

Address: 185 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral

St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, Nice, France
St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, Nice, France / Steve Cadman / Flickr

This cathedral looks like it could be in the middle of St. Petersburg, doesn’t it?

The St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral is another gorgeous cathedral in the city, with dramatic minarets and colorful towers in the Russian architectural tradition make it stand out from the crowd.

A treasure box of beautiful icons, paintings, and gilded iconostases, the cathedral was completed in 1912 by Tsar Nicholas and designed in the Muscovite style.

There is a bell tower dome totally covered in gold leaf, and the cathedral was designed in the shape of a Greek cross. 

Each of the building’s six bulb domes is adorned with an Italian gilt cross. 

Six bulb domes are adorned with an Italian gilt cross, a unique feature. 

The exquisite mosaics on its red brick façade add a touch of elegance to the building.

With its astoundingly rich decorating, the church’s interior does not fall short of the exterior.

It is owned by the Russian Federation, is a French national monument, and is currently under the Moscow Patriarchate’s control.

Nice’s stunning cathedrals have a rich history and beautiful architecture, making them a must-see on your vacation.

Address: Avenue Nicolas II and Boulevard Tzarévitch, Nice

The Mini Replica of the Statue of Liberty

The Mini Replica of the Statue of Liberty, Nice, France
The Mini Replica of the Statue of Liberty is one of the best places to go in Nice, France

Name of Listing: The Mini Replica of the Statue of Liberty

Another little Lady Liberty is making her journey across the Atlantic.

There are hundreds of statue replicas worldwide, including in Paris, Tokyo, Kosovo, and Brazil. Still, none are as large as the one in New York.

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, France gave the United States a statue called “Liberty enlightening the world” to welcome visitors to New York City.

“Our Eiffel Tower is like our Statue of Liberty,” Liam Wasley, a US Embassy spokesman in Paris, said at the ceremony. 

According to Wasley, it represents “the richness of our relationship with France.”

In the words of Mayor Chrisitan Estrosi, “we wanted it to be modest in order not to compete with New York!” the monument is located just across the street from the Opera House on a 2m-high platform.

Over 992 pounds and slightly under 10 feet in height, the monument was first created in 2009, when it weighed over 450 kilograms (992 pounds).

Don’t blink because you might miss it!

Address: Quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice, France

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