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Old Nice Town, France. Photo by Nick Karvounis

Top 10 Remarquable Facts about Old Nice (Vieille Ville)

Nice’s Old Town is comprised of tall apartment buildings lined up along slim, silhouetted streets. Restaurants, shops, and galleries of local artists occupy the ground floors.

Everything is available here, from Provencal spices to handcrafted jewelleries and cosmetics. Simply walk in and allow yourself to be swept away by the old days, which is still very much present.

Nice’s Old Town (Vieille Ville), also known as Old Nice (Vieux Nice), is located just below Castle Hill. It borders the Promenade des Anglais to the south, and the Paillon River, or rather the Promenade of Paillon, to the north, because the river has been flowing through the city in an underground channel since 1972.

Street names in the Old Town are written in two languages: French and the local Nissart dialect (niçart).

1.Visit the Parc du Mont Boron and go hiking

The Parc du Mont Boron provides the perfect getaway from the bustle of Nice with its 11km (6.8mi) of hiking routes, picnic spaces, and breath-taking vistas. Aleppo pines, olive trees, and holm oaks cover 57 hectares (141 acres) of the hilltop woodland. 

Visitors interested in history can ascend the hill to the military Fort du Mont Alban, built in the 16th century. From here, they can enjoy sweeping panoramas of Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, and the Esterel mountains.

2.Follow the Promenade des Anglais as you stroll

The most recognizable section of Nice’s oceanfront is the broad, Promenade des Anglais, which is lined with palm trees. It has unbroken views of the Baie des Anges for 7 km (4.3 mi) and takes its name from the English expat donors who funded it in 1822.

It extends from the airport in the west to the castle headland in the east. Locals call it “La Prom,” and it features a lane just for skateboarders and bikers. You may hire skates, scooters, and bikes at Roller Station if you want to join them. 

Along the route, look out for the promenade’s famous buildings, including as the 1913-built Hôtel Negresco with its pink dome and the art-deco Palais de la Méditerranée (1929).

3.Discover the Vieux Nice’s crowded streets

Nice, France. Photo by Chris Curry

Halfway between France and Italy, the “Nissart” region has a lengthy history that is reflected in its culture and cuisine. Enjoy it by taking a leisurely stroll through Nice’s old town.

The city’s Italian heritage is most clearly visible in this area. Spend some time getting lost in the twisting, tiny alleys and alleyways, and don’t forget to look up to admire the vibrant building facades that are so typical of the neighbourhood.

Before heading to the bustling markets and café terraces of the Cours Saleya, admire the architectural wonders like as the Cathédrale Ste-Réparate and the 17th-century Palais Lascaris.

4.Colline du Château climb for stunning views 

Climb the stairs (or take the free lift) leading up to the Colline du Château for breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges and Nice’s rooftops. A medieval castle and military walls once stood in this lush, forested park on the eastern side of the old town, but Louis XIV demolished them in 1706.

Since then, Celtic and Roman artifacts have been discovered during archaeological digs. The Tour Bellanda is still present today, along with a charming garden with play spaces, a stunning man-made waterfall, and expansive views that are best appreciated at dusk.

5.Sample the delights of Niçoise street food

Consume socca (pancakes made of chickpea flour), pissaladière (caramelized onion and anchovy tart), tourte de blettes (chard, raisin, and pine nut pie), as well as other delectable Niçoise street fare, at the well-known Chez Pipo restaurant near Port Lympia or from the Chez Thérésa cart at the Cours Saleya market in Old Nice. 

Pan bagnat, a round sandwich stuffed with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, black olives, and raw vegetables and drenched in olive oil, is another iconic local delicacy. Basically a niçois salade in a bun!

Visit Lou Balico in front of the MAMAC museum, Kiosque Chez Tintin close to the Libération market, or La Gratta beside Port Lympia for some of the best in town.

6.The MAMAC has your modern art fix

The influential avant-garde École de Nice produced a sizable collection of works that are on display at the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC). Immerse yourself in the realms of Niki de Saint Phalle, Ben Vautier, and Martial Raysse as well as the imposing blue masterpieces of Yves Klein.

 The remarkable modernist structure of this multi-level museum also contains exhibitions of contemporary art in addition to pop art classics like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. For sweeping views of the city, go to the rooftop display area. 

7.Musée Masséna offers historical explorations of the city

Rue du Pontin, Nice, France. The old side of town. Photo by Robin Ooode

This lavish belle-époque estate, which was originally constructed between 1898 and 1901 as a second residence for Prince Victor d’Essling, the grandson of Maréchal André Massena, one of Napoleon’s favourite generals, today houses an intriguing museum devoted to the history of Nice and the Riviera.

 One of the many architectural wonders lining Nice’s renowned Promenade des Anglais, the Musée Masséna is well worth a visit to learn about the city’s beginnings, the history of tourism on the Riviera, its effects, and the Carnaval de Nice, which has been a favourite event for both locals and tourists since 1876.

8.View some of Matisse’s most famous works of art 

Henri Matisse (1869–1954), one of France’s most well-known artists, resided in Nice for almost 40 years. Visit the Musée Matisse in Cimiez to view one of the largest collections of his art anywhere in the world, which includes paintings, sketches, sculptures, and paper cut-outs. 

The museum is located in a stunning Genoese villa in red ochre that is flanked by olive trees and is only a short distance from the Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez, which is where Matisse is laid to rest.

9.Observe the people on the Promenade du Paillon

After shopping on Avenue Jean-Médecin and admiring Place Masséna’s picturesque surroundings, including its mesmerizing tilework, magnificent baroque fountain, and 19th-century red-ochre buildings, take a well-deserved breather by people-watching on the Promenade du Paillon. 

From Place Masséna to the Théâtre National de Nice, this 1.2km (three-quarters of a mile) long, exquisitely designed park offers abundance of greenery, wooden seats, water features, and play places for kids.

10.Visit several bars in Old Nice

Nice Vieux-Ville (old town). Photo by Oksana Avramenko

The Vieux Nice, with its wide variety of clubs, taverns, and restaurants, is the best spot in Nice to spend an evening out. Start off with a beer or glass of wine in pleasant company at Le Bateleur or Café des Amis on the Cours Saleya.

On the first-floor balcony of La Movida, which overlooks the Mediterranean, have a beverage while watching the sun go down. If you want a traditional pint, visit Les Distilleries Idéales, a stalwart local favourite.

 Dinner at Bar des Oiseaux, Olive et Artichaut, Peixes, or Le Comptoir du Marché, boasting the finest regional fare cooked to perfection, is a great way to cap off your evening.