The pearl of France's Cote d'Azur: what to visit in Nice

The old town of Nice, with its narrow streets, colorful houses and picturesque squares, is the real heart of the city. Here you can feel the spirit of the Mediterranean, walking past boutiques, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town is especially impressive with its architecture, where baroque, classicism and modern styles are intertwined.

One of the hallmarks of Nice is the English Promenade, which stretches along the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can enjoy a walk, admiring luxurious villas, fashionable hotels and incredible panoramas.

Nice is also known for its museums and galleries, among which the Museum of Modern Art stands out. Works by such prominent artists as Matisse, Picasso and Monet are presented here.

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What to visit in the French Riviera:

Promenade des Angles

The Promenade des Angles is probably Nice's most famous and favorite promenade, stretching along the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

This 7-kilometer promenade, also known as the English Promenade, is the real heart of the city, a favorite recreation spot for locals and tourists alike. The wide, palm-lined boulevard attracts many pedestrians, cyclists and roller skaters who enjoy the magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea.

A special highlight of the Promenade des Angles is its incredible architecture. Along the embankment there are luxurious hotels, palaces and villas built in different styles - from classicism to modernism. These majestic buildings, with their elegant facades, balconies and terraces, add a special sophistication and charm to the Promenade.

Walking along the promenade, you can admire wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea, bays and mountains surrounding Nice. Especially impressive are the views of the sunset, when the water and the sky seem to shimmer with golden and pink shades.

The old Town

The heart of Nice beats in its historic center. This is a charming quarter that preserves the authentic spirit of the Mediterranean and the vivid identity of the city. The narrow streets of the Old Town, framed by colored houses with an Italian flavor, create a unique atmosphere of past eras. Time seems to have stopped here, and you find yourself in a real provincial Europe. Picturesque squares, cozy cafes and shops with local delicacies inspire leisurely walks.

A special highlight of the Old Town is the Market Square, where a colorful food market unfolds every morning. Here you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, olive oil and other goodies, immersing yourself in the aromas and bustle of the Nice bazaar.

Among the architectural gems of the Old Town, it is worth highlighting the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which impresses with its Gothic forms and harmonious combination of styles.

Kur Saleya Market

Saleya is one of the most famous and beloved markets in Nice, attracting tourists and locals alike with its authentic atmosphere and diverse range of goods.

Located in the heart of the old town, the Kur Saleya market stretches along several streets, forming a network of covered pavilions and open-air stalls. Here you can find everything from fresh seafood and local fruits and vegetables to spices, cheeses, baked goods and flowers.

The fishing section of the market is especially impressive, where you can see huge freshly caught tuna, lobsters, oysters and other seafood. In addition to the food aisles, you can find many stalls selling local handicrafts - ceramics, textiles, jewelry and souvenirs - at the Kur Saleya market. There is a special, relaxed atmosphere that allows you to feel the true spirit of Nice.

The market is open every day, except Monday, and gathers many people - both tourists who want to immerse themselves in local life, and local residents who buy products for their homes.

Promenade du Paillon

The Promenade du Paillon is one of the most famous and beautiful promenades of Nice, located on the Cote d'Azur of France. It stretches along the Mediterranean Sea, with views of the Alps and the Gulf of Nice.

The promenade is also home to the annual Nice Carnival, one of the largest carnivals in Europe. Celebrations include colorful parades, fireworks and musical performances that attract millions of tourists.

Principality of Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is a unique and fascinating place located on the French Riviera, just a few kilometers from Nice. It is the smallest sovereign state in the world, covering an area of ​​just 2.02 km² and home to approximately 39,000 inhabitants.

Monaco is famous for its luxurious lifestyle, expensive cars, luxurious hotels and casinos. Its capital, Monte Carlo, is one of the most prestigious and fashionable areas in the world. It is home to luxury yachts, expensive boutiques, elite restaurants and the famous Monte Carlo Grand Prix, one of the most iconic Formula 1 races.

In addition, Monaco impresses with its incredible architecture and historical monuments. The princely palace, built in the 13th century, is the official residence of the princely family of Monaco. Here you can see wonderful frescoes, luxurious interiors and enjoy incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea.

No less impressive is the Monaco Cathedral Basilica, a grandiose building that dates back to the 19th century and is the burial place of many of Monaco's rulers.

Despite its small size, Monaco offers its visitors unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of luxury, wealth and aristocratic elegance.

Parc Collin du Chateau

Collin du Chateau, or Castle Hill, is one of the most famous sights in Nice. Rising above the Old Town, this small but picturesque peak offers visitors breathtaking views of the Cote d'Azur.

Conquering the slopes of Collin du Chateau, you get into the atmosphere of past centuries. The ruins of an ancient castle built in the 11th century have been preserved here. Although only fragments of the majestic palace remain, these ancient walls and towers give Castle Hill a special charm.

In addition, you can visit the Archaeological Museum at Collin du Chateau, which tells about the history of this area since ancient times. It houses interesting artifacts found during excavations that help to better understand Nice's past.

Matisse Museum

The Matisse Museum is a real temple of art dedicated to the work of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century - Henri Matisse. Located in the heart of Nice, this museum is a must-see for any connoisseur of contemporary art.

The museum building itself is a work of architectural art. Its design, created by a student of Matisse - Jacques Elter, harmoniously combines with the exhibits, filling the space with a special atmosphere.

The museum's collection is impressive in its scale and diversity, as more than 1,000 works by Matisse are presented here. Visitors can see his famous canvases, sculptures, graphics, as well as the artist's personal belongings and archive. Especially valuable are the early works that illustrate the development of Matisse as an innovator who laid the foundations of Fauvism.

Place Massena

Place Massena is the real heart of Nice, its impressive central square that attracts millions of tourists every year. Located in the very center of the city, this huge square is a hallmark of Nice.

The dominant feature of the square is the majestic Fountain of the Sun, created in honor of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its grand cascades of water and monumental sculptures representing the four seasons give the whole space a special solemnity and grandeur. The fountain becomes especially impressive at night, when it is illuminated by multi-colored lights.

Around the fountain stretches a wide square paved with pink granite, framed by elegant palace buildings in the baroque and classicism styles. Several large boulevards lead here, creating a sense of space and dynamics. The square is always crowded - it attracts both local residents and tourists from all over the world.

Phoenix Botanical Garden

The Phoenix Botanical Garden is a real green oasis spread out on a hill in the heart of Nice. This is one of the most beautiful and largest botanical gardens in France, which fascinates visitors with its incredible collection of exotic plants.

The main highlight of the garden is the huge greenhouses, under the vaults of which a real tropical jungle has been created. Here you can see thousands of species of rare and exotic plants from all over the world - from giant palm trees to delicate orchids. It seems that you are in some distant exotic land, the nature of the tropics is so realistically reproduced.

Outside the greenhouses stretch picturesque gardens where plants characteristic of the Mediterranean region grow. Here you can see luxurious flower beds with bright flowers, avenues lined with lavender, olive trees and cypresses. The air is filled with spicy aromas, and a sense of peace and harmony prevails around.