Walk Through Nice: A City Full of Southern French Resort Charm
Nice, the central city of the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) stretching along the Mediterranean coast. With a climate blessed with sunshine for most of the year and embracing the beautiful ‘Bay of Angels,’ this city continues to enchant travelers worldwide.
Nice’s charm isn’t just limited to its beautiful sea. A diverse array of attractions are packed within this compact city, including lively squares bustling with trams, a hub of art beloved by world-renowned artists, and the labyrinthine Old Town (Vieux Nice) that strongly retains its medieval character. This time, we’ll introduce five carefully selected spots, ranging from classic must-see attractions for first-time visitors to deep, hidden gems where you can truly feel the local atmosphere.
Marc Chagall National Museum
📍 Address: Av. Dr Ménard, 06000 Nice, France
The Marc Chagall National Museum of Biblical Message, nestled in the green, upscale residential area of Cimiez, a little distance from central Nice. This globally significant museum opened in 1973 during Marc Chagall’s lifetime, with the ‘master of color’ himself involved in its conception and design from the start.
The main highlight is Chagall’s large series of paintings based on the themes of ‘Genesis’ and ‘Exodus,’ which he donated to the state. These works, characterized by their profound spirituality and unique sense of weightlessness, vividly emerge under carefully orchestrated natural light. Furthermore, the blue stained-glass window ‘The Creation,’ adorning the concert hall, is a must-see. The space, enveloped in the beautiful blue light known as ‘Chagall Blue,’ is simply breathtaking.
The museum is compact, offering a quiet and calm atmosphere to engage with the artworks. A welcome feature for travelers is the ability to scan QR codes next to the works with a smartphone to listen to free audio guides in Japanese, allowing for self-paced appreciation. Please note that strict baggage checks are conducted upon entry, so it’s recommended to avoid large backpacks and visit with as little luggage as possible.
Place Masséna
📍 Address: Plassa Carlou Aubert, 06000 Nice, France
Place Masséna is a pivotal hub for transport and culture, connecting Nice’s new town and old town, often referred to as the ‘heart’ of Nice. Beautiful black and white checkered tiles pave the ground, over which modern trams leisurely glide—a scene uniquely Nice, blending the open feel of Southern France with contemporary flair.
On the south side of the square, the ‘Fountain of the Sun’ features a majestic 7-meter-tall pure white statue of Apollo, standing proudly against the blue sky. The square is surrounded by Italian Piedmont-style buildings with red facades, housing an array of restaurants, cafes, and luxury boutiques. Recently, the square has seen an increase in Japanese tourists visiting for ‘pilgrimages’ after appearing as a setting in a popular Netflix dating reality show.
While it’s a vibrant spot bustling with street performers and tourists during the day, at night, the statues on poles surrounding the square are lit up in seven colors, transforming it into a magical atmosphere. It’s an incredibly convenient base for strolls or as a meeting point, but given the crowds, be vigilant about your belongings and wary of pickpockets.
Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
📍 Address: Nice, 06300, France
If you visit Nice, a panoramic view from above is an absolute must-see. The ‘Castle Hill’ (Colline du Château), rising on the eastern side of the coastline, offers this unparalleled vantage point. Once home to a formidable fortress that defended Nice, this hill is now a lush green haven for citizens.
From the observation deck, you’re treated to a breathtaking spectacle: the deep blue sea of the ‘Bay of Angels’ (Baie des Anges) curving gracefully, the elegant coastline of the Promenade des Anglais, and the vibrant orange rooftops of the Old Town. It’s a view straight out of a postcard—truly a ‘This is Nice!’ moment that you can have all to yourself.
While there’s a staircase route from the Old Town side to the top of the hill, for those who want to save energy, using the free elevator located along the coast (near Hotel Suisse, 1 rue des Ponchettes) is highly recommended. After exiting the elevator and walking a short distance, you’ll arrive at a perfect photo spot. Furthermore, deeper into the park, there’s an impressive artificial waterfall—ideal for cooling down on a hot day or simply enjoying the refreshing air. To avoid crowds, visiting early in the morning when the air is clear is best.
#ILoveNICE
📍 Address: 9 Quai Rauba Capeu, 06300 Nice, France
Heading east along the Promenade des Anglais, you’ll find the ‘#ILoveNICE’ monument situated at the foot of Castle Hill’s promontory. It’s a classic photo op, essential for any Nice visit. While city name monuments are common worldwide, Nice’s version offers a backdrop with a truly different sense of scale.
Against the backdrop of the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear blue sea and sky, the bright red tricolor ‘LOVE’ letters make a striking impact, offering superb Instagrammability. During sunny daytime, it exudes a cheerful resort vibe, but at dusk, as the sky and sea are painted in gradients of pink and purple, it transforms into a romantic silhouette.
Located on an open, breezy seaside promenade, it’s perfect for a casual stop during a stroll. While tourists from around the world gather here, and you might have to wait your turn, this spot—which encapsulates Nice’s open and happy atmosphere—is ideal for capturing wonderful travel memories in your photos.
Church of St. Rita / Church of the Annunciation
📍 Address: 1 Rue de la Poissonnerie, 06300 Nice, France
Step one street back from the glamorous coastal promenade, and a deeper world of the Old Town (Vieux Nice) unfolds, with its narrow alleys and densely packed ancient buildings. Tucked away in one corner is the unassuming ‘Church of St. Rita (Church of the Annunciation).’ Its exterior blends modestly into the surrounding cityscape, so discreet you might walk right past it if you’re not paying attention.
However, open its heavy doors and step inside, and you’ll be overwhelmed by a lavish and opulent space completely unimaginable from its exterior. Decorated between the 17th and 18th centuries, the interior is celebrated as a masterpiece of Baroque architecture in Nice, with beautiful frescoes, marble, and exquisite gold leaf decorations covering the walls and ceilings. Soft light filtering through the stained glass further bathes the sanctuary in a sacred ambiance.
This church is dedicated to St. Rita, known as the ‘Saint of the Impossible’ who makes miracles happen, and many locals visit to offer fervent prayers. While not a flashy tourist spot, it’s a highly recommended hidden gem for travelers seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle, or those wishing to experience profound European religious art. A small attached gift shop offers commemorative medals and candles for purchase.
Local Tips for Maximizing Your Nice Visit
Nice is a city that reveals two completely different faces: a glamorous coastal resort area and a historic Old Town brimming with history. To efficiently explore its attractions, it’s recommended to cool off indoors at museums or churches during the strong midday sun, and then explore the Castle Hill observatory or public squares during the cooler morning and evening hours.
Additionally, trams are incredibly convenient for getting around locally, offering easy access to most major tourist spots. However, pickpocketing incidents have been reported on popular routes and in crowded areas around Place Masséna, so be extra cautious with your belongings, for example, by carrying your bag in front of you. It’s also very handy to keep a few euro coins in your pocket for church candles, small tips, or street food in the Old Town.
