Nice, france
Attractions Guide

Nice is the largest city along the French Riviera of Southern France, and is known for its many high-end resorts and beaches. Nice is located very close the the micro-state of Monaco, and just beyond Monaco is the beginning of the Italian Riviera.

The city of Nice and its neighboring suburbs host many great attractions, which can be easily reached by public transportation or by vehicle, although parking can sometimes be difficult.

The most iconic location within Nice is the Place Massena, a vast plaza of checkerboard-patterned tiles lined with elegant 19th century Italian-esque buildings. The plaza also hosts the grand Fontaine du Soleil fountain. Nearby the plaza is the the baroque 17th century Nice Cathedral, a beautiful and ornate structure. You might also like to walk north from the plaza to view the lavish Basilique Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, a 19th century neo-gothic basilica.

Just east of Place Massena and the Nice Cathedral is Castle Hill, a massive hill which rises above the city's coast. An old medieval castle and fortress once stood atop Castle Hill, but now the hill hosts a large park with a waterfall, old ruins, and stunning views overlooking Nice and the coastline.

Port Lympia

Just below Castle Hill is the scenic Port Lympia, which is lined with many colorful historic buildings and filled with giant yachts.

Among the most impressive sights in Nice is the marvelous St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, an intricate colorful structure which is the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in all of Western Europe. This elegant cathedral was built in the early 20th century by the Tsar of Russia.

Mont Alban

To the east of Nice's Old Town is a large hill which sits on the coast known as Mont Alban, atop which you'll find the impressive 16th century Fort du Mont Alban fortress. Unfortunately you can't enter the fort, however next to the fortress you can enjoy truly breathtaking panoramic views over Nice, the coastline, and the neighboring peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Near the top of the hill is a bus stop and parking lot, from which you can reach the fort with a 0.8 mile (1.3 km) round-trip walk.

Within the Cimiez neighborhood of Nice is the city's most popular museum, the Marc Chagall National Museum, which is dedicated to the famous French artist and contains many of his works.

On the northern side of the neighborhood are the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater, the remarkable Cimiez Arena. Very close-by the Roman ruins is the stunning 16th century Cimiez Monastery, which contains elaborate frescoed ceilings and fine medieval art works. The monastery is surrounded by large tranquil gardens.

In between Mont Alban and the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a gorgeous bay where you'll find the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Adjacent to the town is the stunning Plage Villefranche beach, which hosts clear vibrant waters and fantastic views looking out on the bay.

Near the beginning of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula is the incredible Greek Villa Kerylos, an ultra-lavish and extravagant recreation of an ancient Greek villa. The villa sits right on the water and features and features highly accurate ancient furnishings, as well as meticulously decorated interiors and elaborate mosaics. The villa even houses ancient artifacts and is overall a truly wondrous place built with great historical accuracy, which now operates as a museum.

Nearby the Greek villa is the early 20th century Villa de Ephrussi de Rothschild, a grandiose seaside mansion with decadent interiors and picturesque themed gardens overlooking the coast. The Rothschild villa is among the top attractions around Nice.

Paloma Beach

Near the eastern edge of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula is another excellent beach, Paloma Beach. Although it is a rocky beach, Paloma Beach features magnificent views looking back at the gorgeous coastline as well as clear light blue waters. This beach is worth visiting for the views alone.

Just a bit further east from Nice is the breathtaking medieval village of Eze, which sits high up in the hills overlooking the coast. Be sure to wander around the narrow streets of this charming rustic village and visit Eze's Exotic Garden, an elegant botanical garden hosting majestic views over the coast.

The village is home to a lovely baroque cathedral, L'eglise d'Eze, with its clocktower and ornate interiors. Also popular just outside of the historic village is the Parfumerie Fragonard, a large factory that produces perfumes, soaps, and lotions and offers tours to learn how these products are made. The Parfumerie Fragonard also hosts a sizable gift shop.