Nice – the Heart of the French Riviera

Set in the heart of the French Riviera, Nice is the perfect spot for a weekend away on a budget. After just a short time in this magical city, I understood why Nice is so special. Wonderful Mediterranean food – a mix of French and Italian cooking – superb wine, beautiful scenery, a long stretch of beach, my beloved gelato (gelato) and, of course, sunshine 300 days a year. Plus loads of shops and museums. What more could you want from a sunny weekend, far from the noise and dust of the big city? Nice is also the perfect base for easy hops to the other towns along the Riviera – Monte Carlo, Cannes, Marseille, Monaco and Saint-Tropez. My beautiful little French adventure!

As well as its culinary temptations and sunny beaches, Nice has a rich cultural scene. The city is home to plenty of museums, galleries and historic sights that will draw you into the art and history of the region. In this article I’ve gathered the top 12 most interesting sights you shouldn’t miss when you visit Nice.

How do you get to Nice?

The easiest, quickest and most convenient way to get to Nice from Bulgaria is by plane. The city has an international airport – Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur – the third largest in France. There are direct flights from Sofia to Nice with airlines such as Wizz Air and Bulgaria Air, and the flight takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Once you land at the airport, which is about 7 km from the centre of Nice, you have several handy ways to get into town:

• Tram: The most convenient and cheapest way to reach the centre is by tram. Line T2 takes you straight to central stops such as Jean Médecin and Garibaldi. A ticket costs around 1.50 euros and the journey takes about 20–30 minutes.
• Bus: Buses also link the airport with different parts of the city and the nearby resorts of the Côte d’Azur. Tickets cost around 1.50–6 euros, depending on the route.
• Taxi or transfer: If you prefer comfort, a taxi or private transfer will cost around 25–35 euros and take you straight to your hotel in about 15–20 minutes.

When should you visit Nice?

Nice enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The best time to visit is in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October), when it’s warm but not hot and there are fewer tourists. Summer is popular, but the beaches and sights can get very crowded. If you love festivals, visit in February for the famous Nice Carnival.

How do you get around the city?

Nice is a compact city and ideal for exploring on foot. Many of the sights are in the centre or close to the seafront. For longer distances you can use public transport – trams and buses, which cost 1.50 euros a journey. Day passes for unlimited travel cost 5 euros. Alternatively, you can hire a bike or an e-scooter to explore the city.

What should you see in Nice?

The Promenade des Anglais (Promenade des Anglais)

One of Nice’s most famous and iconic sights is the Promenade des Anglais – the long seafront promenade that follows the curve of the Mediterranean. Built in the 19th century, this glorious promenade is a favourite spot for walking, cycling or simply enjoying the sea breeze. As you stroll along it, you’ll find yourself surrounded by palm trees, luxury hotels and endless sea views. Along the way you’ll also find a string of beaches – both public and private, the latter offering sunloungers and parasols.

Top tip: Take a stroll along the promenade at sunset for a truly magical view of the sea.

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Castle Hill, or the Colline du Château, is one of the most beautiful and most visited places in Nice, with stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the Promenade des Anglais and the old port. Although the castle itself was destroyed in 1706 on the orders of Louis XIV, the hill is still popular for its historic remains, lovely gardens and picturesque views.

At the top you’ll also find a small man-made waterfall, one of the main attractions, as well as archaeological excavations that bear witness to the region’s past. You can walk up along paved paths and steps or take the free lift at the foot of the hill. Walking up can be tiring, especially in summer, but the views of the Alps and the Côte d’Azur will reward you “richly”.

Entrance fee: Free

Top tip: It’s best to visit the hill early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate)

Nice Cathedral, in the heart of the Old Town, is one of the most important religious and historic sites in the city. Built in the Baroque style, it’s dedicated to the city’s patron saint, St Reparata. Inside you’ll find impressive religious and artistic details, including beautiful frescoes and marble altars. Visitors can sense the historical and religious importance of the place, and admire the magnificent façade and the bell tower that dominates the square in front of the cathedral.

Entrance fee: Free

Top tip: The cathedral is often quieter in the afternoon, when you can explore the interior in peace.

The Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Nice’s Old Town is one of the most charming and picturesque parts of the city, a maze of narrow, winding lanes that take you back to another era. Tucked between Castle Hill and the newer part of the city, the quarter is steeped in history, culture and tradition. Its pastel-coloured buildings, with the red roofs and green shutters so typical of the region, create a unique atmosphere – a blend of Italian and French influences.

As you wander through the Old Town, you’ll come across lots of little boutiques, art galleries, cafés and restaurants serving local specialities such as “socca” (a chickpea-flour pancake) and “pan bagnat” (a tuna sandwich). It’s lively and colourful all day long, especially in the evening, when the lanes fill with visitors and the restaurants serve up authentic local food.

The Old Town is also home to some of Nice’s most important sights. Among them are St Reparata Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate) on Place Rossetti, with its imposing Baroque architecture, and the Cours Saleya Market (Marché Cours Saleya), where every morning you can browse fresh local produce, flowers and antiques. This is where you can feel the authentic rhythm of local life.

Cours Saleya Market (Marché Cours Saleya)

Cours Saleya is Nice’s most famous market and a must for every visitor to the city. Here you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, olive oils and local delicacies. The market is also famous for its flower market, where local growers and florists sell fragrant flowers and plants. If you want to take a little piece of the Mediterranean home with you, this is the perfect place to buy local produce and souvenirs. The market is open every morning except Monday, when there’s an antiques market instead.

Top tip: It’s best to visit the market early in the morning, when the produce is at its freshest and there are fewer people. Don’t forget to try “socca” – Nice’s signature dish, which is cooked and sold at some of the stalls.

Place Masséna (Place Masséna)

Place Masséna is Nice’s main and most iconic square, sitting between the Old Town and the newer part of the city. The buildings around it are painted in distinctive red and ochre tones in a typically Italian style, with white arches and large windows. In the centre stands an impressive fountain with a marble statue of Apollo, a symbol of Nice and an important part of the cityscape. Around the square you’ll notice modern sculptures and fountains that light up in the evening, making it one of the most appealing places for a stroll.

The square is also a major transport hub where Nice’s main shopping streets meet, such as Avenue Jean Médecin, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s a popular meeting place and events venue too, hosting various festivals throughout the year, including the famous Nice Carnival in February. In the evening the square comes alive, and the fountains and sculptures glow in different colours, creating a magical atmosphere.

Top tip: The square is especially lovely in the evening, when the lights and fountains create a unique atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for an evening stroll and photos.

The Russian Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas)

St Nicholas Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church outside Russia and one of Nice’s most remarkable architectural masterpieces. Built in 1912 with the support of Tsar Nicholas II, it’s a unique example of Russian religious architecture, with its distinctive gilded domes and crosses, colourful façades and exquisite ornamentation. Its style recalls the traditional Russian churches of Moscow and St Petersburg, which makes it not only a religious centre but also a cultural symbol of the Russian community in Nice.

The interior is incredibly lavish, with rich icons, detailed frescoes and carved altars that give it a sense of spirituality and grandeur. The cathedral is dedicated to St Nicholas, one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox Church. It also houses a number of artefacts linked to the Russian imperial family, which had strong ties to Nice in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

It’s listed as a French historic monument and is protected by the French state.

Entrance fee: Free. If you’d like to see the exhibition in the crypt, it costs 5 euros.

Top tip: Plan your visit for the morning or afternoon, when the interior is best lit by natural light, bringing out the beauty of the frescoes and icons. Also, pay attention to the strict dress code – you need to be suitably dressed to visit an Orthodox church.

The Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse)

The Matisse Museum is a must for lovers of modern art and fans of Henri Matisse, who lived and worked in Nice. The museum is housed in the beautiful Villa des Arènes in the Cimiez district and is surrounded by lovely gardens. Inside you’ll find a wide range of Matisse’s work, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and personal belongings that trace the evolution of his style. The museum offers a calm and inspiring glimpse into the life and work of one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

Entrance fee:  12 euros for adults, free for children, students and the unemployed

Top tip: After visiting the museum, take a stroll through the surrounding gardens or explore the nearby Roman ruins in Cimiez.

The Cimiez district and its Roman remains (Cimiez)

Cimiez is one of Nice’s most peaceful and culturally rich districts, set on a hill with a lovely view over the city. It’s an area with a rich history, best known for the remains of the ancient Roman town of Cemenelum, which included an amphitheatre, Roman baths and other important buildings. Cimiez is also home to beautiful gardens and parkland where you can relax amid peace and nature.

The district is also home to Cimiez Monastery, with its lovely gardens and a museum where you can learn more about the area’s past.

Entrance fee: 5 euros for the archaeological site

Top tip: Combine your visit to the Roman remains with a tour of the Matisse Museum and the monastery to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Cimiez. It’s best to come in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice (Basilique Notre-Dame de Nice)

The Basilica of Notre-Dame is the largest church in Nice and stands in the city centre on Avenue Jean Médecin. Built in a neo-Gothic style inspired by Notre-Dame in Paris, this majestic church impresses with its architecture and the colourful stained-glass windows that light up its spacious interior. It’s a key venue for religious and cultural events in Nice and an important stop for anyone interested in architecture and history.

Entrance fee: Free

Top tip: Visit the basilica during the day, when the stained glass is at its brightest and creates stunning light effects inside the church.

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain)

Nice’s Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is home to an impressive collection of modern art. It holds works by world-famous artists such as Yves Klein, Andy Warhol and others. The museum is an architectural marvel in its own right – a modern building with four towers that offer wonderful views over the city. If you love contemporary art, this is the place to enjoy a wide range of exhibitions and installations.

Entrance fee: 15 euros for adults; reduced prices for students and children.

Top tip: Once you’ve explored the inside of the museum, don’t miss going up to the roof, where you’ll enjoy incredible panoramic views of Nice and the sea. Also allow enough time to look at the outdoor installations and sculptures around the museum.

The beaches of Nice

The beaches of Nice are among the most appealing on the French Riviera, even though they’re covered in pebbles rather than sand. Along the Promenade des Anglais you’ll find both public and private beaches. The public beaches are free, while the private ones charge but offer more comfort, with sunloungers, parasols and restaurant service. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming in the warmer months.

Top tip: Bring water shoes to save your feet from the pebbles, especially if you’re planning to swim.