Our Top 5 Places to Go in Nice, France

Nice, the radiant crown jewel of the French Riviera, has long been a beacon of beauty and extravagance. Once a favored retreat of 19th century European aristocracy, this lavish destination even hosted Queen Victoria, who spent her winters at the Grand Hotel Excelsior. The city still whispers tales of opulence through its palm-lined boulevards and Belle Epoque facades. Today, it beckons modern travelers just as it did nobles of old; with its azure Mediterranean waters, sun-drenched promenades, vibrant culture, and an air of effortless elegance that lingers like the scent of orange blossoms in the Cours Saleya.

As the sun graces with its warm embrace, this coastal paradise transforms into the perfect getaway for rejuvenation; where art lovers, beach enthusiasts, and culture seekers can find their dream escape. Like a luxurious spa treatment for the soul, Nice offers moments of pure bliss and delight at every turn.

At The French NP, we believe true beauty begins with moments of indulgence… both for the body and the soul. We wish you the most relaxing vacance as you discover these five charming destinations that will restore your spirit and awaken your senses. As you wander through Nice’s enchanting streets, let each experience be a gentle caress, a pause for reflection, “un murmure de douceur de vivre”, (a murmur of life’s sweetness).

1. Promenade des Anglais - A Serenade by the Sea

The iconic Promenade des Anglais is the very heartbeat of Nice, offering a serene coastal retreat that soothes the senses; a sweeping ribbon of coastline where the Mediterranean sparkles under the sun’s golden gaze. Stretching along the Baie des Anges, this palm-lined walkway provides breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and serves as the perfect introduction to Nice’s laid-back coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re cycling, strolling, or simply people-watching from a café terrace, the Promenade des Anglais captures the essence of the French Riviera’s sophisticated beach culture, offering moments of mindful relaxation and restorative calm.

This stunning beachside area offers the perfect backdrop to savor a delicious meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants lining this spectacular boulevard, where every bite brings you closer to culinary bliss. Many of these restaurant gems extend their hospitality right into the sea, offering plush chaise lounges for lazy afternoons under the sun, where you can relish appetizers and chilled drinks as the waves whisper along the shore. Don’t forget your sunscreen! ZO’s smart tone SPF 50 is a fabulous option to start with!

As evening descends, the promenade transforms into a scene of understated glamour. Dine al fresco at a waterfront brasserie, where every bite of Niçois cuisine is a celebration of Provençal flavors. Then, surrender to the magic of a sunset boat tour, where the Côte d’Azur glows in hues of rose and gold; a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. 

2. Nice’s Thriving Art Scene - A Haven for Creative Souls

Nice has long been recognized as one of the top picks for artists and art apprentices, drawing creative minds from around the world to its inspiring Mediterranean setting like a healing balm for the artistic soul. The city boasts a wide range of galleries and museums that showcase both classical and contemporary works, creating a nurturing environment where creativity flows as naturally as a gentle facial balancing treatment so to speak! Nice is a muse for artists, from the hallowed halls of the Musée Matisse to the avant-garde installations at the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, the city pulses with creative energy. Countless inspired artists, from Matisse and Chagall to contemporary creators, continue to find inspiration and restoration in this magical corner of France. 

If you visit during the right time of the year, you may be lucky enough to find a live exhibition at La Maison Abandonnée (Villa Cameline), a hidden jewel where art and decay entwine in haunting harmony. Surrounded by a vast, lush garden, this remarkable venue was abandoned for about fifteen years. This Belle Époque villa, frozen in time, invites artists to reinterpret its crumbling grandeur, creating exhibitions that linger in the heart like a whispered secret. Tagged  and squatted, the owners made the bold decision to preserve it exactly as it was. This private space, unique in France, has for over 20 years invited artists to present their work in an unconventional setting that challenges traditional exhibition spaces.  This creates a fascinating journey for creatives, who must make the space their own and adapt to this unique environment; with its heavy decorum serving as the polar opposite of the typical white box gallery. The result is a mysteriously captivating fusion of art, architecture, and the passage of time. A visit here is not merely an encounter with art… it is a meditation on beauty, impermanence, and rebirth. 

3. Old Town (Vieux Nice) - A Labyrinth of Timeless Charm

No visit to Nice is complete without exploring the winding streets of Vieux Nice, where centuries of history come alive through colorful buildings, bustling markets, and traditional bistros. The old town’s narrow alleys lead to hidden squares, baroque churches, and the famous Cours Saleya market, where you can sample local specialties and browse vibrant flower stalls.

This historic quarter perfectly captures the authentic spirit of the French Riviera, offering everything from traditional Niçois cuisine to artisanal crafts. The area transforms throughout the day, from morning market bustle to evening aperitif culture, providing endless opportunities for discovery and cultural immersion.

Photo de Hugo Cuocolo via Pexels

4. Place Masséna - Nice’s Grand Stage

At the very center of Nice, Place Masséna is where history, culture, and celebration converge. With its striking black-and-white checkered square, striking red façades, and whimsical statues illuminated at night, this plaza is the city’s grand stage. In winter, Place Masséna transforms into a festive wonderland, hosting Nice’s enchanting Christmas market with twinkling lights, a towering Ferris wheel, and stalls overflowing with mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and traditional holiday delicacies. During the Carnaval season in late February, it becomes the best vantage point for the dazzling Nice Carnaval, as parades, floats, and performers fill the square with color and music in one of the Riviera’s most spectacular annual events. 

Stretching directly from Place Masséna is Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice’s premier shopping boulevard. Here, elegant boutiques, department stores, and charming cafés create the ultimate retail therapy experience, blending French chic with Mediterranean ease. 

After soaking in the cultural richness of the old town and Place Masséna, you can head to the nearby beach for some seaside serenity. However, you might want to pack water shoes or sandals that you don’t mind getting wet if you have sensitive feet, since Nice’s beaches are beautifully rocky rather than sandy; a natural feature that adds to their unique Mediterranean charm while requiring a bit of practical preparation for the most comfortable experience.

5. Nice’s Sacred Sanctuaries - Whispers of the Divine

For those seeking inner peace and spiritual renewal, Nice’s most iconic churches offer profound moments of tranquility and reflection. These sacred spaces provide a different kind of restorative experience, where centuries of devotion and architectural mastery create an atmosphere of pure serenity.

The Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate) sits gracefully in the heart of the old town. Its  baroque facade and peaceful interior provide a haven of contemplation amidst the bustling city. The gentle play of light through its stained glass windows creates an almost therapeutic ambiance.

The Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption enchants visitors with its neo-Gothic grandeur, offering a space for quiet reflection and spiritual restoration. These sacred spaces invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your inner self.

The Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice stands as a magnificent testament to Russian Orthodox architecture. Its ornate domes and intricate details create a meditative sanctuary that transports visitors to another realm. This stunning cathedral offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience that feels like a lullaby for the senses. 

(Bonus) Nearby Coastal Gems - Perfect Day Trip Adventures

One of Nice’s greatest advantages is its proximity to some incredible villages that make for perfect day trips, each offering its own unique character and attractions. These nearby destinations allow you to experience the full diversity of the French Riviera while using Nice as your comfortable base. 

For those feeling extra glamorous, Cannes and Monaco await with their legendary glamour and luxury just 30 minutes away. Cannes offers world-famous beaches, high-end shopping, and the chance to walk the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals, while Monaco dazzles with its casino, palace, and the excitement of Monte Carlo.

Perched on the cliffs, Èze is a medieval dream of a village,  just 20 minutes away. Here you can visit one of their many storied perfumeries, or Jardin Exotique d’Èze (Exotic Gardens) turning a day trip into poetry. This eagle’s nest village offers breathtaking panoramic views and a journey through history. 

Menton, known as the “Pearl of France,” provides a more tranquil escape where you’ll discover sheep participating in eco-pasture, an ancestral practice used to maintain the olive groves. This charming border town offers a glimpse into traditional Mediterranean agricultural practices alongside beautiful gardens and a relaxed atmosphere.

Each journey is a whisper of adventure, a chance to wander, wonder, and return renewed.  

Your Escape to Serenity Awaits

Nice is more than a destination; it is an invitation to live beautifully… to linger over long lunches, to lose yourself in art, to let the sea’s rhythm lull you into the rhythm of the breeze.  It’s a destination that nourishes every type of traveler. Whether you’re drawn by the artistic heritage, the stunning coastal beauty, the culinary delights, or the proximity to other Riviera gems, this Mediterranean jewel provides an unforgettable experience that captures the very essence of the French art de vivre. Each moment feels like a luxurious treatment, designed to restore your vitality and awaken your senses.

From The French NP to you, we wish you the most blissful and restorative French getaway, where every experience becomes a pathway to inner peace and renewed well-being. And even if Nice doesn’t greet you this summer, let us inspire your dreams and guide you toward your next adventure. If you would like to learn about how to book one of our French Villas in the French Riviera, click here. 

À bientôt, under the Niçois sun.