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Nice

Nice
Destination Guide

The Ultimate Guide Before You Plan for your Next Trip

Have the ultimate French experience by the enchanting French Riviera in the beautiful city of Nice. It is the ultimate French paradise to celebrate the beauty of life and enjoy the fascinating gardens and the view of the sea. Surrounded by the Maritime Alps and the sea Nice offers its tourists a very pleasant weather to enjoy. Located at the central point of the French Riviera, Nice is the perfect place to explore the tranquil coastline of the Côte d'Azur. Due to its rich history and the position on the map, Nice has a very diverse cultural influences including the English, Italian, Greek, and of course French.

Attractions in Nice

Starting from the fabulous seaside scenery to the ornate litttle gardens, the beautiful hill top locations to the museums of great painters, Nice is bound to give you some of the best experiences of your life.

Monastere Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez

Monastere Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez

Monastere Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez

Located in the neighborhood of the Matisse museum the Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez is a sight to marvel at. A definite tourist attraction due to its historic significance and architectural appeal this place is situated just above the ancient ruins of Cemenelum. A rich Italian influence is observed in this part as you can witness the Roman baths and the amphitheaters. Due to the several invaders of this place the monastery itself has witnessed several changes. The latest of the changes took place during the 1850's as clear Gothic style restorations can be observed in the monastery. The interior houses fine pieces of arts and the outside square has a fascinating marble cross which dates back to 1477.

Place Garibaldi

Place Garibaldi

Place Garibaldi

Located in the neighborhood of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art there is this largest square of the entire city of Nice. This square is always visited by the locals as well as the tourists as you can witness the Baroque style buildings surrounding the place. The vibe is always high as far as this square is concerned as you will encounter many happy looking tourists roaming around the place. The square has a deep-rooted Italian influence which is evident from the surrounding architecture and mostly from the central statue of the Italian freedom fighter Garibaldi, who used to be a resident of Nice for a long time.

Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

After exploring the Greek, Italian, and French influences it is time to witness the major Russian influence in the city of Nice. Considered to be one of the most beautiful orthodox churches outside Russia this cathedral was built by Tsar Nicholas in the year 1912. Hugely influenced by the Muscovite style the cathedral boasts a very ornamental design with several icons, artistic woodwork, and murals placed at every corner of the church. Interestingly the place also contains several objects brought from Russia, during its time of turmoil and it is indeed a pleasant place for the tourists to visit.

Musee Chagall

Musee Chagall

Musee Chagall

If you have put the Museum of Matisse in your Nice Bucket List then you must also add this museum to it because no art and culture loving tourist should miss a trip to this wonderful museum housing all the works Marc Chagall. This place is considered to be the most profound exhibition of the works done by the great artist as it houses his several paintings, lithographs, etchings, and also sculptures. The place also contains some of Chagall's work on mosaic and stained glass along with some of his less famous tapestries based on Biblical themes. The concert auditorium of the museum features a stained glass artwork of the artist himself.

Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain

Opened back in the year 1990 this tourist-friendly place is something which you must explore. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which it is popularly known as, has four tower facade all made from Italian marbles. The exterior design of the museum has a very whimsical and swanky appeal as it would take time for you as a tourist to observe the pattern in the madness.
Inside the museum you will find collection of fine art pieces from the years 1960's and 1970's. A wide collection of Neo-Realistic art along with Minimalist paintings, American Abstracts, and Pop Arts can be found in this museum. It also has few samples of the artworks done during the Nouveaux Réalistes movement.
Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain
Jardin Albert I

Jardin Albert I

Located between the Avenue des Phocéens and the Avenue de Verdun this park-like garden is characterized by its multiple sculptures and ornamental design. This huge garden is often frequented by the tourists and it is indeed a huge place to explore. With an enchanting fountain known as the Fontaine du Soleil, surrounded by sculptures of the Greek Gods, this park stretches far upto the north till the Place Masséna. The place also has a very famous amphitheater which is surrounded by Palm and pine trees and it houses many events like in the form of music concerts and rock festivals during the summer and the spring. The park is in close proximity to Avenue Jean Médecin, a very popular shopping destination for the tourist.

Promenade du Paillon

This recently opened pathway is very popular amongst the locals and the tourists alike. Stretching from the Promenade des Anglais to the National Theater of Nice this place is vibrant and mostly frequented by a hip young crowd who likes to spend their afternoons by the banks of the Paillon River. This entire area is designed by a famous landscape architect called Michel Pena and it is definitely a site to visit. With children's playground and lots of open green spaces you will have a wonderful time with your family. There are ornate gardens surrounding the area and also at the same time you will encounter water jets and fountains.
Promenade du Paillon
Cours Saleya

Cours Saleya

If you are visiting Nice then it would be an absolute sin not to visit this open-air marketplace of the city. Back in the 18th century this place used to be the park for the upper-class of the city and now it is a charming little hub where you can feel the life of the French Riviera. The cool shades of the trees is complemented well with the shades of the Neo-Classical mansions of the place and there are a number of pubs and restaurants at this place which will serve you quality Niçois cuisine. Except for Mondays, when the market is closed, this place is full of life as you can always hear the hawkers selling fresh flowers and other produces. You can also visit the famous yellow house where Matisse lived during the years 1921 to 1938.

Parc des Arenes de Cimiez

Nice is a city of lovely parks and gardens and this beautiful destination is a perfect example of it. The park offers plenty of benches to sit and relax. There are also many garden ways which will entice you to have a nice stroll down the park. The scenic beauty of the park will certainly mesmerize you as you will also get to enjoy the scenic appeal of the place. The park itself is not just a place full of plants and flowers but it also has a historic significance. Hidden between the trees and the various exotic plants you will also find remains of ancient Roman ruins. Walking through this park is like having a mini-archaeological adventure as you will find the roots of the Italian influence of this beautiful coastal city on the French Riviera.
Parc des Arenes de Cimiez
In the Spotlight

Nice has a very vibrant restaurant scene with lots of French, Italian, and English eateries spread all across the town. Then there is indeed the fabulous array of street food stalls which are frequented by the tourists and the locals alike. The charming view of the sea coupled with the experimental cuisine makes Nice a perfect place for dinning.

Restaurant Le Chantecler : One of the most reliable name serving authentic French cuisine in the city of Nice also offers its guests a fascinating beach view.
The Michelin-starred restaurant has gained a lot of reputation for its scrumptious foods and enchanting scenic appeal. You can taste the samples of the daily special menus before ordering and select from the 15,000 bottles of wine stored in their cellar. The interior decor the the restaurant gives you a feel of the 18th century France you will certainly be dazzled with the various chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the beautiful paintings hanging from the walls.
Le Vingt4 : This lounge has a very contemporary appeal in terms of decor and the selection of menu. The chef is not afraid of experimenting with other continental cuisines and you must most definitely try-out the tomato salsa
which is prepared with a Portuguese touch and also the duck aiguillette served with grapes. Now if you are a vegetarian then also you get to have a plenty of choice in the form of the various tofu dishes for which the restaurant is also famous. The interior design evokes a cozy and a casual appeal as you can spend hours talking and nibbling on the delicacies foods.
La Roustide: It is practically a crime if you visit Nice not have a truffle based meal and since you absolutely need to do that you should visit this authentic French eatery. Famous for its delightful truffles served in various forms and shapes this place is an ideal destination for comfort foods in Nice.
Starting from baked potato truffles to lentils and whipped cream truffles, you can get a wide array of cuisines in this place. Apart from truffles you can also order the classic French cuisines in the form of foi gras, risotto, and gnocchi. The place is also good for late night intimate dinners.
La Rossettisserie : It is the ultimate restaurant for the meat loving tourists in the city of Nice. Various varieties of red meat and poultry are available in different forms as you can enjoy roasted pork to beef, from lamb to braised duck legs.
Each of the meat dishes are served with mashed potatoes and chips making it a delightful meal for the guests. Sometimes the meat dishes are accompanied with vegetable ratatouille making it all the more authentic. The decor of the place is also something to talk about. Located right on the lively street of Vieux Nice this place has a very ancient looking doorway and a rustic appeal in the decor.
Les Pecheurs: No European coastline destination can be complete without its fair share of seafood restaurant and Les Pêcheurs perfectly plays that role for the city of Nice.
Literally translates to "the fishermen" this place serves the freshest seafood in entire city of Nice. If you are visiting the place during spring then you must definitely try the herbal crust sea bass fillet. There is also a very popular fish stew with coconut milk giving you an authentic Niçoise flavor. You can also most definitely try out the grilled lobster. The place has a rustic appeal with wooden ceiling and nautical interior. The view of the sea adds to the appeal of this place.

Nice is a part of France and they accept Euros. As it is a popular tourist spot you will find plenty of ATMs all around you. Most of the bigger hotels will accept international debit and credit cards but you should also keep some cash handy. Many open markets and the stalls, along with the restaurants do not accept card. They prefer to be paid in cash. However, bigger denominations of cash are also a bit of a trouble since they would not be able to provide you with sufficient changes. That is why it is vital that you carry Euros in smaller amount and withdraw cash whenever necessary. Various domestic and international banks have their ATMs all across Nice.

Special Tips

  • Do not carry more than 200 Euros at a time because there are many ATMs there and carrying more cash is always a risk.
  • Like India the pin codes of the ATMs are of numbers only and not alpha-numeric thereby making it easier for you to withdraw cash.
  • Since Nice is a multi-cultural city most of the ATMs have an English language option making it easier for you to withdraw cash.
  • Do not depend soley on cash and check first whether the restaurant or the shop accepts credit or debit cards. In that way you will avoid more hassles.
  • However, some of the places will not accept a card payment for bill amount less than 25 Euros in which case you do need to pay by card.

Entertainment & Event

Nice is the land of many festivals and art loving people welcoming foreign cultures.

  • Flora and Fauna

    The south-eastern corner of the country of France is home to many plant and animal species. This is the ideal place for the sighting of many original French animals and birds. Starting from the Przewalkski’s Horse to the European Bison, you can witness many grass-eating animals out here in the open space. Apart from these there are several kinds of deer available across the forestland of Nice and all across the French Rivera.

    Wild boars are also available in plenty and it is very common to catch a glimpse of a herd of wild boars walking across the wild. Apart from the boars there are also wolves in various parts of the French Riviera. The number of wolves keep the balance of the ecosystem as they are the only meat-eating animals found in this land.

  • Festivals

    Nice is a city of festivals. Starting from the Mars aux Musées event for the young people to the Foire Internationale de Nice festival selling the products of all the home-based craftsmen, Nice is well-known for its various occasions. Then there is the Festival C'est Trop Court where you can see some of the best French and Flemish short films being broadcast. Festival du Livre de Nice is definitely an ultimate treat for all the book-lovers whilst the famous Fête du Château recreates a castle-feast scenario accompanied by music and performances.

    Like any other European city Nice is also well-known for its musical festivals and the names like Nice Jazz Festival and Les Nuits Musicales de Nice, Blues Festival in Nice, pops up in every music-lover's mind. Then there is of course the very famous Carnaval de Nice which is now an integral part of the core French culture.

  • Culture

    Due to its rich history, Nice is actually a very culturally vibrant city. There is a definite Italian and English influence as far as this part of France is concerned. The diverse cultural scene allows the people of Nice to explore many avenues of art and music. The people of Nice are very welcoming to tourists and they have particular inclination towards artists and musicians. Over the centuries the city has given refuge to many great artists and painters and even now they are carrying on with the tradition.

    The people of this place have a very profound aesthetic sense and that is why they give special importance towards the decor of their homes and outside. The people of Nice are very open-minded and they are more welcoming to foreigners when compared to other parts of France. The people of this city are also more open to speaking English when compared to the people of Paris.

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