Interesting places in Nice. Nice and its attractions with a photo. Old town of Nice, Chateau hill, port of Lympia
It is difficult to imagine a tourist who has been to France and not visited Nice. This is a glorious city with a long history, combining ancient quiet streets with a modern, business center.
Nice is rightly considered the second capital of France: there is a lot to see and do, great restaurants and French hospitality will make your stay unforgettable.
Thanks to the mild, Mediterranean climate, it is almost never cold here: in winter, the daytime air temperature is rarely below 12 degrees.
And an unusual flower procession will not leave indifferent any vacationer: platforms decorated with fresh flowers move around the city.
Each mosaic of flowers is a real masterpiece, created by the imagination and skill of florists. As you can see, in winter there is something to do here, and long evenings can be spent walking along the Promenade des Anglais, enjoying a magnificent view of the sea and the old part of the city.
Summer in Nice is hot, with little rainfall. From April to November you can enjoy the endless beaches (they are pebbly in this place), the gentle Mediterranean Sea and all kinds of entertainment: diving, surfing, spearfishing.
Evening Nice
Nice is considered an expensive resort, but every year there are many opportunities for economical living: hostels and inexpensive hotels open. This makes recreation possible for all categories of the population.
Arriving on vacation in Nice, be sure to visit the local attractions. In addition, Nice is rich in museums and galleries.
Russian people will be interested in visiting the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker - the largest cathedral in Western Europe. It is very similar to St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.
Architecture in Nice
In the architecture of Nice, various styles and eras are closely intertwined. The Middle Ages are represented by buildings near the Old Bridge: here residential buildings and shop facades have stone partitions and lancet arches.
The form of the Laskari Palace will tell about the Italian Baroque: a four-story building with unusual balconies is one of the most beautiful buildings in Nice. You will climb the marble stairs to luxurious apartments that have preserved the furniture of the 18th century, see the mighty Atlanteans supporting the walls, admire the ceilings painted with frescoes on mythological themes.
The main attraction of the city is the Chapel of Mercy, built in the 18th century.
The Chapel of Mercy was built in the Baroque style. It was built at the end of the 18th century and today looks the same as it did then.
The neoclassical era in Nice is represented by the Palace of Justice. Against its background, tourists love to be photographed.
From the inside, the building does not look as majestic and graceful as from the outside, but still it is a unique masterpiece. The inactive South Station was once built in the style of Rationalism.
At the end of the 19th century, the facades of buildings began to be decorated with all sorts of unusual elements, since then light colors have prevailed in the colors of the facades. It was at this moment that Nice began to attract the English and Russian nobility: luxurious mansions and magnificent palaces became a symbol of the Belle Epoque.
Modern architectural solutions will also not leave tourists indifferent: they are genuinely amazed by the building of L. Nyuser's library. It is presented in the form of a "square head".
A huge building, about 30 meters high, is one of the sights of Nice. From a distance, the head seems to be a single monolith, only close up you can see the windows on its facade.
In the Old part of the city, classic and renaissance are successfully intertwined. Facades of buildings with half-closed shutters, old markets with bustling merchants, narrow streets immerse vacationers in the Middle Ages. There are cozy restaurants everywhere.
You can also get into the atmosphere of medieval Nice on the Castle Hill. This is a park with unusual alleys, a waterfall and an observation deck: from here you can see the whole city at a glance.
When in Nice, be sure to visit Rue Massena. Here, most of the buildings were built in the Genoese style: tourists will certainly be interested in the unusual design and unique decoration of buildings. Knowledgeable people say that you will not see anything like this in any other city or country.
Museums in Nice
In the program of your stay in Nice, be sure to include a visit to local museums. You will plunge into the incredible atmosphere of ancient art, visit local history, art, modern museums.
Entrance to most of them is free, the only exception is the Museum of the National Assembly of M. Chagall and the wonderful world of anomalies and oddities.
Museum of M. Chagall- here is a huge collection of paintings by this artist. The basis of the exposition is plots from the Old Testament, they were written in the 50-60s of the last century.
I would especially like to highlight Matisse Museum. Here are collected the works of the master from the first to the last day of his creation. Incredible color schemes will amaze you with their unusualness, and the artist’s personal belongings stored in the museum will introduce you to his work closer.
Incredible interest in children and adults will cause a visit Museum of human paleontology "Terra Amata". Once, as a result of archaeological excavations, a prehistoric camp was discovered here. Ancient people who lived here for a very long time hunted elephants and bison.
The most unique piece of the museum- footprint of an ancient man. Also here you can see an ancient hut of the Neolithic era, models that show the life of prehistoric people.
Modern Art Museum- presented in the form of 4 towers, interconnected by glass passages. IN
The permanent collection of the museum presents works in the Avant-garde style. Temporary exhibitions are on the first floor.
Natural History Museum- was founded 200 years ago and is a kind of natural monument of the Mediterranean. You will see all kinds of plants and animals, birds and insects. A truly mesmerizing sight, worthy of your attention.
These are not all the museums that tourists from all over the world like to visit. There are many others who will tell you about history and art, introduce you to the amazing Nice - charming and unusual.
Parks in Nice
Nice is not only a historical place with a rich history and architectural monuments. It is also an unusual plant world that immerses tourists in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
There are many park areas in Nice, each of which has its own individual charm.
Cape Nice
Cape Nice is a park located in a residential area. In the shade of centuries-old trees, you will walk to the sea, admire the local beauties and take great photos for memory.
Park them. K. Romanian - children here will be interested in wooden play structures, adults will be happy to kick the ball on the lawn and admire the magnificent play of fountains.
Chambrin Park
Chambrin Park - located in the northern part of Nice. This is an amazing place, especially for lovers. Here the atmosphere itself is conducive to romantic communication. The main attraction of the park is a musical pavilion, which is called the "Temple of Love". This is the perfect place for a declaration of love!
Big Cornice Natural Park
The Great Cornice Natural Park - its territory occupies more than 600 hectares of land. It offers a magnificent view of the sea, eyewitnesses say that if you look closely at the horizon, you can see Corsica.
There are about 500 species of plants in this park; here you can see rare species of raptors and birds.
With children, be sure to visit the Castell de de Roi park. Children will enjoy its many attractions, and adults will enjoy the beautiful view of exotic trees.
Park Valrose
Valrose Park - located in the former estate of aristocrats. You will walk in the shade of rare tree species, you will see a chic castle that strikes the eye with its luxury.
Here, your eyes will be presented with a wooden Russian hut - a kind of reminder of the stay of Russians on the Riviera.
There are also beautiful gardens in Nice, striking with an abundance of unusual plants and a riot of their colors. All this will give you a good mood and wonderful memories of the trip, which you will be happy to share with your loved ones.
What to see in Nice in 1 day
Not all tourists have the opportunity to stay in Nice for a long time. Therefore, they have a fair question: what can be seen in Nice in 1 day, what to look for?
Be sure to try local pancakes and drink a cup of fragrant French coffee in the coastal cafe. There is enough space for children to roller-skate or cycle.
You will also enjoy the Cours Saleya flower market. Fresh flowers are always available here, striking with their beauty and incredible aroma. Be sure to buy memorable gifts in souvenir shops. And be sure to walk around the Old Town.
Avenue Medici, considered one of the main streets of Nice
Surely you will have some time to visit the Museum "Theatre of Photography". The six halls of the museum will tell you about all areas of photography: you will look at pictures, both ancient and modern.
So, Nice is a truly fabulous place that can satisfy the needs of people of different financial capabilities. This city is not only a gentle sea, it is also an ancient architectural monument, which has something to see.
Numerous museums, chic gardens, cozy parks welcome dear guests both in winter and summer. Having been here, you will plunge into the incredible atmosphere of a fabulous holiday, which will give you unforgettable impressions and bright memories. You will definitely want to come back here again!
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The French province of Nice is located on the Mediterranean coast. Together with Antibes, Cannes and Monaco, this town is included in the list of leading resorts on the Cote d'Azur. Hundreds of thousands of beach lovers from all over the world come to Nice every year to relax on the gentle sands of its beaches and swim in the warm, like fresh milk, sea.
World stars and famous creative personalities rested here at different times. Local nature and sights served as an inexhaustible source for them to create their new immortal masterpieces. Nice was founded by the Greeks a few decades before our era. Then the settlement was called Nicaea, in honor of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. And this already suggests that this city has something to see and that it is truly inimitable.
Brief description of the locality
A symbol of the attractiveness of the province of Nice is the promenade, which is decorated with evergreen palm trees with branches swaying in unison with the cool breeze that blows from the sea. Bars, restaurants, entertainment facilities and hotels line the waterfront in a continuous line. The width of the coast allows you to walk along it, ride a bike, go jogging and just enjoy the sunset.
The beaches of Nice are covered with pebbles and equipped to the highest standard, everything on them predisposes you to a wonderful and the best vacation. Local museums make the city popular, among which attention should be paid to the Matisse Museum, the Marc Chagall Museum, the Museum of Art and History and others.
Another important advantage of the resort is its mild Mediterranean climate. Here, even in winter, the temperature never drops below 12 degrees. Well, in the summer here the thermometer is at around 30 degrees and more. The beach season in Nice lasts from May to October. An unsurpassed romantic view, convenient location, developed infrastructure, an abundance of comfortable luxury hotels in tandem with stunning landscapes and gentle rays of the Mediterranean sun make the rest in this city heavenly and truly unforgettable.
A little more about the city
The description of the province of Nice is difficult to fit into a few sentences. But to get a minimal idea of the city, you need to know that it is the unofficial capital and one of the main gems of the French Riviera. This region is generously endowed with nature and is extremely loved by tourists.
Despite the fact that modernization has reached this corner, Nice has managed to preserve its legacy from the Middle Ages. All of them are located in the Old City.
Symbol of the Cote d'Azur
The symbol of the entire Côte d'Azur and the province of Nice in particular is the Hotel Negresco. If you can't afford to stay in it, then you need to visit it at least as an attraction. Opened in 1913, the hotel was built in neoclassical style. The name of the object was given by its owner, Henri Negresco.
The hotel belongs to the luxury category. The construction of the Negresco cost three million gold francs. The luxury of the hotel was appreciated by Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, Michael Jackson, Salvador Dali, Catherine Deneuve and many other world-famous persons.
The highlight of this institution is the Royal Salon, which is covered by a pink metal-framed dome. The frame was forged by Gustav Eiffel himself. Under the dome hangs a stunning chandelier, which was made at the notorious Baccarat glass factory. Two such copies were created here - one was ordered by Henri Negresco for his institution, and the second - by Nicholas II for the Kremlin Palace.
Each floor of the "Negresco" is made in an individual style. The decor of each room is also not the same. The hotel receptionists wear a uniform traditional for the 19th century.
Green Stadium
Ten kilometers from the center of the province of Nice is the stadium of Nice. It is also called the Allianz Riviera. The attraction is a multifunctional stadium where they play not only football, but also rugby, and also arrange all kinds of concerts.
This stadium is used as the home ground of the Nice football team. The size of the object is 105 x 68 meters. Allianz Riviera can accommodate over 35,500 spectators. Despite such dimensions, the stadium was the smallest of those that participated in Euro 2016.
The Nice stadium was built during 2011-2013. The decision to build a new arena was decided in 2006 after renovation work on the old stadium, the Stade du Rey, failed miserably. Authorities and sponsors spent 245 million euros on the construction of the future attraction.
The newly created stadium has become one of the most environmentally friendly in the state. For its construction, metal structures and wood were used. Photovoltaic panels are used on its roof and on the roofs of nearby parking lots. The area of operated solar batteries exceeds 15 thousand square kilometers. Thanks to this, the stadium produces electricity three times more than it needs. The rainfall collection system is also of interest - the collected water is used for watering the lawn.
England in France
In the French province of Nice, there is one wonderful place that everyone who manages to get to this city dreams of visiting. This is the Promenade des Anglais. It is also called the English Promenade and the English Walk. The popular promenade is located along the Mediterranean Sea in Nice.
During the urbanization of Nice, its coast was limited by a desert coastal strip. At a distance far from the sea, on an elevated foundation, the first houses were built.
From the second half of the 18th century, the British began to regularly relax on the azure coasts of the resort. When a particularly frosty winter took place in England, beggars began to continuously make their way to Nice from the north. During this period, the wealthy English put forward a proposal to build a passage through the sea.
Every year, the Promenade des Anglais hosts a carnival and a flower show. There are unique cottages and one-of-a-kind blue benches on the parapet.
Alley in the old town
In Nice, a province of France, there is one wonderful attraction. It is located in the Old Town and is called Cours Saleya alley. This is the main pedestrian street of this part of the metropolis. Here, for six days of the week, a flower market is open, where in spring you can buy a rare variety of mimosa with balls, the size of which reaches the size of hazelnuts. In addition to flowers, they sell sweets, spices, fruits and candied chestnuts, which are a local delicacy.
Every Monday antique dealers come to the market. Their product range includes vases made from Limoges porcelain, Provencal furniture, black and white photographs, scales for weighing bull meat and many other rare and outlandish items.
Running through museums
Most of the sights of the province of Nice are museums. There are more of them here than in any other city in France, except for its capital. Among all the museums that exist in the city, you should definitely visit such institutions as:
- Matisse Museum. It is located in a Genoese mansion. The institution exhibits a huge number of sculptures and paintings of the French genius.
- Museum of Fine Arts. It has an exhibition of paintings by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Fragonard and other artists.
- Massena Museum. Almost one and a half thousand of its exhibits belong to the daily culture and art of the XI-XIX centuries.
- National Marc Chagall Museum. The center of the entire exhibition can be considered 17 paintings by Chagall, which he painted under the influence of impressions from the Jewish stories of the Old Testament.
There are also municipal galleries in Nice. And for those who are interested in the exact sciences, it is recommended to visit the Observatory, the Museum of Archeology and the Museum of Natural History.
Palace of a noble family
Photos of the province of Nice clearly indicate that this is a rich city with luxurious buildings. This theory can also be proved by the example of the Laskari Palace, built back in the 17th century for one of the most respected dynasties of the city. Among other medieval buildings, this mansion is distinguished by its facade in the Genoese Baroque style. The exterior decoration of the attraction is distinguished by restraint. As befits a house of aristocrats, she is full of dignity.
The ornamental façade includes elements such as sculptural masks under balconies with white marble balustrades and a relief ornament of garlands and scrollwork above the main portal. All the main decor is located at the level of the third, "noble" floor. It was there that the apartments of the most respected members of the Ventimille-Lascari family were located.
One of the most luxurious castles
Which sea in the province of Nice, we have already mentioned, is the Mediterranean Sea, but we have not yet talked about which of the resort's attractions is one of the most luxurious. This is Valrose Castle. The aristocratic building of the resort is also one of the most curious. The Neo-Gothic castle is built on Simez hill. It was erected for Baron Pavel von Derviz, who wrote the music for the romance "Evening Bells".
One million gold francs was spent on the construction of the castle. For this amount, a huge palace was created, which amazes the attention with its extravagance. At one time, the decoration of the castle was characterized by special luxury. It featured crystal chandeliers, expensive pieces of art and interior design, and frescoes. The castle used to have a concert hall that could accommodate four hundred people. It regularly hosted opera performances and other performances.
Finally a few words
Tourists always leave only the most friendly reviews about the province of Nice. They say that this is one of the most luxurious and stunning resorts in the world. And it is felt even in the air of the city. Travelers say that Nice is always beautiful. At any time of the year, you can wonderfully relax here and get fabulous impressions.
In the 19th century, Nice was a winter resort for aristocrats from all over Europe, especially those where the winter was too harsh. Gradually, Nice turned into a fashionable and expensive resort, accessible only to wealthy people from high society. Actually, even today this pearl of the French Riviera is far from affordable for everyone.
What to see in Nice? What is interesting in this city, except for luxurious hotels, expensive clubs, restaurants, comfort and excellent service? Many have heard about the sights of Nice, there are a huge number of them here. Russia also made a worthy contribution to the history and culture of this wonderful resort.
TOP 15 attractions in Nice and surroundings
Not only does Nice have beaches and entertainment, it is an extremely beautiful city with many palaces, temples and museums to be found. Lovers of architectural delights can admire their best Italian and French examples. We bring to your attention a description of the sights of Nice with photos and names.
As you know, Nice has always been considered an English resort, because. since the 19th century, for the most part, Englishmen from aristocratic families rested here and bought real estate. Therefore, the Promenade des Anglais, built in the British style in the middle of the 19th century, is considered the most popular in Nice. Then English ladies and gentlemen walked along it, and Queen Victoria also visited here.
Later, the Promenade des Anglais repeatedly increased in length and width, magnificent palaces, fashionable hotels, casinos, squares with palm trees were built around it on the odd side - everything that is necessary for wealthy tourists. As a result, today this embankment stretches to the local airport and has become the most famous and popular attraction in Nice.
Perhaps this is the most famous hotel in Nice. It stands opposite the Promenade des Anglais and is considered one of the symbols of this resort, and of the entire coast. For the first time, the Negresco Hotel (Le Negresco) opened before the First World War, getting its name from the name of the first owner of Hungarian origin. Chanel, Hemingway, Dietrich, Camus, Cocteau and other great and famous once lived here.
The Hotel Negresco has a famous pink dome, which was forged by a student of Gustave Eiffel. The chandelier, four meters high, installed under the dome of the hotel, is not unique. She has only one analogue, once owned by the Russian Emperor Nicholas II, and today installed in the Grand Kremlin Palace. The hotel's large carpet was made at the beginning of the 17th century and previously belonged to Marie de Medici.
Each room at the Negresco Hotel is decorated in its own unique style: Gothic, Empire, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Art Nouveau, etc. The world-famous Chanticleer restaurant, which constantly receives the highest ratings from the best specialists in the field of gastronomy and restaurant business, welcomes visitors here. It is also worth noting that the porters of the Negresco Hotel are dressed the way their colleagues dressed in the 19th century.
3. Old city
This is the heart of Nice, telling about the history and culture of this beautiful city. What can you see in the Old Town of Nice? Here is a real paradise for architectural historians, because. the area is full of unique architectural monuments, most of which are built in the Baroque style. Also in the Old Town there are a lot of restaurants and cafes offering delicious local cuisine and the best French wines.
Be sure to walk around the Old Town of Nice and see the Museum of Modern Art with a collection of avant-garde paintings, Place Saint-Francois and the tower on it with a large clock, Laskari Palace, Rossetti Square, St. Mercy and many other unique sights of Nice.
4. Russian quarter
Nice was a very popular resort among the aristocrats of the Russian Empire, who often purchased local property or built it. For almost the entire 20th century, for obvious reasons, there were significantly fewer Russians in this city. And with the beginning of the 21st century, a lot of wealthy people from New Russia appeared here. Now every year their number is only increasing.
The Russians have left their mark on the architecture of this beautiful city on the Cote d'Azur. It is generally accepted that there is a whole Russian quarter in the Old Town, which includes the St. Nicholas Cathedral, a monument to Tsarevich Nikolai who died in Nice, the Russian cemetery of Kokad, Tsarevich Boulevard, Nicholas II Street, etc. You will certainly be interested in wandering among the monuments of Russian history of the 19th century .
The name of this museum is translated from French as "The Bible message of Marc Chagall." It exhibits 17 illustrations of the Old Testament by this famous artist, donated by him to France. In addition, in the museum you can see some of the artist's earlier illustrations on a biblical theme, created in the thirties of the last century. Here is such a Russian cultural landmark of Nice.
The Marc Chagall Museum in this city was opened to visitors in 1973. It was organized by the French writer Andre Malraux. A one-story building was built specifically for the museum. It has three halls, where today Chagall's works are placed, and one concert hall, where various musical evenings are often held. The famous artist himself created stained glass windows and mosaics for his museum.
Perhaps one of the best attractions in Nice and all of France is the museum of the famous Fauvist painter Henri Matisse. It is located in a small house built in the 17th century. Here, all his paintings and almost all sculptural works are presented for viewing by visitors. Specialists and art lovers can trace all the stages of the creative path of this artist and great man.
In the Matisse Museum you can also see books illustrated by Matisse, ceramics, stained glass windows, tapestries and silkscreens of his work. His personal belongings and documents are collected here. For admirers of the artist's talent, visiting his museum is a real pleasure. It should be noted that he lived in Nice for more than forty years, enjoying the beauty of this city, here Henri Matisse was buried in 1954.
This is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Western Europe, located in the Russian Quarter of Nice, not far from Tsarevich Boulevard on Nicholas II Street. Nicholas Cathedral was built in memory of the heir to the Russian throne, Tsarevich Nicholas, son of Emperor Alexander II, who died here.
First, on the site of the villa where Tsarevich Nikolai died, a white marble chapel was erected at the direction of the emperor, and at the beginning of the 20th century, the construction of a large Orthodox church began. Money for its construction was donated by Nicholas II, Prince Golitsyn, Countess Apraksina, Rothschild, merchants Eliseevs, etc.
In the 20th century, the temple existed outside of Russia, and only in 2010 the court of Nice recognized that the Nicholas Cathedral belongs to the Russian Federation, later it came under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church. In 2015, the cathedral was restored, re-lit, after which its second official opening took place.
The construction of the sea harbor of Nice began in the middle of the 18th century at the direction of King Charles Emmanuel III. Construction continued for about 150 years. Only after Nice finally became French, a temporary and then a permanent lighthouse was installed in the port of Lympia, and the port itself took on its current modern look and size.
Today, large sea ships and cruise ships moor here. Yachts and fishing boats look picturesque, of which there are countless in the port. You can always take a ride on ships and boats to see the surroundings of Nice and the entire coast. Passenger and cargo ferries to Corsica run from here.
The place in the port and around it is very beautiful. It is surrounded by 19th-century baroque mansions, many cafes and restaurants. Near the port is the Monument to the Fallen in Wars and the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Having been here, you will better understand the mentality, history and culture of the indigenous people of this city.
The opera house of this city is considered one of the best in France. Back in the 19th century, Berlioz and Massenet performed their operas here, Strauss conducted. And in the XX-XXI century, all the great opera singers and singers of our time sang from the stage of this theater for grateful spectators, opera premieres were given.
The first building of this theater burned down right during the opera, and people died tragically. The municipality of the city has built a new building with excellent acoustics and interior decoration. The New Opera of Nice opened its doors in 1885. Here, lovers of this art form first heard operas by Verdi, Wagner and Tchaikovsky.
Today, the Nice Opera has been restored and is technically well equipped. The best classical and modern orchestras of France often perform here, every season the theater gives a premiere of a new opera, presents to the audience more than a hundred performances of the highest directorial, musical and performing level.
For the first time this place was chosen by the ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC, who arrived here by sea and built Nicaea here, which they wanted to make a strategic trading and military center of the entire coast. Today, on Castle Hill you can see the ancient remains of the fortress and the ruined cathedral of the 11th century, as well as the Watchtower, built in the first half of the 19th century. A cannon shoots from here every day, marking the time.
Castle Hill has a second name - Chateau Hill. On it is the Chateau cemetery, where Alexander Herzen is buried, who was once "woken up by the Decembrists." Tourists can climb the mountain to look at Nice and everything that is near it using a special lift or just on foot. And on the Castle Hill itself, you can see the ancient ruins, walk through the park and the botanical garden with a waterfall.
Attractions in Nice
1. Cimiez Monastery
On the hill of Cimiez in the suburbs of Nice, there is the still active Monastery of Cimiez, it includes a church, a cemetery and a monastery, where Franciscan monks still live permanently. Simye Monastery was founded in the 9th century. It is located near Roman ruins and a museum. The Cimiez Monastery offers a panoramic view of Nice and the Bay of Angels, it also has a garden and a cemetery where the painter Henri Matisse is buried. In the monastery church you can enjoy 15th century paintings by the Brea brothers.
2. Promenade du Paillon
The newly opened Promenade du Paillon is a wide parkway that stretches from the waterfront to the National Theatre. Designed by landscape architect Michel Pena, it sits along the Paillon River, which was blocked at the end of the 19th century. The waterfront features playgrounds, green spaces, gardens and a massive reflecting pool that features 128 water jet nozzles that spray water at random, this reflecting pool is adored by kids of all ages.
3. Marc Chagall Museum (Musee Marc Chagall)
Located in the hilly Cimiez suburb of Nice near the northern border, the Marc Chagall Museum has one of the largest collections of works by the modernist Russian-French artist. Created during Chagall's lifetime, the museum was intended to showcase the biblical message, a series of 17 canvases depicting scenes from the Bible. Chagall also created colorful floor mosaics overlooking the garden pond. More than 800 works by Chagall have been in the collection since the opening of the museum in 1973.
4. St. Nicholas Cathedral (Russian Orthodox Cathedral)
The Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas is the largest of its kind in Western Europe. The cathedral is richly decorated with blue domes topped with shimmering golden crosses. Completed in 1912, the cathedral was built to house the growing number of Russian aristocrats who wintered in Nice. The construction of the cathedral was financed by Tsar Nicholas II in memory of the heir, Nicholas Alexandrovich, who died in Nice in 1865.
5. Matisse Museum (Musee Matisse)
A 17th-century villa in the hills of Cimiez in northern Nice is home to an extensive collection of works by French artist Henri Matisse. The artist first came to Nice in 1917 and remained in the city until his death in 1954. Opened in 1963, the museum houses hundreds of paintings, gouaches, drawings, engravings and sculptures by the French master, and has a large collection of personal items that belonged to Henri Matisse.
6. Place Massena
The cultural center of Nice, Place Massena is the largest square in the city and the main venue for numerous festivals and concerts in Nice. Surrounded by 17th century architecture, it connects the Old Town with the city's commercial district. In the center of the square is a fountain with a statue of Apollo. To visit all the sights of Nice you should book a city tour.
7 Colline du Chateau
Little remains of the medieval fortress on top of a rocky hill that once guarded Nice. Now this place is a picturesque Chateau Park, a favorite vacation spot for tourists and locals. On the territory of the park there are numerous observation platforms from which a wonderful panoramic view of Nice opens. Travelers can climb to the top of the hill on foot, along numerous trails, or take a short cut using the elevator located next to the Swiss Hotel. In addition to the ancient walls of the castle, the park has a waterfall, several cafes, and a children's play area.
8. Cours Saleya
A wide promenade located in the Old Town. Cours Saleya is located on the site of the famous ducal open-air gardens. It was a favorite meeting place for the locals, where they breathed the sea air and watched the sunset. Since 1861, there has been a market down the street. But still, Cours Saleya, first of all, is a flower market. Visit it and you are guaranteed colorful photos of vivid impressions. Here you can buy souvenirs and gifts. Of the souvenirs, you should pay attention to the traditional perfumes for Provence, soap, spices, seasonings with the scent of lavender. But do not forget - this is a market, and bargaining is appropriate! Well the street is lined with 18th century mansions surrounded by trees. Among the mansions stands out the yellow stone building where Henri Matisse lived from 1921 to 1938.
9. Nice Old Town (Vieux Nice)
The old town stretches from the foot of the castle hill to Place Massena, the city's main square. A labyrinth of narrow streets interspersed with wide promenades, the medieval quarter recreates a time in history when Nice was allied with the independent Italian states. The streets are paved with cobblestones, the houses are decorated with Italian facades, with faded golden colors and red tiled roofs. Now there are many shops and cafes, as well as souvenir shops that serve tourists.
10. Promenade of Nice (Promenade des Anglais)
The long promenade along the Bay of Angels owes its existence to British tourists, who first published information on the best places to stay in the early 18th century, after which the Nice promenade is also called the Promenade des Anglais.
Today it is one of the most famous seaside promenades in the Mediterranean, with palm trees, beach cabanas, chic cafes and premium hotels. The Promenade des Anglais is the most famous attraction in Nice.
11. Place Garibaldi
The monumental Piazza Garibaldi, with magnificent baroque architecture, was built at the end of the 18th century,Place Garibaldi is located in the eastern part of the Old Town of Nice.
In the center of the square rises a majestic fountain with a statue of the Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi,who was responsible for the unification of Italy at the end of the 19th century. He hoped that Nice would become part of Italy.
12. Nice Observatory
Another unique sight of Nice is the Observatory. Its creator is the famous Gustave Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel Tower. The observatory was opened in 1878 and it is still in working condition.
It was designed like a Greek temple, with a façade of Ionic columns, topped by a 92-ton dome enclosing what was then the largest telescope in the world.
The observatory offers a typical Provencal landscape with olive trees, and on the other hand a panoramic view of the glamorous Côte d'Azur and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Nice initially gained fame as a winter resort. The aristocracy came here from Russia, England and other European countries, in which the winter months were not distinguished by mildness. Gradually, this cozy town turned into a fashionable and desirable place, a real pearl of the French Riviera.
Nice is the coveted Cote d'Azur, the focus of luxury hotels, expensive clubs and restaurants. Holidays in Nice are preferred by wealthy tourists, or travelers who value comfort, excellent service and high standards.
The capital of the French Riviera boasts not only beaches and entertainment. This is a beautiful city with many historical buildings, pretty streets, magnificent embankments. Architecture lovers will definitely have something to see during their trip to Nice.
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What to see and where to go in Nice?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
The main city "promenade", the symbol of Nice and the center of the local establishment. The embankment stretches for 6 km. along the bay with the poetic name "Bay of Angels". The name of the place dates back to the 18th century, when wealthy English people began to come to Nice to survive the cold winter. The bridge embankment has seen many famous people from F. Nietzsche to members of the Romanov imperial family.
A neoclassical luxury hotel located on the Promenade des Anglais. It is a symbol of the entire Côte d'Azur. The hotel opened in 1913, among its famous guests were Coco Chanel, M. Dietrich, E. Hemingway. The interior of Louis XIV (one of the hotel rooms) was decorated with the original ceiling of a medieval castle. The design of the luxury apartments of the hotel is unique, each room has an individual name and interior.
The waterfront quarters with buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries that make up the historic center of Nice. The area of the old city is small - only a couple of square kilometers. The place is a labyrinth of narrow stone streets, covered with medieval romance and shrouded in an atmosphere of sophisticated French antiquity. Most of the attractions are located in the historic center.
The sea gates of the city, which are adjacent to the picturesque embankment and the lively marina. Despite the abundance of yachts and other vessels, the water in the port bay is so clear that you can often see fishermen here. The port began to be built in the middle of the 18th century, construction continued for more than 100 years. Cruise ships often moor here, as Nice is included in most Mediterranean itineraries.
The square was built during the 19th century. Now it is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Nice. The place was named after A. Massena, a talented and successful French commander. Around the square there are many interesting architectural objects, in the southern part there is a fountain "Sun" with a 7-meter statue of Apollo, installed in the middle.
At the end of the 18th century, a large wasteland was located on the site of Piazza Garibaldi, which began to be built up in 1780. Gradually, the wasteland turned into a lively area; in 1869, a picturesque small garden was laid out here. The place was named after the Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. This was not done in vain, as the architecture of the square resembles a typical Italian piazza.
The gallery was created with the direct participation of the artist himself, who lived in the vicinity of Nice in the 1960s. XX century. The building was erected on the ruins of an old estate according to the project of the architect A. Erman. Chagall worked on garden design and stained glass windows. The museum was opened in 1973. Visitors can admire the creations of the master, created under the influence of the study of Biblical texts.
The exposition of the museum is dedicated to the work of the famous painter A. Matisse. Not only the master's paintings are exhibited here, but also his personal belongings. The collection is housed in a 17th century Genoese villa. The maestro has lived in Nice for almost 40 years, many of his works are picturesque landscapes of the incomparable French Riviera, which are currently exhibited in the museum. Matisse himself is buried nearby on the territory of the monastery.
The gallery was created in 1990 by architects A. Vidal and I. Bayar. According to the standard concept, the Museum of Modern Art exhibits works of art from the second half of the 20th century. Of particular interest are the works of contemporary artists - residents of Nice, such as Armand, Cesar or Klein. The museum building itself is an interesting art object with a roof garden and glass corridors.
The collection is housed in a historic 19th-century mansion built in neoclassical style for the Russian Countess Maria Kochubey. The collection mainly contains works by French artists of the second half of the 19th century, but also includes works from the period of classicism and the Renaissance. At the Museum of Fine Arts, you can admire the paintings of Sisley, Degas, Mauss, Dufy, Monet and Cheret.
A small museum building was erected at the end of the 20th century according to the design of the Japanese architect K. Tange. The idea to create such a place came to the mind of the mayor of Nice, J. Madsen, who successfully served five terms in this post. The collection contains about 200 exhibits brought from Japan, China, India, Tibet. The museum building is located on the shore of a small artificial lake in one of the city parks.
The collection is located on the territory of a neoclassical palace located on the Promenade des Anglais. The building was erected at the very beginning of the 20th century. The mansion was named after Andre Massena, a marshal of the Napoleonic era. In 1919, the heir to the military leader presented the palace to the state and wished that a free museum would start working on its territory. The authorities gladly accepted the gift, and since then the Massena Museum has opened its doors to the general public.
A monumental classical building located in the historic center of Nice. It was erected at the end of the 19th century on the site of an old Dominican monastery (the monastery was destroyed during the French Revolution). The building is very popular with local youth, in the evenings dozens of people are placed on the stone steps with drinks and food. Sometimes street musicians perform on the square in front of the Palace.
The stage building is located on the territory of the old city. Since its founding in 1826, the theater has been regarded as one of the finest provincial opera stages in France. Unlike the capital's Opera Garnier, tickets here are sold at more affordable prices. Very talented actors play in the local troupe. The repertoire mainly consists of classical productions of musical works by famous authors.
One of the largest Orthodox churches in Western Europe. The cathedral was erected on the site of the mansion where the heir to the Russian throne, Nikolai Alexandrovich (son of Alexander II), died. During his journey, the Tsarevich fell ill and died in Nice. By the will of his father, a chapel was erected in memory of the young man. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Orthodox community, in need of a large church, began the construction of a full-fledged church.
Nice Cathedral, which was built and lit in 1699. Until 1903, the building continued to acquire additional extensions. The temple is named after Saint Reparata, a young Christian martyr who was killed by the Romans for her faith. It is believed that the body of the saint was placed in a boat and set free to travel around the Mediterranean. As a result, the ship landed on the shores of Nice.
The church building is one of the main attractions in Nice. The basilica was built in an elegant neo-Gothic style in the middle of the 19th century according to the project of Ch. Lenormand. The bright facade is finished with gilding, which gives the temple an elegant and festive look. Notre Dame de Nice was built right after the city was annexed by France. From the side, the temple resembles the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.
The church was erected very close to the port, so after the construction in the middle of the 19th century it became known as the "port parish". Previously, the temple was surrounded by modest houses of fishermen, now in their place is a calm and respectable urban area. J. Febvre worked on the church facade. The interior is decorated with works by E. Costa. The temple has a second name - the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Franciscan monastery of the XVI century, surrounded by a magnificent medieval park (the oldest on the Côte d'Azur). The interior of the monastery cathedral is decorated with a carved wooden altar, which is covered with gold leaf. The church also houses a stone cross from the 15th century. On the territory of the monastery there is a small cemetery with the grave of A. Matisse. For tourists, there is a museum of Franciscan monks.
The building of the observatory is located on the hill of Mont Grosse. It was built according to the design of G. Eiffel and C. Garnier. The structure is crowned with a rotating dome 24 meters in diameter. Initially, the observatory belonged to the Sorbonne University, but after the First World War the building was neglected for a long time, and only in 1988 there was some revival. In addition to being a scientific institution, the observatory will serve as a popular attraction.
The fort is located in the east of Nice in a hilly area in the Mont Baron park. The fortress was built in 1560 for defensive purposes to prevent the enemy from attacking from the sea. The architectural complex is a reference example of French military architecture. Some buildings are quite well preserved. From the height of the hill on which Alban stands, a fabulous view of the Bay of Angels opens up.
Monument of 1928 dedicated to the victims of the First World War. The monument is perfectly visible both from the sea and from the embankment. Surprisingly, this war memorial, located in calm and peaceful Nice, is one of the most imposing in all of France. It reaches a height of 32 meters. On the stone slabs of the monument are carved the names of the inhabitants of Nice who fell during the battles.
Cours Saleya is the street on which the city's food and flower markets are located, as well as an antique market once a week, which gathers lovers of antiquity from all around. In addition to a huge variety of flowers, they sell cheese, vegetables, wine, spices and other food. During the daytime, the market is quite crowded, so it is better to come between 6.00-8.00 in the morning.
Fragrant flower park located in the western part of Nice. On its territory you can enjoy the view of the lush Mediterranean flora, stroll among the bright flower beds and relax your soul. There are many picturesque parks in Nice, but Phoenix occupies a special place among them. It is preferred by both locals and tourists. The park is spread over an area of 7 hectares, its space is divided into 12 thematic zones.
Back in the 12th century, there was a fortress on the top of the hill, hence the name Castle Hill. Climbing can be done using the stairs leading from the Suisse Hotel, or using the winding hiking trail. At the top there are several viewing platforms from where tourists admire the surroundings of Nice, the view of the azure marina and the beauty of the well-groomed city embankments.
