France · City Guide
Nice
Nice is the queen of the French Riviera, a magnificent Mediterranean city of extraordinary light, Belle Époque architecture, outstanding food culture and one of the most beautiful seafront promenades in the world. From the Promenade des Anglais and the colourful Cours Saleya flower market to the Matisse Museum, the old town of Vieux-Nice and the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Corniche roads, Nice provides the perfect base for exploring the best of the Côte d'Azur.
Elect's take
"Nice is a city that captures something essential about the Mediterranean way of life. The light here is extraordinary, the food is exceptional and the combination of city pleasures and easy access to the surrounding Riviera creates a destination I find consistently captivating."
The Cours Saleya flower and food market in the heart of Vieux-Nice is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric markets in France, a daily celebration of Provençal produce, flowers and local specialities including socca, pissaladière and pan bagnat. The Promenade des Anglais stretches for seven kilometres along the Baie des Anges, one of the world's great seafront walks. The Musée Matisse houses an outstanding collection of the artist's work in a beautiful 17th century villa above the city. The old town is a beautiful labyrinth of Baroque churches, ochre-washed buildings and excellent restaurants. The Corniche roads connecting Nice with Monaco and Menton provide some of the most dramatic coastal driving in Europe.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Promenade des Anglais
One of the world's most beautiful seafront promenades along the Baie des Anges.
Cours Saleya
An extraordinary flower and food market at the heart of the beautiful old town.
Musée Matisse
An outstanding collection of Matisse's work in a beautiful villa above the city.
Vieux-Nice
A beautiful Baroque old town of ochre buildings, churches and excellent restaurants.
Corniche Roads
Some of Europe's most dramatic coastal driving connecting Nice with Monaco and Menton.
Niçoise Cuisine
A distinctive culinary tradition of socca, salade niçoise and outstanding Provençal produce.
