Nice

Nice - Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash

Nice is a large city in France on the French Riviera. It's a popular destination for tourists, both young and old, with something to offer nearly everyone. It is well known for the beautiful view on the Promenade des Anglais, its famous waterfront, and is an ethnically diverse port city.

What to see

Colline du chateau

The Colline du Chateau overlooking the Baie des Anges and harbour offers a spectacular vantage point overlooking the city. Not much is left of its ruined castle besides crumbling walls. Still, climbing up the stairs to reach the platforms 90 metres above Nice is well worth the view. There is also an ascenseur (lift) which will take you three quarters of the way up. Be aware that the castle park closes at around sunset. Expect to be escorted outside if you stay longer.

Museums

Nice is also known for several museums, entry to most of which (as of July 2008) is free. Some of the most famous are in Cimiez, the older, upper part of the city which in a previous century was a favourite of Queen Victoria, including:

  • Museum of Asian art

    Indian, chinese, southeast asian, and world art in great architecture on a lake

  • Parc Phoenix

    Different plants in botanical garden and tropical glass house. Also various animals.

  • Musee Matisse

    Charming collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures in 17th century Genoese villa

The Beaches

If you go to Nice for bathing or general lounging on the beach, you may wish to think again. The beaches of Nice consist entirely of large flat stones (gallets).

The Beaches - Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash

Much nicer beaches exist in other towns close by, such as Villefranche-sur-Mer , Antibes and Cannes , which are far more sandy. Villefranche is a particularly preferred beach choice, especially if travelling with children, only twenty minutes away by the TAM 100 bus.

Beautiful Landscapes

For views of Nice the best vantage point is the heights of Mont Boron. From the derelict old Fort and the nearby villa of Sir Elton John there are fine views over the city to the mountains and east over Villefranche and Cap Ferat .

Go to Eze . It is a small village on the way to Monaco. The village is situated on a small mountain and there is a beautiful cactus garden with a spectacular view (a must-see, €6 entrance fee). Unfortunately the old town is fully commercialized with restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries.

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