Interesting things to do in Nice. What to see in Nice in one, two or three days
If you don’t know what to see in Nice, but are planning to make a trip to this fabulous city, our review will be of great benefit to you. We have compiled a rating of the “best attractions in Nice”, taking into account reviews and recommendations from experienced guides.
What to see first in Nice
10. Matisse Museum
Matisse Museum in the 17th century Genoese villa Tubantia The museum complex is located in a 17th century cottage on a beautiful hill. The 18 spacious rooms display masterpieces created by Matisse in different years of his life, as well as his personal belongings. One of the halls is entirely dedicated to paper figurines created by an extravagant artist. Let’s say right away that visiting this museum and examining its samples will be of interest, first of all, to fans of pop art; for other people, the museum may cause extreme bewilderment.
11. Marc Chagall Museum
The creations of the master Marc Chagall in the halls of the Janet McKnight Museum The complex was opened only in 1966. Chagall himself took an active part in the creation of the object and was personally involved in the manufacture of some interior items (for example, blue stained glass windows installed in one of the museum premises). The territory also houses concert hall, which features performers of contemporary and classical music.
12. Museum of Fine Arts
Staircase at the Museum of Fine Arts in the historic 19th century Dennis Jarvis mansion City Museum from 1928, created by the graphic artist and artist J. Chéret. The exhibitions are located in an elegant mansion in the neo-Renaissance style. In addition to the works of Cheret himself, here you can see paintings by French and Italian masters of the 17th and 18th centuries, paintings and sculptures of the 19th century. The number of samples is constantly growing, thanks to financial “infusions” from the authorities and private citizens.
13. Asian Art Museum
Entrance to the Asian Art Museum in Phoenix Park Jean-Pierre Dalbéra The modest-sized 20th century house displays about 200 different items brought from Tibet, India, China and Japan. The museum is located in a city park on the shore of an artificial reservoir.
14. Musée Massena
Park opposite the main entrance to the Massena Cayambe Museum Telling about the best attractions of Nice and all of France, this museum is never overlooked. Among its rare exhibits are a cafe menu from the 19th century, porcelain from the 9th-12th centuries, and things that belonged to B. Napoleon. In addition to the direct exhibitions, the gardens located near the building are of interest - they are included in the list of natural wonders of the state.
15. Palace of Justice
Monumental building of the Palace of Justice trlvag A grandiose classical building from the 19th century. The palace is a huge hit with young people who come here with food and drinks and relax on the huge stone steps. Often street performers perform in the square in front of the building.
16. Nicholas Cathedral
General view of St. Nicholas Cathedral BrittLysaa One of the largest Orthodox churches abroad in the Russian Federation. The object was erected on the site of the death of the heir of Alexander II. Inside is an icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker that belonged to the emperor. Since 2011, the owner of the cathedral has been our country; before that it belonged to the Orthodox Association of Nice.
17. Basilica of Notre Dame
The light facade of the Notre Dame Basilica is decorated with gilding LimeWave Photo An architectural masterpiece in the neo-Gothic style. The largest and most beautiful church in the country, and at the same time the newest (construction completed in 1868). The unique decor includes a giant Gothic rose on stained glass windows, sculptures of the Virgin Mary, and a copy of the masterpiece “The Holy Family” by Murillo.
18. Cathedral of St. Reparata
The temple is named in honor of Saint Reparata Finoskov The catalytic cathedral, created in honor of the main defender of the city - Saint Reparata. Construction began in the 17th century, and subsequently the façade and interior of the building were renovated several times (the current style is Baroque). It is recommended to attend the local mass, among other reasons, for the wonderful sounds of the three organs (the internal halls have excellent acoustics). Every year the townspeople celebrate St. Reparations: a grand procession begins from her temple in order to repeat the sad path of the great martyr.
19. Church of Notre-Dame du Port
The Church of Notre-Dame du Port or the Church of the Immaculate Conception was erected near the port of Jesmar The temple is located near the port in a prosperous and calm area of Nice. The façade of the building was created by Febwer. Inside the church you can see paintings by E. Costa.
20. Cimiez Monastery
Cimiez Monastery in a magnificent medieval park A 16th-century Franciscan church located in the middle of a medieval park. The interior decoration is luxurious and expensive: the main hall is decorated with a carved wooden altar covered with gold leaf. The main shrine is a cross made of stone from the 15th century. On the square there is a burial place with the grave of Matisse. The Franciscan museum complex is open to guests.
Sights of Nice: what else to visit in Nice?
We told you about the main attractions of Nice briefly. In addition to them, such objects as deserve your close attention:
21. Nice Observatory
Observatory of Nice on the Mont Grosse hill ClaireL28 Hilltop building designed by Garnier and Eiffel. The building is decorated with a rotating 24-meter dome. Initially, the object was owned by the Sorbonne University. However, after the 1st World War it fell into disrepair; there were no funds for its reconstruction. The modern observatory is both a landmark and a functioning scientific center.
22. Fort Alban
Fort Alban in the hills of the Mont Baron FrancoisMignard park The fortification is from the 16th century and can be reached using a lift. Guests are invited to tour the guardhouse, the walls of which were painted by hand. The fort has a multimedia system that shows the history of the whole of Nice and specifically Alban. In good weather, you can see Corsica from the fort; on cloudy days, watch the Alps and panoramas of the city.
23. Monument to the victims of the First World War
View of the monument to the victims of the First World War at the foot of Castle Hill Monumental complex on Castle Hill. In addition to the monument itself, there are remains ancient castle and an equally ancient cemetery. The war memorial was created in memory of the 4,000 citizens of Nice who died in the 1st World War. The monument with the names of the victims is decorated with original bas-reliefs in the form of sailors, aviators, engineers and soldiers.
24. Phoenix Park
Fragrant flower park Phoenix Daniel70mi Falciola Spacious park area located in the west of the city. It is recommended to come here for have a relaxing holiday against the backdrop of colorful flower beds and fragrant Mediterranean flora. The territory of seven hectares is divided into 12 sections, each of which has its own theme.
25. Castle Hill
Neighborhoods of Nice from Castle Hill Simon On the territory of the mountain there is a Watchtower from the 19th century, a ruined temple from the 11th century and the ruins of a fortification. In addition, here is the grave of Alexander Herzen (Chateau Cemetery), Botanical Garden with a waterfall and a park.
We are sure that those sights of Nice, photos with names and descriptions of which you just saw, aroused your interest. When you arrive in the city, be sure to pay them a visit. Read also about and get inspired for your further journey through France.
Nice is the capital of the Cote d'Azur. In her character, French traits are mixed with Italian ones. It's cheerful, lively, beautiful city.
Nice is not provincial; it has an excellent university, known for many years for its research in marine biology. Not far from Nice, about 30 years ago, an area emerged that is sometimes called the French Silicon Valley. The center of this area is the town of Sophia Antipolis, and in addition, it includes small mountain villages where the scientific departments of large companies and small computer start-ups are located. As a result, many computer science graduate students come to these parts to write their dissertations.
In 1982, the Faculty of Philology of the University of Nice awarded the title of honorary doctor of science to the remarkable American writer James Baldwin, who lived for many years in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Baldwin belonged to another generation for whom racial problems in the States were very acute, and he chose to live in France.
The climate of Nice, mild even for the Côte d'Azur, is protected from northern winds high Alps, in the 19th century it attracted rich people from all over Europe in winter - Russian and Austro-Hungarian aristocrats, English lords and ladies gathered here.
Resort beaches
At the beginning of the 20th century, much less rich people who lived much more modestly - petty nobles, merchants, commoners - began to come to the city of Nice for the winter. Patients with tuberculosis spent the winter in Nice.
Embankment
Cote d'Azur Nice, Cannes
SIGHTSEEING NICE IN ONE DAY
Nice is clearly divided into two parts by the Paillon River, which is now mostly taken underground. Above it are gardens and squares. To the west of it is Nice of the 19th, 20th, 21st centuries, to the east is old Nice.
The main attractions of Nice are located in the Old Town. The old town is located at the foot of a hill, on top of which there was once a castle.
Area cours Saleya
The market square cours Saleya is almost on the shore. I crossed the quai des Etats-Unis embankment and found myself on a beach with round shiny pebbles. One summer we lived in a tiny apartment right on this square and from the second floor window we were choosing peaches on the shelves.
In winter the market smells of mimosas and lemons, in summer of tomatoes and peaches, and always of roses.
Autumn, time for grapes
Mountains of olives for every taste - black, green, spicy and not so spicy. Flowers. Including the bright yellow flowers of zucchini, which in Provence and Italy are fried in batter. Goat cheeses, their producers come down from the nearby mountains with them - often from those people who settled in abandoned villages in the late 60s, took up agriculture, and the production of ceramics. You recognize these people by their wide-brimmed hats and overall very attractive, but somewhat operetta-like appearance.
If you are in Nice in winter, be sure to eat at the souk (Bossa), which is fried in a giant frying pan by local celebrity Teresa. Socca is a Turkish dish in origin, but it has become local in Nice. This is a pancake made from bean flour. It is fried in olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper and eaten piping hot - out of paper. Once upon a time, dock workers ate socca in the morning. Just keep in mind that on a hot summer day, eating this magical scalding pancake is too hot.
Marina with private yachts
Look at the facades of the houses, standing in the middle of the market at the cours Saleya - they are painted, like in neighboring Italy - yellow, red, ocher - a feast for the eyes. And in the foreground is the Chapel of Mercy (chapelle de la Miséricorde) - a masterpiece in the Baroque style, built by the architect Bernardo Vittone in 1740 according to the sketches of Guarino Guarini, the famous Italian architect of the 17th century. Since 1828, this chapel has belonged to the Order of Penitents Noirs, which in Russian means the Order of Black Penitents. They are called black because of the color of their clothes. This is one of four monastic orders that are represented in Nice. Once upon a time, the monks of this order defended those sentenced to death from a crowd ready to tear them to pieces. The history of the order is not very well known. Some claim that it originated in Italy in the 12th century, others say that this order did not exist before Francis of Assisi and that it was Francis who founded it in 1221.
Multi-colored house facades
Watermelons, melons at the market
The chapel is very beautiful inside - there are elegant arcades and a bright baroque multicolor reigns. It has two wonderful altars by local primitivist artists - both dedicated to the Madonna of Mercy. One of them is still quite Gothic - the work of the artist Jean Mirayer, and the second is 80 years younger, and the influence of the Italian Renaissance is already felt in it. This is the work of Louis Brea. Perhaps this spirit of the Renaissance is felt most strongly in the landscape of Nice depicted on the panel.
The chapel is open on Sunday morning.
From the cours Saleya, in the depths of Place Pierre Gautier, you can see a building called the Government Palace (Palais du Gouvernement) or the Royal Palace (Palais Royal).
Classic facades, photo
On its facade, Doric columns alternate with Corinthian ones. This elegant building is crowned with a balustrade. The palace was built at the end of the 16th or beginning of the 17th century (the exact date is unknown). From 1610 to 1717, the palace of the Dukes of Savoy was located here. Then Nice belonged to France for some time, and in 1814 it went to the king of Piedmont and Sardinia, who built a royal palace in this building. In 1860, Nice became French again, and the building housed the prefecture. Unfortunately, with the exception of “days of historical heritage”, it is impossible to get inside this palace.
The market is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, and at any time of the year the square is drowned in flowers. By the way, about 20 years ago a large parking lot was built underneath it, where you can always park your car. Unless in July-August there may be problems with this.
Behind the square begins the Old Town with its dark narrow streets and bright small squares, with Baroque churches, with alleys that climb up and turn into stairs, with the clink of forks at lunchtime. At night, the streets are washed with hoses, and streams cascade down the steps. Secluded corners, benches, the smell of lavender - Nice is a very cozy city.
Old Nice is crossed by rue Droite. Once upon a time it went from one fortress wall to another. You should definitely walk along it, but, of course, turning into small alleys that branch off from it and returning back. If you walk along rue Droite from the sea into the depths of the Old Town, rue Malo-nat will be on the right. Turn onto it, then onto rue de l "Ancien Sénat. Painted houses, tiny squares, staircases with time-worn steps - echoing steps. Rue Droite where the bourgeoisie: in the 17th century the nobility, bankers, lawyers lived there. Witnesses of those times - built in Genoese style in the mid-17th century, the Lascari Palace (palais Lasca-ris), richly decorated with stone flowers and balconies, and the Gesu Church (église du Gésu), built by the Jesuits in 1642. Its Baroque façade, richly decorated with marble, dates back to 1825.
Street rue Droite
The Lascari Palace is worth a visit. There are shops downstairs, and the Music Museum opened on the upper floors in 2010: it displays an impressive collection of ancient instruments. A monumental staircase leads upstairs, and the interiors have expressive painted ceilings.
A cannonball is embedded in the wall of a house on the corner of rue Droite and rue de la Loge - it has been preserved from the siege of Nice by the Turks, allies of Francis I.
So you have come to Saint-François Square, overlooked by the clock tower (tour de St. François). In the mornings there is a colorful fish market. You have two options: you can go further to (D Place Garibaldi) along rue Pairolière, where there are many restaurants, boutiques, shops, or you can walk a few steps back in your footsteps along rue du Collet, and then turn left along Mascopnat street and exit to Rossetti Square.
Lascari Palace
Bellanda Tower
Place Rossetti is one of the most pleasant in old Nice. It was created in 1825. It is incredibly calm there. The fountain gurgles, it is impossible not to sit down at a table on the terrace of some cafe... This square is reminiscent of the Roman quarter of Trastevere: both here and there the feeling of the city is lost - a small village square, there is no need to rush anywhere...
Some of Nice's attractions are located on Castle Hill.
In ancient times there was a Greek city on the hill, then the first medieval city, there was a fortress there, of which practically nothing remains. In its place is a wonderful Mediterranean garden.
The castle was destroyed back in 1706, and now this 92 m high hill is called the castle by the residents of Nice. And at the top of the hill there is a round platform, with a view of the sea and tiled roofs, the entire Bay of Angels is visible at a glance...
One of the hill climbs starts from the end of the quai des Etats-Unis. From here you can take the elevator or climb the 400 steps to Montée Lesage. In addition, there are pedestrian climbs Montée du Chêteau and Montée Rondelly.
And now you have reached a huge round bastion built in the 19th century - the Bellanda Tower (tour Bellanda), this name is written slightly differently on different maps - sometimes Bellanda, sometimes Bellande, sometimes Belande. Nowadays there is a maritime museum at the top of the tower.
Once upon a time the composer Hector Berlioz (1803 - 1869) lived in the bastion; he was happy in Nice: “I am in Nice, I breathe in this air, warm and balsamic... Here is life and joy, and music that embraces me, and the future smiles... I am in Nice to wander through the forests of orange trees..."
Cemetery
Alexander Ivanovich Herzen (1812-1870) is buried in this cemetery on a hill. He died in Paris and was first buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery, but then his ashes were transferred to Nice, where he lived from 1850 to 1852 and where his wife died in 1852... In Nice, Herzen published many works , in particular “Letters from France and Italy,” first published in German. He had almost no contact with Russians in Nice. After the death of his wife, Herzen moved to London.
Herzen came to Nice at one of the most tragic moments of his life. In France, after the collapse of the revolution of 1848, Napoleon's nephew Louis Bonaparte (Napoleon III) came to power, Herzen fled from Paris with someone else's passport. He settled in Nice to be in solitude and think...
Above Herzen's grave is a monument by the sculptor Parfen Zabello (1830-1917).
From the cemetery, to the left, a descent begins along a series of stairs to the church of Saint-Martin-St-Augustin. This is the oldest parish in Nice. Luther celebrated Mass there in 1510, and Garibaldi was baptized there. Come inside and look at the beautiful baroque interior. Here is the central part of the altarpiece by Louis Brea - Pietà (Lamentation).
As you leave the church, pay attention to the monument to Catherine Segurane. In the 16th century, when Nice belonged to the House of Savoy, it was attacked by Francis I along with his Turkish allies. Catherine Seguran came to the fortifications with a basket of food for the soldiers; just at this time the Turks tried to launch an assault on the city, and then Katerina rushed at them with a kitchen knife. One after another, the Turks fell from the assault ladder into the ditch. Other residents of Nice also stood behind the valiant Catherine, so the attack was repelled. True, a little later, after 20 days of siege, the city was taken anyway.
A few more steps and you are at Place Garibaldi - the houses on it are yellow ocher; very similar squares are found in the towns of Piedmont. It was created in the 18th century, and then it marked the northern border of the city.
After a walk through the Old Town, you can continue east towards Italy and look at another attraction of Nice, the colorful port of Lympia. It is located just behind the castle hill, where the Rauba-Capeu promenade turns and becomes the Lunel promenade.
Port of Nice
The port was created in 1749 by order of Charles Immanuel III of Savoy, so that Nice could compete with Marseille and Genoa. But it never became a large trading port. Now yachts and private ships are moored there, and a ferry goes from there to Corsica. The houses on the waterfront around the port are very Italian in appearance, with multi-colored facades, mostly in the neoclassical style. Pay attention to the Liprandi house (Liprandi, 20, quai Lunel).
Of course, there are many fish restaurants around the port. A wonderful dish, common in Nice and neighboring Italy, is frit - tura mista - small fish, shrimp, squid fried in boiling oil.
Water and rocks
If you like to walk, go around the port and continue along the promenade. The city ends, the embankment turns into a coastal path: follow it to some cove, where in the summer brown, curly Provençal boys jump from the rocks into the water. And if you like snorkeling, then this is the best cove to do it. The water is clear, red starfish shine at the bottom, schools of silver sardines rush around, with stripes on their sides, sparkling in the bottom grass like tin cans.
In the bay
Promenade des Anglais
The most famous street of Nice of the 19th century is undoubtedly the Promenade des Anglais. Until 1820, it was difficult to get to this corner of the coast, pressed against the water by mountains. The English colony, which had settled here since the 18th century, took upon itself the construction of the road. Hence the name - “promenade of the British”. For the first time, the idea that it would be nice to create a walking street bordering the Bay of Angels arose from an Anglican priest, Reverend Lewis Way.
The wide Promenade des Anglais stretches along the sea, offering views of the bay, the Antibes fort, and the mountains. The city beach is right below it.
There are many beautiful gardens and beautiful buildings on the embankment: for example, le Palais de Mediter - ranée, the famous luxury hotel le Negresco, la villa Massena, the West End Hotel... In the east, the Promenade des Anglais smoothly turns into the quai des Etats-Unis.
Both of these embankment streets - Promenade des Anglais and quai des Etats-Unis - would be very nice if it were not for the abundance of cars.
Mediterranean Palace
This palace was built in 1929 by order of an American billionaire, and the building united the world of gambling with the world of art within its walls. Louis Armstrong and Josephine Baker sang here, Diaghilev's Russian ballets and Duke Ellington's jazz performed here...
The building now houses a luxury hotel and casino. The façade is an example of late modernism and has been completely preserved.
You can sit down and enjoy the view
Palace Negresco
This house is one of the most striking examples of Art Nouveau from its heyday. The palace was built by order of the Romanian prince Henri Negresco in 1912. It was opened by five crowned heads. And two years later, the First World War broke out, and a military hospital was placed in the palace. A few years after the war, the building, as planned, turned into a hotel. But it was only in 1957 that the hotel became what it is now - both a symbol of luxury and a museum. In 1957 it was bought by the Augier family. This hotel is run by eighty-four-year-old Jeanne Augier. She not only heads the famous institution, but also collects art that she places in her hotel. , To the left of the entrance is Salon I “Versailles” - it has a 17th-century ceiling, a huge fireplace brought from the Hautefort castle, a portrait of Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743). Behind the Versailles salon is the Grand salon. This huge living room has a glass ceiling designed by Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923), and a 16,800-piece baccarat crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. There lies the largest carpet in the world (375 square meters). Exhibitions are constantly held in this salon.
Each of the six floors of the Negresco Hotel is dedicated to a specific era. Well, if you want to sit on the walnut bench at Bar Negresco and have a drink, you'll probably meet a ginger cat named Carmen. She has her own counter stool at this bar.
Jules Chéret Museum of Fine Arts
Very close to the western edge of the Promenade des Anglais is the Museum of Fine Arts. The building in which the museum is now located was built for the Ukrainian princess Kochubey in 1878 in the style of the Genoese palaces of the 17th century, and the museum opened in 1928. Artists from various times are represented here, and the core was the collection sent to Nice by Napoleon III for the Museum of Fine Arts, opened in 1860. The current museum represents classics, impressionists, and artists of the early 20th century. Jules Chéret, after whom the museum is named, is the man who invented modern posters. It is he who owns the famous poster “Bal au Moulin Rouge” (“Ball at the Moulin Rouge”). Cheret had a significant influence on contemporary artists - Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa, 1864-1901, Pierre Bonnard (1867 - 1947). Cheret lived in Nice for a significant part of his life and died here. He devoted a lot of time to interior design. The interior decoration of the assembly hall in the prefecture of Nice is his work. And the museum that bears his name contains many of his works.
Raoul Duty Gallery
Dufy lovers should definitely come here. There are still lifes, landscapes, and street scenes - beautiful, vibrant works typical of Dufy.
Place Massena
Place Massena was founded in 1815. It is a colorful ensemble of houses connected by bright ocher yellow and red arcades. At the southern end of the square, bronze horses burst from the fountain.
Now this huge square is pedestrian. Beneath it, driven underground, flows the Paillon River, which begins in the Coaraze hills, 25 kilometers from here. In the square there is a huge sculptural ensemble called “Conversation” by the Catalan sculptor Jaume Plensa Uaume Piensa): thinkers kneeling or sitting on tall pedestals holding a conversation symbolize the continents. The best time to look at these figures is when it gets dark and they are illuminated from within. An absolutely enchanting spectacle! This sculpture is one of fifteen works of contemporary urban monumental art located along the route of tram number 1, launched in 2007.
Fountains, play of light and shadows... It is best to walk here in the dark with amazing lighting.
In the north, avenue Jean Medecin joins the square, a busy street with many shops. It is named after a Resistance fighter who served as mayor of Nice for many years after the war. To the west of place Masséna there are Masséna and France streets - both are pedestrian: it is very pleasant to stroll along them leisurely, looking around - there are many cafes, benches, and cinemas.
By the way, on Fridays at 7 pm there are excursions called “Art dans la ville” (“Art in the city”). If you love modern urban sculpture and architecture and speak French, taking a tour like this would definitely make sense. To do this, you need to call the tourist office (0 0-802-707-407) and make an appointment. The cost of the excursion is €8 per person
You can get to place Masséna from the Promenade des Anglais along Avenue de Verdun. Stop by the Jardin Albert I along the way. There is a huge sculpture by Bernard Venet (b. 1941), called “Arch 11 5.5°”, and next to it is the fountain “The Three Graces” by Antoniucci Voltl (191 5-1989).
Musée Masséna
Inside the Massena Museum, photo
On rue de France, in a building surrounded by gardens, there is a very unique museum. The building, designed in the style of Italian Empire mansions, was built in 1898 by architects Tersling and Messiaen for Victor Masséna, the great-grandson of the famous marshal, and in 1919 his son Andre donated the building to the city.
On the ground floor there are Empire salons. In the gallery there are figurines, marble busts, trinkets.
In the right wing of the second floor there is excellent painting, many local primitivists. Pay attention to the altar by Jacques Durandy with an amazing portrait of John the Baptist. There is also an altar by Louis Brea. Flemish, Italian, Spanish primitivists are also represented in this museum. A very nice statue of the Madonna made of silver and enamel - a magnificent example of the Italian Renaissance.
Two halls are dedicated to religious art of the 15th-17th centuries. The museum also contains knightly armor, and even a helmet dating back to 1500 BC. And on the third floor there is a collection of jewelry from all over the world. On the walls there are watercolors with landscapes of Nice. The museum also houses various documents from the Napoleonic and revolutionary eras. Many watercolors illustrate the history of the city.
The Promenade de Paillon starts from place Masséna. This esplanade runs between two parallel streets: avenue Jean Jauris and boulevard Félix-Faure. A very elegant tram runs along it among endless flowers. And this entire shining blooming esplanade is literally above the river. Once upon a time they washed clothes here... As everywhere else, where glass and concrete rush into the sky, there is a slight nostalgia for this river, for Nice, described by the wonderful writer Louis Nucera (Louis Nucera, 1928-2000). The son of emigrants from Italy, he lived all his life in Nice and in his very warm and poetic novels he wrote about the so-called “ordinary” people... Nucera died in 2000, during his daily bicycle ride, when he was hit by a car.
Museum of Contemporary Art Nice
Museum contemporary art(Musée d"Art Moderne et d"Art Contemporain)
If the art of the second half of the 20th century interests you, go to another attraction of Nice, the Museum of Modern Art, to which Promenade de Paillon will lead you. The building in which it is located is a stylized fortress. It consists of four square towers connected by glass walkways;
Modern Art
This fortress was built from glass and concrete by architects Yves Bayard (1935-2008) and Henry Vidal. The museum perfectly presents the artists of the Nice school. This school arose in the fifties of the 20th century, and from it came some movements of modern art - for example, the minimalists and the new realists. Much of modern European painting and sculpture grew out of this school. Its creators were Yves Klein (1928-1962), Armand (Fernandez Armand, 1928-2005) and Martial Raysse (born 1936). Later they were joined by Cézar (1921-1998) and Sasha Sosno (born 1937), and among the people of the next generation it includes Patrick Moya (born 1955). Probably, this school is most clearly represented in urban spaces - these are buildings, fountains, urban sculpture.
European new realists are close to representatives of American pop art - both of them tried to convey in their works the everyday life of consumer society. Their works often use a variety of objects - everyday or industrial - usually for other purposes. Yves Klein is one of the most prominent representatives of this trend. On the terrace of the museum stands his monumental sculpture “Wall of Fire”.
Minimalists are distinguished by the fact that the artist is almost invisible in their works. Very often, canvases consist of many repeating elementary forms.
The permanent exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art is not very large; temporary exhibitions replace each other here.
Acropolis
After the Museum of Modern Art, the Promenade de Paillon leads you to the huge Palais de Congris, made of glass and concrete. It is also called the Acropolis. It is 338 meters long and occupies the entire space between Avenue Galleni and Risso Boulevard. This building, built by a group of local architects, looks like a giant ship at anchor. Its 55,000 square meters are spread over five levels. Inside and outside there are works by a variety of sculptors from the second half of the 20th century. Among them are Armand ("The Power of Music"), Volti ("Nikaya"), Cesar ("Thumb"), Calder (Alexander Calder, 1898-1976), Paul Belmondo (1898-1982), Moretti ( "Louis Armstrong") and others.
When you return back to place Massuna, you will see another landmark of Nice, the building called “Square Head”. It is located on the corner of the Jardin Marchal-Juin garden. This 30-meter-high structure, completed in 2002, is a cube standing on a realistically made huge neck, and the cube houses the municipal library named after Louis Nucer. The author of this very peculiar house is the monumental sculptor Sasha Sosno. Another of his works - a bronze Juno - stands in the Elysée Palace at number 59 on Promenade des Anglais. There are works by Sasha Sosno in the Museum of Modern Art.
This is the aristocratic part of Nice. The villas here are surrounded by greenery. At the edge of Cimiez Boulevard, a statue of Queen Victoria of England (1819-1901) reminds us that kings once stood on this hill.
If you are by car, then you should go here from the Acropolis along Saga-basel Boulevard, which turns into Cimiez Boulevard, and just about the place where the name changes, a little to the side is the Chagall Museum.
Chagall Museum
The building in which the museum is located was built especially for it by the architect Andre Herman in 1972. Provençal all-pervasive light pours into it through huge windows, and the paintings in this light are completely alive. It houses the world's largest permanent collection of Chagall's works. It is interesting that this collection is thematic - the museum is called “Biblical Message”, and all the works in it are on biblical themes. These paintings were donated to the state by the artist himself. He created 17 large works in 13 years (1954-1967). In the huge hall there are 12 paintings dedicated to the history of Adam and Eve, the earthly Paradise, the history of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and in the next hall there are 5 works illustrating the Song of Songs. All these paintings are absolutely Chagall-esque - lyrical, tender, slightly ironic and completely magical, luminous. And of course, they contain the true Chagall deities - his animals and birds... Pay attention to the mosaic on the wall, made in 1970. Stand at the library door and you will see how this mosaic is reflected in the pond. It depicts the ascension of Elijah the prophet in a chariot of fire. And in the conference room the air is blue from three huge stained glass windows. The museum also contains sculptures and sketches for paintings. Even if you are only in Nice for a short time, you simply cannot miss this museum.
By the way, Chagall lovers, do not forget to go to the Faculty of Law of the University of Nice (Villa Passiflores, 34, avenue Robert Schuman), where you will see a huge, wall-sized mosaic: Odysseus, after all his trials, returns to Ithaca to Penelope.
Matisse Museum
The villa itself with red walls, standing in a quiet garden where olive trees coexist with cypress trees, already deserves to come here. It was built in 1670 in the Genoese style. The villa looks out to the sea. Its first owner was the Italian consul. In the 19th century, new owners rebuilt it, and it began to meet all the requirements for a large bourgeois house. And in 1950, the state bought the villa, and it began to be called the Villa des Arines, because the Roman arenas are located very close to it. In 1993, the Matisse Museum was opened in Villa Arena.
This museum displays works not only by Matisse. There are paintings by both Cézanne and Signac, allowing you to see how these artists influenced Matisse. There are books and a variety of objects that belonged to Matisse and were depicted on his canvases. In two rooms there are models and sketches related to the Matisse chapel in the nearby town of Van.
Museum window
City Cemenelum
Archaeological Museum (Musée Archéologique) and Cemenelum
The museum mainly displays objects found during excavations on the Slgsheg hill itself and in the outskirts of Nice - ceramics, bronze, coins. Nearby are the remains of a Gallo-Roman settlement of the 2nd century AD - the city of Setepeit, where the procurator of the imperial province of the Maritime Alps lived.
As always, what remained from the Romans were the baths - the northern baths, where the procurator and patricians went, a summer pool, a hall of cold baths (fri-gidarium). Some houses and baths for the common people have also been preserved.
And, of course, the arenas were quite modest in size, 67x56 m, and could accommodate 4,000 spectators. As elsewhere, gladiator fights and animal fights were held in the arenas.
Nowadays various traditional holidays are held here, and various music festivals are held throughout the summer.
Monastery and monastery square (Monastеre, place du Monastеre)
At the very top of the Cimiez hill in the square there is a calver - a white marble column topped with a cross. This column was installed in 1477. On one side of the calvera is the Seraphim who appeared to Saint Francis and left stigmata on his body, on the other side are Saint Clare and Francis of Assisi on either side of the Madonna.
Nearby is the cemetery where Raoul Dufy and the author of “The Thibaut Family”, the famous writer Roger Martin du Gard (1881-1958), are buried, as well as the magnificent crypts of the local nobility. And in the olive grove on the northern edge of the cemetery lies Matisse.
Franciscans have lived in the monastery since the 16th century, and before that this ancient monastery, founded in the 9th century, was Benedictine.
In the church of Notre Dame de l'Assomption there are three very important works of the primitivists. To the right of the entrance is the Pietà (“Lamentation”).
Ruin
This is the youthful work of Louis Brea (executed in 1475), and one of his best works. The horizontal composition is emphasized by the cross and the frozen body of Christ. And despite the surrounding angels, Mary with the baby on her lap looks surprisingly lonely. Saint Martin is magnificent - a horseman in a blood-red cloak.
Very different from the Pieta is the “Crucifixion” of the same Louis Brea, located to the left of the choir. This work is later, dating back to 1512, and there is nothing Gothic in it: instead of a deep golden background, there is a Provençal landscape.
In the second chapel, to the left of the entrance, there is a wooden sculpture of Christ, made in the 18th century.
In the third chapel (at the back on the right) is a work attributed to Louis Bréat, but it is possible that he was assisted by his brother Antoine. The Renaissance is already clearly visible in it.
The interior of the monastery is closed to the public, but there is a Franciscan Museum, where various documents, frescoes, and sculptures tell the story of the Franciscans in Nice from the 13th century to the present day.
On the south side of the monastery there are amazing terraced gardens. Lemons grow there, and an incredible abundance of different flowers. These gardens rise above the valley of the Paillon River. And all of Nice and the Bay of Angels are visible from here in full view.
Evidence of the Russian presence in Nice is the Russian Orthodox Church, which stands on Piot Hill, on Tsarevich Boulevard (Boulevard du Tzarewitch, tel. 04-93-96-88-02). It was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the model of St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square in Moscow. This is perhaps one of the most ornate Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia. Its golden domes shine. And inside there are many icons donated to the church by post-revolutionary emigrants.
Russian Orthodox Church on Pio Hill
And another building that shows the importance of the Russian presence in Nice is the Chateau Valrose, which now houses the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the local university. This huge luxurious mansion was built on the Si-mier hill by the rich man and music lover Baron von Derviz in the second half of the 19th century. It was in the Valrose castle that Mikhail Glinka, who was visiting him, composed the opera “A Life for the Tsar,” which under Soviet rule was performed under the title “Ivan Susanin.”
Valrose Castle
In Nice, at number 63 on Promenade des Anglais, lived Maria Bashkirtseva, a cult figure of the late 19th century. She was born in 1858 into an aristocratic family in Ukraine. In 1871, after her parents separated, Musya moved with her mother, aunt and cousin to Nice. Maria Bashkirtseva was undoubtedly very talented. This bohemian, exalted girl tried herself in both literature and painting. From the age of 12 she kept a diary in French. It was this diary, printed after her death in different languages, that aroused great interest among contemporaries. And she died from severe tuberculosis very early - in 1884. She was only 25.
Her naive diary juxtaposes a romantic thirst for fame with a sense of doom. This diary is psychologically very close to the self-perception of exalted young people of the early 20th century. It is not surprising that he was appreciated by Marina Tsvetaeva, who, by the way, was friends with the mother of Maria Bashkirtseva.
IN recent months Bashkirtsev's life entered into an epistolary dialogue with Maupassant.
After her death, she gained extremely ecstatic fans around the world.
And at the Oasis boarding house (tel. 04-93-16-08-14, 23 rue Gounod), Anton Pavlovich Chekhov and the young Vladimir Lenin stayed at a not very long interval. The boarding house still exists today and is now a hotel.
And another story connected with the Russians in Nice - this time tragic. It was here that the American dancer, Scottish by birth, and friend of Sergei Yesenin, Isadora Duncan, died so absurdly. Her long, carelessly worn scarf wrapped around the wheel of the open car she was riding in and suffocated her.
Film description of the resort: Nice (duration 14 min.)
Sights of Nice
1. Cimiez Monastery
On the hill of Cimiez, on the outskirts of Nice, is the still active Monastery of Cimiez, which includes a church, cemetery and monastery, where Franciscan friars still live permanently. The Cimiez monastery was founded in the 9th century. It is located near Roman ruins and a museum. The Cimiez Monastery offers panoramic views of Nice and the Bay of Angels, and also has a garden and a cemetery where the artist Henri Matisse is buried. In the monastery church you can admire 15th-century paintings by the Brea brothers.
2. Promenade du Paillon
The recently opened Promenade du Paillon is a wide parkway that stretches from the embankment to the National Theater. Designed by landscape architect Michel Pena, it is located along the Payon River, which was dammed at the end of the 19th century. The promenade features playgrounds, green spaces, gardens and a massive reflecting pool that is equipped with 128 water jets that spray water in a random pattern, this reflecting pool is adored by children of all ages.
3. Marc Chagall Museum
Situated in the hilly suburb of Cimiez in 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 paintings 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 museum opened 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 accommodate the growing number of Russian aristocrats who wintered in Nice. The construction of the cathedral was financed by Tsar Nicholas II in memory of his heir, Nikolai Alexandrovich, who died in Nice in 1865.
5. Matisse Museum
The 17th-century villa on the Cimiez hills 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, prints and sculptures by the French master, and has a large collection of personal items belonging 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 there 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 the picturesque Chateau Park, favorite place recreation for tourists and local residents. Within 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 shortcut by taking the elevator located next to the Swiss Hotel. In addition to the ancient castle walls, the park has a waterfall, several cafes, and a children's play area.
8. Cours Saleya
Wide promenade located in the Old Town. Rue Cours Saleya is located on the site of the famous open-air ducal gardens. It was a favorite meeting place for locals, where they breathed the sea air and watched the sunset. Since 1861, there has been a market on the street. But still, Cours Saleya is, first of all, a flower market. Visit it and you are guaranteed colorful photos and vivid impressions. Here you can buy souvenirs and gifts. As for souvenirs, you should pay attention to the traditional Provence perfumes, soaps, spices, and seasonings with the aroma of lavender. But don’t forget - this is a market, and bargaining is appropriate! Well, the street is lined with 18th-century mansions surrounded by trees. Among the mansions, the yellow stone building stands out, where Henri Matisse lived from 1921 to 1938.
9. Old town of Nice (Vieux Nice)
The old town extends from the foot of the castle hill to Place Massena, the city's main square. A labyrinth of narrow streets interspersed with wide embankments, the medieval quarter recreates a time in history when Nice was an ally of the independent Italian states. The streets are paved with cobblestones, the houses are decorated with Italian facades, with faded gold paint and red tiled roofs. Now there are many shops and cafes, as well as souvenir shops that serve tourists
10. Promenade des Anglais
The long embankment along the Bay of Angels owes its existence to British tourists, they were the first to publish information on best places for recreation at the beginning of the 18th century, in honor of which the Nice promenade is also called the Promenade des Anglais.
Today it is one of the most famous seaside promenades on the Mediterranean, with palm trees, beach cabanas, chic cafes and premium hotels. The Promenade des Anglais is Nice's most famous landmark.
11. Place Garibaldi
The monumental Piazza Garibaldi, with its 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 stands 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 will become part of Italy.
12. Nice Observatory
Another unique attraction of Nice is the Observatory. Its creator is the famous Gustave Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel Tower. The observatory was opened in 1878 and is still in working order.
It was designed to resemble 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's grounds offer a typical Provençal landscape with olive trees, and on the other side a panoramic view of the glamorous Côte d'Azur and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Nice initially gained fame as winter resort. The aristocracy from Russia, England and other European countries came here, where winter months were not soft. 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 center of fashionable 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 more than just beaches and entertainment. This is a beautiful city with many historical buildings, pretty streets, and 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 walks. Photos and brief description.
The main city “promenade”, a 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 Englishmen began to come to Nice to survive the cold winter. The embankment pavement has seen many famous people from F. Nietzsche to members imperial family Romanovs.
Neoclassical luxury hotel located on the Promenade des Anglais. It is a symbol of the entire Cote d'Azur. The hotel opened in 1913, among its famous guests were Coco Chanel, M. Dietrich, E. Hemingway. The original ceiling was used to decorate the Louis XIV salon (one of the hotel rooms) medieval castle. The design of the hotel's luxury apartments is unique, each room has an individual name and interior.
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 in medieval romance and shrouded in the atmosphere of sophisticated French antiquity. Most of the attractions are located in the historical center.
The sea gate of the city, which is adjacent to the picturesque promenade and bustling marina. Despite the abundance of yachts and other ships, the water in the port bay is so clean that fishermen can often be seen here. Construction of the port began in the middle of the 18th century; construction continued for more than 100 years. Cruise ships often dock here, as Nice is included in most Mediterranean itineraries.
The square was built throughout the 19th century. Now it is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Nice. The place was named in honor of A. Massena, a talented and successful French commander. There are many interesting architectural objects around the square; 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, on the site of Piazza Garibaldi there was a large wasteland, which began to be built up in 1780. Gradually, the wasteland turned into a busy 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, since 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 design of the architect A. Erman. Chagall worked on the design of the garden and on the stained glass windows. The museum was opened in 1973. Visitors can admire the master's creations, created under the influence of the study of Biblical texts.
The museum's exposition 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 located in a Genoese villa of the 17th century. The maestro 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 according to the design of architects A. Vidal and I. Bayard. 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 from Nice, such as Arman, 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 the neoclassical style for the Russian Countess Maria Kochubey. The collection mainly presents works by French artists of the second half of the 19th century, but also includes works from the Classical and Renaissance periods. At the Museum of Fine Arts you can admire paintings by Sisley, Degas, Mauss, Dufy, Monet and Cheret.
The 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. Medsen, who successfully served in this post for five terms. The collection contains about 200 exhibits brought from Japan, China, India, and 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 military leader’s heir donated the palace to the state and wished for a free museum to operate on its territory. The authorities gladly accepted the gift, and since then the Massena Museum has opened its doors to the general public.
Monumental building in classical style, located in the historical 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, and in the evenings dozens of people sit 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 foundation in 1826, the theater has been considered one of the best provincial opera stages in France. Unlike the capital's Opera Garnier, tickets here are sold at more affordable prices. The local troupe has very talented actors. 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 building a full-fledged church.
Nice Cathedral, which was built and illuminated in 1699. Until 1903, the building continued to be overgrown with 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 saint's body was placed in a boat and set free to travel around Mediterranean Sea. 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 erected in an elegant neo-Gothic style in the middle of the 19th century according to the design of C. Lenormand. The light facade is decorated with gilding, which gives the temple an elegant and festive look. Notre-Dame de Nice was built immediately after the city was annexed by France. From the outside the temple resembles famous cathedral Notre Dame of Paris.
The church was built very close to the port, so after its construction in the mid-19th century it became known as the “port parish”. Previously, the temple was surrounded by modest houses of fishermen, now in their place there is a calm and respectable urban area. J. Febvre worked on the church façade. The interior is decorated with works by E. Costa. The temple has a second name - the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
A Franciscan monastery of the 16th century, surrounded by a magnificent medieval park (the oldest on the Cote d'Azur). The interior of the monastery cathedral is decorated with a carved wooden altar, which is covered with gold leaf. The church also contains a stone cross from the 15th century. On the territory of the monastery there is a small cemetery with the grave of A. Matisse. There is a museum of Franciscan monks for tourists.
The observatory building is located on the Mont Grosse hill. It was built according to the design of G. Eiffel and C. Garnier. The structure is topped 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 abandoned 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 the hills of the Mont Baron Park. The fortress was built in 1560 for defensive purposes to prevent enemy attacks from the sea. Architectural complex is a standard 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 from 1928 dedicated to the victims of the First World War. The monument is clearly visible both from the sea and from the embankment. Surprisingly, this war memorial, located in calm and peaceful Nice, is one of the most impressive in all of France. It reaches a height of 32 meters. The names of Nice residents who fell during the fighting are carved on the stone slabs of the monument.
Cours Saleya is a street on which the city's food and flower markets are located, and an antique market opens once a week, bringing together antique lovers from all over the area. In addition to a huge variety of flowers, they sell cheese, vegetables, wine, spices and other foodstuffs. During the daytime the market is quite crowded, so it is better to come between 6.00-8.00 am.
A fragrant flower park located in the western part of Nice. On its territory you can enjoy the view of lush Mediterranean flora, stroll among colorful flower beds and relax your soul. Nice has many picturesque parks, 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. You can climb using the stairs leading from the Suisse Hotel, or use the winding walking path. At the top there are several observation platforms from where tourists admire the surroundings of Nice, the view of the azure marina and the beauty of the city’s well-groomed embankments.
Nice is rightfully considered the most famous city in France. The rich history of the region has left its mark on the appearance of the city and its surroundings - here you can find the ruins of ancient settlements and architectural monuments of different eras and styles. In the city you will find numerous interesting museums and galleries, cozy parks and gardens, a gentle sea and snow-white beaches.
Nice - the history of paradise on earth
Nice, founded in the 4th century BC by the Greeks, who named it Nicea (the ancient Greek goddess of victory - Nike) to commemorate their victory over the Ligurians, was one of the most important shopping centers antiquities.
Nice was repeatedly captured by various tribes - at different times the Longobards and Saracens ruled here, and Nice was conquered by the Genoese rulers. French kings repeatedly tried to capture this city. In the 16th century, King Francis I even resorted to the help of the Turkish naval commander Khair ad-Din Barbarossa, who led the pirate flotilla. Residents of the city fiercely resisted, but under the pressure of the united troops they were forced to surrender the city. Finally, France managed to annex Nice to its possessions only in 1691.
At the end of the 18th century, thanks to the favorable climate, aristocrats from all over Europe began to come here, and Nice acquired the status of an international resort, maintaining it for more than two centuries.
In the 19th century, Nice fascinated the Russian nobility. Empress Alexandra Feodorovna even purchased land here, where houses were built for the royal family. After this, many rich families began to buy plots and real estate here. In 1912, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas was built in Nice, and Emperor Nicholas II came to consecrate it.
Great artists and world cinema stars also chose this paradise on earth - Picasso, Modigliani, Yves Montand, Greta Garbo and Catherine Deneuve vacationed here. Marc Chagall lived and worked here for many years.
Do you want to get an education in France? then you will probably be interested to know that this can be done at the most famous university in France, the name of which you can find out.
A short guide to the sights of Nice. Old city
When you wander around the Old Town (Le Vieux Nice), you get the feeling that you are in a medieval town. Densely standing colorful houses with terracotta roofs and small carved balconies, completely filled with pots of flowers, blooming olives, the heady smell of lavender and caraway, unusual shops and summer cafes with tables right in the middle of the street, because there are practically no sidewalks here - the very atmosphere of the ancient streets is inviting for relaxation and a leisurely walk.
The old town is the heart of Nice and, undoubtedly, the most interesting part of the city; all tourists come here eager to admire the sights of Nice and its surroundings.
From two monasteries built in the 17th century - Franciscan and Dominican - only two clock towers have survived to this day, which rise in the north and east of the Old Town. One of them, the Ryuska Tower, built in 1504, was destroyed and rebuilt several times. She was even moved twice to different parts of the city. The tower, which was erected on the site of one destroyed in 1704 during the siege of the city, has survived to this day.
Here in the Old Town of Nice is the Opera building, built according to the design of one of Gustave Eiffel’s students, François Ona. The Opera Hall seats more than a thousand spectators. The artistic design of the building was entrusted to the artist Emmanuel Costa - the entire ceiling is painted with his fresco of mythological subjects. The building has two facades: the central entrance to the Opera from the street Saint-Francois-de-Paul is located in the northern part, and the southern facade overlooks the Eta Uni embankment. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Nice, the painted ceiling is made in the shape of the chariot of the Sun, the hall, decorated in Italian style, is illuminated by a luxurious chandelier with 600 lamps.
Hardly the most favorite place for residents and guests of Nice is the cours Saleya square, where the market is located. You won’t find any kind of olives here! Black and green, with and without seeds, salty, spicy and not very spicy. Particularly popular is a flatbread made from bean flour fried in olive oil – socca. It is served with a glass of local wine.
The main decoration of the square cours Saleya is the Chapel of Mercy (Chapelle dela Miséricordede Nice), recognized by art historians as one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in the world.
On the site of the former salt warehouses of the Sardinian king, it was decided to build a church in honor of Saint Cajetan. The work lasted from 1747 to 1770. The design and supervision of the construction work was entrusted to the architect Antonio Bernardo Vittone from Turin, a student of the great Baroque architect Filippo Juvara. He had already established himself as an experienced builder, according to whose designs several famous churches were erected in Italy.
The painting of the chapel dome is done in such a way that it creates the feeling that there is an open sky above you. The interior decoration of the temple amazes with its beauty and richness - brightly painted vaults, used in large quantities gilding and multi-colored marble, frescoes and, of course, two altars dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy.
Immediately after the opening and consecration, the church was transferred to the brotherhood of Black Penitents, whose members took upon themselves the responsibility to protect people condemned to execution. In addition, they cared for the sick and buried the dead, and provided shelter for the homeless and pilgrims. This brotherhood mainly included fishermen and sailors.
After the facade of the chapel was damaged and cracks appeared during the construction of an underground parking lot in 1980, large-scale restoration work was carried out here. Almost a million Euros were spent on the reconstruction of the building. The grand opening of the rescued masterpiece was held in 2010. 
And although the chapel is quite small, thanks to the excellent acoustics, various concerts are often held here. Traditionally, the Exhibition of Ceramics from Vallauris takes place here. Once upon a time, Pablo Picasso studied ceramics in this town.
A few steps from the square cours Saleya is a beautiful three-story building that once housed the Senate of Nice (Senat de Nice), built in Genoese style in 1614. This is a gift to the city from the Duke of Savoy Charles-Emanuel I, who himself personally monitored the progress of construction. Along the side walls of the building there are arcades and a long narrow balcony.
A historical event took place within the walls of this building - the solemn proclamation of the transfer of the County of Nice to French citizenship on June 14, 1860.
For the next few decades, the Palace of Justice was located here. At the end of the 19th century, banker Jules Gilly organized a shelter for the homeless in it, which existed here almost to the present day, when the remains of fortification structures of the 13th century were discovered under it during renovation. After that, it received the status of an architectural and historical monument.
Palace of Justice
When the Senate premises became too cramped, it was decided to build the Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice) and move the judiciary there. The building, built in neoclassical style, with an imposing staircase and Ionic columns that trample the triangular pediment, took two years to construct. Opposite the Palace of Justice stands the rather modest Rusca Palace, which houses the Grand Court.
The square in front of the Palace of Justice, as it is sometimes called, is an amazing place. There are two very serious organizations located here, and crowds of tourists walk between them, young people sit with bottles of beer on the steps of the Palace of Justice.
Fort Mont Alban
Another attraction of Nice is the well-preserved Fort du Mont Alban, which was specially built in the 16th century to protect the city from the Ottoman conquerors.
It was built on a hill 200 meters high, its own “height” reaches 15 meters. This is a square-shaped structure with several small towers and loopholes. After the French Revolution until 1860, a prison was located here.
Currently, the fort has been carefully restored and is one of the popular excursion sites. Particularly attractive to tourists is the opportunity to admire from its height a magnificent view of the sea and the surrounding area of Nice. Mediterranean pines and oaks grow in abundance around the fort.
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Marble cross
In honor of the historical meeting that Pope Paul III organized and conducted between the French king Francis I and the Spanish king Charles V, another landmark of Nice was erected - the Marble Cross (La Croix de Marbre). The meeting took place in 1568 and put an end to the half-century-long confrontation between the rulers of the two European powers.
The monument was destroyed several times - the first time during the revolution of 1793, the Cross was destroyed, then 17 years later it was restored. The second time this happened in 1881, this time it was immediately restored.
Around the Cross there are several historical monuments. Opposite stands the “Return from Egypt” column, built in memory of the visit of Nice by Pope Pius VII (1809 and 1814).
Behind the column is the Maria Christina Palace, built and named after the wife of King Charles-Felix, who came to Nice in 1828.
La Croix de Marbre also gave its name to the quarter where English tourists settled in the winter of 1731.
It was then that Nice acquired the status of a winter resort, and then turned into one of the most fashionable and famous resorts in the world, where millions of tourists from all over the world come annually to relax.
