A Guide to Nice’s Neighborhoods

It would be easy to visit Nice and stick to the Promenade des Anglais or the Bay of Angels, but that would be doing this diverse gem a disservice. One of the pleasures of visiting Nice lies in uncovering its fascinating collection of neighborhoods.

Each has its own unique ambience, and to get the complete picture it’s worth spending a little time exploring. You’ll find the areas where the Nice elite call home, traditional Niçoise parts of town and a fresh experience around every corner.

Vieux Nice 

The Vieux Nice area is the city’s old town, with a complex layout that delivers mystery and enchantment in equal measure. Don’t worry about trying to plan your route around the alleys – simply immerse yourself in the experience. The pastel buildings here are so close to each other that they seem destined to kiss across the street.

The heartbeat of Vieux Nice is Cours Saleya, a huge market square specializing in flowers. Awash with spellbinding hue and fresh scents, a tantalizing experience for visitors. Drop in on Mondays for the weekly flea market and to try to find an antique bargain.

Some of the best sights in Nice are found here too. Cathedrale Sainte Reparate, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Palais Lascaris, dates back to the 17^th century and boasts a gorgeous Flemish flourish. The Chapelle de la Misericorde, older still – is a masterpiece of Baroque well worthy of a visit.

On a hot day, stop by Fenocchio’s for sensational ice cream. Open for over half-a-century, it’s a Vieux Nice classic, with two shops and around 100 different flavors including milk flower and almond and vanilla and pink pepper. A delightful concoction of flavors, a treat for your tastebuds.

Cimiez

Cimiez, sat perched high on a hill, is an entirely different prospect from the old town it overlooks. The Romans once put down roots here, and frequent visit by her majesty of England, Queen Victoria made it highly fashionable. These days, it’s a laid-back residential haven.

Artists have long loved Cimiez – Matisse lived here, and the area now hosts the Musee Matisse in a fetching burnt ochre villa. The Musee Chagall, also in Cimiez, boasts the world’s largest collection of his art, spanning the entirety of the painter’s 80-year career. The large Biblically-inspired paintings in the main hall are a particular highlight.

To find out what the Romans brought to the neighborhood during their time here, head to the Musee Archeologie de Nice-Cimiez, complete with an enthralling amphitheater and baths. Cimiez also offers plenty of opportunities for picnicking beneath the shade of the abundant olive trees. Alternatively, grab a table at Resto Cote Sud on Rue du Professeur Maurice Sureau for top-notch French cooking that utilizes fresh local produce.

Promenade des Anglais

Does a beach count as a neighborhood? It does when it’s the Promenade des Anglais, with sandy havens stretching from one end of Nice to the other. It’s where many visitors to Nice – along with a healthy smattering of locals – gravitate. Everyone walks here – and if they’re not walking, chances are they’re rollerblading, skating, cycling or even taking a Segway tour.

It’s a beautiful place to stroll at any time of day, whether it’s at the height of the midday sun, or in the evening as the lights illuminate the promenade. If you’re in the mood for sunbathing, there are plenty of pebble beaches all along the bay.

It’s worth noting that while the seafood restaurants that line the Promenade are well worth a visit, they also know their market, so prices are higher than in other parts of town. If you don’t want to pay a premium, don’t worry, a coffee and a crepe looking out to sea is bliss enough.

Massena

Massena and Jean-Medecin make up the new town in Nice, a place that provides a sharp contrast to Vieux Nice. Here you’ll find sprawling tree-lined streets, such as the lovely Boulevard Victor Hugo.

There’s plenty of culture here too, including the Natural History Museum, Modern Art Museum (MAMAC) and Theater of Photography. Massena is also the best place in Nice to go shopping. Just try not to wear out your credit card in the huge department stores like Nice Etoile and Galeries Lafayette.

While you’re here, be sure to venture to Maison Auer, an ornate chocolate shop dating back to 1820 that boasts treats in every flavor imaginable. The shop’s Florentine interiors are almost as enticing as its famous confectionary.

The Port District

 ‘Le Port’, as it’s known locally, is one of Nice’s unsung neighborhoods, and one of the best places in the city to get out and explore. With unrivaled views and an off-the-beaten-track aura that gives it an air of exclusivity, it’s one of the city’s highlights.

With fewer visitors than the rest of the city, it’s easy to find a relaxed vantage point with breathtaking vistas. Like Pointe Rauba Capeu, where the whipping wind steals your hat.

Yachts come and go from the port here, and there’s no better way to soak it all in than at one of the many fantastic waterfront restaurants. If you’re here from Tuesday to Sunday, you can also browse a range of antique stalls selling everything from clothes to crockery and trinkets.

Is there a Nice neighborhood we’ve missed off our must-see list? Tell us on Twitter.