Centred around an atmospheric old town, Nice City Centre lies at the heart of France’s second-largest city. It is believed to have been founded around 350 BC by colonists from western Anatolia and was originally known as “Nikaia”. Today, the area is clustered with pastel-hued buildings, lively produce markets and alfresco eateries where you can watch the world go by.
Things to do in Nice City Centre
In the heart of Vieux Nice is the Baroque-style Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate, which was constructed between 1650 and 1685. It enshrines the relics of Saint Reparata and features a prominent bell tower that was added in the 18th century. Step inside to admire the 10 chapels that were originally connected to different guilds.
Nice City Centre’s largest church is the Basilica of Notre Dame, a whitewashed, Neo-Gothic masterpiece designed by Louis Lenormand. It features a large rose window depicting scenes from the Assumption of Mary, as well as two square towers that rise 65 metres in height. The basilica watches over Nice’s main shopping street, which is affectionately known by locals as “The Avenue”.
A fascinating array of musical instruments collected by Antoine Gautier are on display at the Musee du Palais Lascaris, which occupies a lavishly decorated, 17th-century building. Highlights of the collection include William Turner-built violas da gamba, rare baroque guitars and a harp once belonging to the Viscountess of Beaumont. International photographic works are exhibited at the Museum of Photography Charles Negre, which lies near the famed Promenade des Anglais.
Getting around Nice City Centre
Nice City Centre is around 15 minutes’ drive from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Nice-Ville railway station and trams travel through the city centre. Vieux Nice is ideally explored on foot.