The Riviera, beaches & old town
Nice
Nice · Riviera sun & azure seas
The unofficial capital of the French Riviera, where the Baie des Anges sweeps in turquoise below pastel old-town lanes. Nice pairs pebble beaches and the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais with Provençal markets, art museums and easy trips to Monaco and Cannes.
Top sightsSights
Promenade des Anglais
The famous seafront boulevard for strolling, cycling and people-watching.
Vieux Nice
A warren of ochre lanes, baroque churches and the Cours Saleya market.
Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
A green park with a waterfall and the best view over the bay.
Matisse Museum
The artist’s works in a villa above the city he loved.
Day trip to Monaco
The glamorous principality is a short train ride along the coast.
What to eatFood
Socca
A thin chickpea-flour pancake, Nice’s beloved street snack.
Salade niçoise
The namesake salad of tuna, egg, olives and vegetables.
Pissaladière
A caramelized-onion tart with anchovies and olives.
Good to know
- The old town and seafront are walkable; trams handle the rest.
- Beaches are pebbly — bring or rent water shoes.
- Trains along the coast make Monaco, Cannes and Antibes easy day trips.
Getting there
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is France’s third busiest; coastal trains link the whole Riviera.
Next city
Lyon