5 Best Places to See in Nice, France

Nice, France is a spectacularly beautiful city. Situated in the French Riviera the city is a true mix of Italian, French and seaside town influence. A wonderful place to spend a few days relaxing in the sunshine, exploring the shops and eating and drinking to your heart’s content.

These are my 5 best places to see while you’re in Nice:

1. Cours Saleya (Open Air) Market

Everyday the Cours Saleya Market is open and ready for business. Located in Old Town, a street back from the beach, this market overflows with fresh flowers, herbs, produce, cheese and spices. It’s the perfect place for a morning visit to buy some delectable French food and enjoy a picnic lunch along the promenade.

2. Place Massena

It’s hard to miss Place Massena. Located in the centre of downtown Place Massena is buzzing day and night. The local tram runs through the center, public art statues decorate the large square, street performers entertain day and night, and tourists wander around on their way in and out of surrounding restaurants.

3. La Colline du Château (Castle Hill)

Castle Hill is the best place to take in the gorgeous view of Nice’s coastline. An easy walk from Old Town, a paved path leads the way up a hill that once held La Colline du Château. The castle is no longer standing, however there are picturesque gardens, waterfalls and walking trails to meander through, offering spectacular views of both the beach and the harbor.

4. Nice Main Beach

One of the biggest attractions for visitors to the French Riviera are the rocky beaches, with Nice’s being one of the most popular. For those of us whose idea of a beach involves soft white sand, the pebbles can be a bit of a shock. However with so many beautiful people and so much sunshine, the beach is a must. So put on your swimsuit and find a comfortable (yet rocky) location to tan the day away.

5. Monaco

I know this is a list of my 5 best places to see in Nice, but Monaco is just so close I had to include it. Monaco is a country unto itself in the middle of the French Riviera, but it’s so easy to access everyone visiting Nice should make the trip. Trains runs every hour or so directly from Nice into Monaco, so spend a day relaxing on the sandy beaches, walking through multi-million dollar marinas, and of course visiting the famous casino. But remember you’ll be entering another country, so take your passport with you.