What to see in Nice in 1 day on your own – route, photo, description, map
The old French resort is often visited by tourists passing by. But all the charm of Nice will be revealed to you only if you collect information about the sights of the city in advance. Then you can plan your time and visit exactly those places, the description of which interested you. What to see in Nice in 1 day on your own? You can do quite a lot.
Promenade des Anglais
This place must be visited first. After all, the embankment is the real “soul” of the city. It is very long – about 7 km, and you may pass only part of it, but you will have time to see a lot. The embankment was built in the 19th century. The desire to have such a zone for walking was expressed by the British, who bought plots of land near the sea. Today, there are always a lot of people here, both locals and tourists. People come here to take a walk, breathe in the sea air, “look at others and show themselves” – as the proverb says.
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The embankment stretches from the Bay of Angels to the airport itself. It is here that the main attractions of Nice are located. You can also see the wonderful beauty of the villas and hotels. The embankment remembers many famous people. Friedrich Nietzsche, members of the ruling Romanov dynasty, walked here, now you can meet theater and film stars here. And of course, there are cafes and restaurants where you can have a bite to eat, and shops selling souvenirs.
Phoenix Park
A beautiful place that can be considered not only as a local landmark, but also as a place to relax. The park is located by the sea and covers an area of approximately 70 thousand m2. This is both a botanical garden, and a wonderful zoo, and a promenade area. 20 climatic zones are presented here – and, accordingly, plants growing in these zones are collected. Tourists will see ferns and olives, cacti and citrus trees, cypresses, agaves and much more.
The tropical greenhouse makes a great impression on the guests; it can be viewed all year round: the plants here are under the dome. There are many orchids collected here, as well as flowers and creepers that naturally grow in the jungle. A huge number of footpaths, beautiful landscapes, air infused with the scent of flowers – all this is “Phoenix”. Here you can rest your body and soul. In the pond, which is located in the open air, swans, pelicans, various ducks live.
Botanical Garden
Another place to definitely go if you like scenic views. The park is on a hill. From here you can admire the Var river and the Esterel mountains. The botanical garden also presents various climatic zones. But here the plants are not only ornamental. There are aromatic species, and medicinal, and even poisonous. The latter are worth getting to know in order to avoid them in nature. Scientists study the plants of the botanical garden – their life cycle, from the appearance of the first shoots to wilting.
Thus, nature has the most natural look here – you can see both young plants and old ones. It is very interesting to look at trees and shrubs from North and South America, from Australia and Africa. Exotic species of sage with very beautiful flowers are especially impressive. Entrance to the botanical garden is free, if you wish, an excursion can be organized for you.
Place Massena
This square, located in the city center, will make you think of Paris. It's hard to leave here, you want to walk and look at everything. The area appeared two centuries ago. And immediately became very popular. The reason is its location: between the old part of Nice and the street that leads to the station. The square once bore the name of King Charles Albert. French troops led by Marshal Massena occupied the city in 1792.
The marshal himself was a native of Nice. Hence the new name. The Payon River, which once divided the area into two parts, now flows underground, clad in a metal pipe. Place Massena is paved with stone slabs, light and dark alternate, so that the surface resembles a chessboard.
Previously, there was a road along which cars drove, today a high-speed tram line passes through the square, the rest of the territory is given over to pedestrians. The fountain of the Sun, surrounded by bronze figures symbolizing the planets, attracts attention. Tourists are also photographed next to another composition – sitting men representing the continents are placed on seven pillars. And this composition is called “Dialogue in Nice”.
Garden of Albert I
You don't have to go far to visit this garden. It is located between the Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena. I can’t even believe that such a quiet and harmonious corner can be located in the city center. This beautiful garden does not strike with a variety of plant species, the main place here is occupied by palm trees and roses.
Nevertheless, everything here is very well thought out and refined, because this is one of the most ancient gardens of the state, it was laid out in the 19th century, and received its current name in 1914. It was Albert the First who became famous for his determination, fortitude and faith in victory during the First World War, when France fought against Germany. At first there was only a park, then sculptures and fountains began to appear.
There is a music kiosk here – it was put up in the middle of the 19th century, when Nice became part of France. The Triton fountain is beautiful, the busts of famous people attract attention, the Venet Arch made of black metal is unusual and beautiful. Its height is 19 m, and the arch symbolizes the harmonious relationship between modern art and nature. You can come here with children – there is a playground for them. Numerous slides, carousels, communication with peers – no doubt your baby will like all this.
Opera theatre
The Opera House can be viewed from the outside – the building itself is very beautiful. And if you have time – try to get to one of the performances. The most famous artists of the world perform on stage. The theater is located in the city center, not far from the embankment. It began to be built at the end of the 18th century, the initiator was the Marquis Alli-Maccarani, a great connoisseur of opera.
Almost immediately, the theater became very popular – both in Nice itself and beyond. Unfortunately, a century later, while the opera Lucia de Lammemour was on stage, there was a fire that caused great damage to the building. It took several years to recover. The theater opened its doors to the public again in 1885. The old building is shaped like a horseshoe. This is symbolic – a horseshoe brings happiness.
On the walls you can see paintings and frescoes. The first performance played after the reconstruction was the opera Aida. In the 20th century, the area of the theater was expanded. And fans of opera music still rush here to enjoy the voices of famous performers, masterfully made scenery and the very atmosphere of the theater.
Negresco Hotel
The famous hotel has long been a symbol of Nice. It was built in 1913 – and it's hard to list all the famous people who have stayed there since then. Among the guests of the Negresco were Ernest Hemingway and Coco Chanel, the most famous artists and artists of their time.
Both Marlene Dietrich and Salvador Dali liked the hotel. The beautiful white building resembles a palace. Its rooms and suites are unique – no two are the same. Here are various styles – from Louis XIII to the present. Four-poster beds are next to flat-screen TVs.
The Negresco has great restaurants and bars – you can visit them, and at the same time admire the interiors. You will feel like you are in a museum. And, of course, the most exquisite dishes and drinks are served here. If you are interested in something – ask, the staff speaks Russian. Walking near the hotel, you can meet some of its famous guests.
Old city
This is the oldest part of Nice, it is a real labyrinth of narrow streets. Small restaurants, craftsmen's shops, exhibitions of artists – there is nothing here! Please note that it is most convenient to roam here on foot: the car will not pass, and the bike will have to be lifted up and then manually lowered down the stairs.
The old part of Nice is a triangle enclosed between the Castle Hill, the embankment and Garibaldi Square. It was here that the city was located in the 17th century. Women washed clothes in the Payon River, there was also a market, shops, and residential buildings. Until now, two lives go in parallel here – the local population and tourists. Residents of the old part of Nice go to bed relatively early, shut the windows with shutters.
And in the morning, the housewives go to the market, the owners of the shops open the doors. Tourists walk here until late at night. They are fascinated by the beauty of buildings, the romance of narrow streets, the inexpressible charm of ancient churches. It is always cool here, even in hot summer a fresh breeze blows. You can advise to go to the Laskari Palace or climb the Bellanda Tower, which should be used as an observation deck.
Cathedral of Saint Reparata
The magnificent Catholic Cathedral, which is located in the old part of Nice. It is crowned with a Latin cross, which makes one think of Italy. The elegant facade is decorated in the Baroque style, the dome is covered with tiles. They built a cathedral on the site of an old church dedicated to the same saint. It was consecrated at the end of the 17th century, and the current appearance was given to the facade in the 19th century. The bell tower was added in the middle of the 18th century. Be sure to go to the cathedral, inside it is also very beautiful.
Rich decor, a dome symbolizing paradise – all this makes a great impression. Saint Reparata is considered the patroness of the city. She was killed for her Christian faith in Palestine, and her body, resting in a boat, ended up in Nice with the help of angels. Therefore, one of the bays in the city is called the Bay of Angels. Above the altar, which appeared here in the 17th century, you can see the image of St. Reparata. Also in the cathedral there are 10 exquisite chapels, decorated with beautiful paintings and frescoes.
flower market
The market is located on Cours Saleya. It opens early in the morning, but keep in mind that on Mondays they sell not flowers, but various antique gizmos. This is also very interesting. On all other days, you can wander around the market, enjoying the aromas of flowers, spices, fruits, fresh bread.
If you come here early in the morning, you can buy buds that have not yet blossomed, the freshest vegetables and fruits, buns fresh from the oven. Show up in the evening – get goods at a significant discount. It sells cut flowers, bulbs, seeds and seedlings. They offer a great variety of overseas spices. Nearby are cafes and restaurants where you can have a bite to eat.
Useful advice – even if the goods you are interested in are sold at the entrance – do not buy them right away, go around the entire market, bargain. There are so many temptations here that in a couple of minutes you can be left without a penny in your pocket.
By the way, if you have not yet decided on gifts for your loved ones, you should look for them here. Amazing plants that are sold at the Flower Market can decorate the windowsills or summer cottages of your friends.
castle hill
Castle Hill can be reached by lift, on a special small train or on foot. The height of the hill is less than 100 m, so even children can climb. But you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of Nice. Napoleon the Third, having been here, claimed that he had never seen a more beautiful landscape. From here you can see: the bay, the embankment, the port and the city itself.
There is no castle here, although once it really was and played an important role in protecting the city. In the middle of the 16th century, it was besieged by the French-Turkish troops, later the Duke of Savoy restored and strengthened the defensive structures. But the troops of Louis the Fourteenth at the beginning of the 18th century turned the castle into ruins. In 1830, a park was laid out on the hill – by decree of the King of Sardinia, Charles. Felix. Over the years, the place has become more and more beautiful.
Today there are many alleys, trees create shade, you can sit on one of the benches, inhaling the aromas of flowers and pine needles. There are also cafes open here, where they always sell refreshing drinks, sweets for children. There is also a beautiful large waterfall here, the ruins of the fortress walls have been preserved. The cemetery on the hillside is also worth a visit, where many famous people are buried. For example, Alexander Herzen.
Church of Notre-Dame-de-Nice
This is a relatively “young” attraction, the church appeared here in the middle of the 19th century, when Nice ceased to be an Italian city and became a French one. The new authorities wished to bring something elegant and sophisticated to the urban landscape. Therefore, Notre Dame de Paris, one of the main symbols of Paris, became the prototype of the new cathedral. The cathedrals are really similar, but, of course, there are enough differences.
The church, located in the center of Nice, is made in the neo-Gothic style, its towers rise up to 65 m, they can be seen from anywhere in the city. Between the towers is an elegant Gothic rosette. The stained-glass windows depicting one of the main Christian holidays – the Assumption of the Virgin are also beautiful. Musical concerts are also often held in this church. You may be able to get on one of them.
Church of Notre-Dame-du-Port
Beautiful and another church – the Immaculate Conception, built in the middle of the 19th century. Its location – on the shore – determined the composition of the parishioners. Fishermen and their families who lived nearby began to come to services. Today the temple is very popular with tourists. It was built in the classical style – a portico, large columns… Here you can see a very beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary, as well as look at the “Way of the Cross” series of paintings. Presumably, their author is Emmanuel Cost. Beautiful palm trees grow near the old building.
cruise port
This is the real sea gate of the city. The berths are located next to the beautiful embankment. Yachts and luxury cruise ships moor here. At the same time, the water here is so clean that you can fish. Nice, from the moment of its formation, needed its own port. Its construction began in the middle of the 18th century under Charles Emmanuel III. And they built port facilities for almost 150 years.
Pools, piers appeared here, a convenient road was built to the future port from the year. Later, the territory was expanded, a lighthouse appeared here. It was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt. Its current height is 21m. In addition to the lighthouse, you can admire very picturesque yachts and fishing boats, as well as ancient buildings surrounding the port. There is also the Notre-Dame-du-Port church. There are many monuments nearby.
Museum of Contemporary Art MAMAC
This museum, if you visit it, will forever remain in your memory. It was opened in 1990. Presented here are the works of contemporary artists. The architects of the museum gave it the shape of four towers connected by glass passages. The height of the towers reaches 30 m. For many tourists, even finding the entrance is not immediately possible.
The paintings and sculptures presented here are amazing. Funny aliens, the Loch Ness monster, a dress made from empty bottles and much more. If you come to Nice with children, be sure to take them with you.
Marc Chagall Museum
Its full name sounds unusual “National Museum” The Bible message of Marc Chagall “. This is due to the fact that Chagall gave France 17 paintings, which are illustrations of the Old Testament. In addition, here you can see other paintings by the artist. The museum was opened in the summer of 1973 at the initiative of the writer Andre Malraux.
The building is built of stone and surrounded by a garden. In three halls there are paintings of religious content, in the first hall – in cold colors, in the second hall – in warm colors, in the third – in mixed ones. There is also a concert hall and a shop selling reproductions of paintings by Marc Chagall.
As you can see, there are a lot of sights in Nice, and if you do not have time to see everything in 1 day, there will be a reason to come to this wonderful city again.