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Nice

In addition to the sun, the promenade and the long coastline, it is the city’s intense atmosphere that attracts its visitors. It is clear that Nice is influenced by Italian food art and one understands why the soft changing light has attracted famous painters such as Chagall and Matisse.

Nice, France at night
“Nice by Night”

Nice is a timeless city

Nice is in many ways a timeless city, while at the same time accommodating history and culture that goes back more than two thousand years ago.

The city has the nickname “Nice la Belle”, which means “Nice the Beautiful”. It was the Greeks who, around 350 years BC., founded the city and named it Nikaia after the goddess of victory Nike. A name that today is world famous in the world of sports.

illustration on the old town of Nice at Colline du Chatesu
From around the year 1000 until 1706, there was a medieval castle, a cathedral and a small village surrounded by strong fortress walls on top of the Colline du Chateau

It is a city that has changed hands many times over the years. The city’s strategic location and the presence of a port made Nice a strategic hub on the French Mediterranean coast. For a century, the city belonged to the Duchy of Savoy and it was not until 1860 that the city came under the French Kingdom, when the Savoy region and the county of Nice were handed over to France.

Scenic location

A beautiful location and the mild Mediterranean climate helped to make the area attractive to the English aristocracy in the early 1800s. Here an increasing number of wealthy Englishmen began to spend their winters here. At a time when modern central heating was not invented, it was somewhat more comfortable to live in Nice in the winter. Thus began Mediterranean tourism.

Promenade des Anglais – an English invention

It was also the English, led by the pastor Lewis Way, who in 1822 hired workers to build a promenade along the beach. The locals called it the “Promenade des Anglais” (English promenade). Today, the Promenade des Anglais has become a landmark of Nice along with the Hotel Nesgresco, built in 1922 and dominating the buildings along the promenade with its beautiful Belle Époque architecture.

Promenade des Anglais i Nice
The always crowded Promenade des Anglais – © cityxee.com

In 1864 the railway arrived, making Nice much more accessible to curious visitors and Nice has not looked back since.

A fireworks-like display of food and art

In addition to the sun, the promenade and the long coastline, it is the city’s intense atmosphere that attracts visitors. It is obvious that Nice is influenced by Italian food art and why the clear air and the soft changing light have attracted famous painters, such as Chagall and Matisse, among others.

Nice offers an abundance of bars, cafés and restaurants, which with their relaxing atmosphere welcome all nationalities and ages. In addition, there is a large selection of experiences where the museums are of international class. Last but not least, the Musée Matisse, Musée Chagall and Musée des Beaux Arts.

Nice has it all

With its international airport just 5 km from the city center, almost 200 hotels, the elongated Riviera with 7 km of beach, a large selection of activities, major events and cultural festivals, the charming old town and the city’s countless shops – yes, Nice has it all!

You can see the complete list of Nice’s sights in the list “Experiences in Nice” and learn more about each of these exciting experiences.

Also read: What to do in Nice in one, two or three days?

By Tommy Sverre – 2023

Gallery form Nice:

Facts about Nice
Inhabitants: approx. 345.000
Altitude: 8 m
Airport: 5 km
Beach: 0 km

Cities close by:
Saint Laurent du Var 6,5 km
Villefranche-sur-Mer 8 km
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 10,5 km
Monaco 13 km
Antibes 28 km

CityXee recommends these excursions from Nice:

Experiences in Nice
  • All
  • Art
  • Boat trips
  • Castles and palaces
  • Churches & chapels
  • Events
  • Excursions
  • Food & Wine
  • Gardens & parks
  • Hiking
  • Markets
  • Museums
  • Ports & Islands
  • Ruins
  • Squares & Promenades
  • Viewpoints
  • Zoos
Saint-Tropez set fra luften Boat trips

Ferry to Saint-Tropez from Nice or Cannes

Ferry to Saint-Tropez from Nice or Cannes offers a return trip with a 5-hour stay in beautiful Saint-Tropez.
Churches & chapels

Monastery Notre-Dame de Cimiez

If you feel like venturing away from the sea and strolling in the hills behind Nice, don't hesitate to take a trip to colline de ...
Squares & Promenades

Garibaldi Square in Nice

Beautifully situated in the North of the old town of Nice, you will find Garibaldi Square. It is the oldest square in Nice, which dates ...
Vandretur Hikes

Coastal walk Nice – Villefranche-sur-Mer

This coastal walk from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most beautiful coastal paths along the French Riviera and you'll be treated to breath ...
Boat Trip Boat trips

Boat trip from Nice to Villefranche

Enjoy the beautiful views of Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on a 1-hour boat trip along the French Riviera.
Excursions

Hop-on Hop-off bus tour in Nice

Explore Nice with a 1- or 2-day pass to the open-top Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus. Hop on and off as often as you like and ...
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