Old Town in Nice – Vieille Ville

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Nice. One of the most obvious is the delightful Old Town, with its cozy little streets, narrow houses painted in stunning Mediterranean colors, and well-preserved historic buildings.

Nice’S Old Town

In Nice’s Old Town, you’ll feel the authentic Niçoise vibe—so compelling it leaves a mark on your soul, making it almost impossible not to fall in love.

Back in the 1600s, the Old Town was bordered by Colline Château to the east, Place Garibaldi to the north, and to the west by the Paillon River, which flows into the sea where Jardin Albert 1 now sits (it’s covered today in central Nice).

Sights, Art, and Local Dishes in the Vieille Ville

Nice’s Old Town offers plenty to experience, and here I’ll highlight some of the most important spots to give you a feel for the city’s colorful diversity and fascinating history.

If you start your walk through the Vieille Ville from the Promenade des Anglais, the first place you’ll hit is Cours Saleya, home to the famous markets. You’ll also find the Chapelle de la Miséricorde—an architectural gem considered by many one of the world’s most beautiful Baroque buildings—and at the end of the square is the building where Henri Matisse lived for part of his life.

The square — *The “Cours Saleya” square with the flower market in Nice’s Old Town*

Continue from the eastern end of Cours Saleya and you’ll reach the central Place Rosetti, where the atmosphere peaks among cafés and restaurants, beautifully flanked by the Baroque church from 1650—Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate—with its 10 chapels and 3 organs. It’s been a listed historic monument since 1906.

Not far from Place Rosetti you’ll find Musée Palais Lascaris, a palace from 1658 with an impressive interior, and just 100 meters away Montée du Château, one of the paths up to Colline du Château.

The Old Town also boasts a beautiful opera house and the cozy Place de Justice with popular cafés.

See the full list of sights below this article.

The Charming Art Shops

Part of the charm of wandering the Old Town is peeking into the many art galleries scattered around the neighborhood. There’s lots of art to see and enjoy, and local artists use different techniques and media to capture Nice’s beautiful colors and scenes. You might even find something special to take home as a gift or souvenir.

Atmosphere in Nice’s Old Town — *The mood in the Old Town speaks for itself – ©cityxee.com*

The Charming Nice Cuisine is Waiting for You

Nice is gastronomically known for some very special dishes—some more famous than others. Use your visit to the Old Town to taste popular local specialties like La Socca, Pissaladière, and of course the world-famous original Salade Niçoise.

La Socca is a chickpea-flour crêpe baked in the oven. It can be fluffy or crispy, eaten hot, and enjoyed with your fingers—just add a little pepper! A great snack to pair with a good glass of wine.

Socca from Nice’s Old Town — *Don’t miss the classic Socca with a good glass of wine*

Pissaladière is a flatbread (a kind of French pizza) topped with onion compote, olives, anchovies, or with pissalat—a salted fish paste made from anchovies and spices.

Pissaladière from Nice’s Old Town — *Taste-wise, Pissaladière doesn’t resemble regular pizza much. It’s saltier and onion-forward.*

From the lesser-known dishes to a true classic—Salade Niçoise. It’s served in most restaurants and cafés and is a delicious mixed salad.

Salade Niçoise from Nice’s Old Town — *Salade Niçoise is often served with the chef’s own interpretation.*

Traditionally it includes tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, fava beans, radishes, cucumber, onions, tuna or anchovies, and the distinctive Niçoise olives from the western Alpine region—fixed ingredients—mixed with salad and a dressing of olive oil. The exact mix varies at the chef’s discretion.

Vive la Vieille Ville!

By Tommy Sverre – 2022