The old port of Nice – Port Lympia
This is one of the most popular ports in Europe, which is only natural given its central and beautiful location on the Mediterranean.

Here you’ll find spectacular views of colorful fishing boats (pointus) sailing in and out of the old port, while the harbor quay hosts busy commercial activities and ferry services, especially to Corsica.

When you arrive at Port Lympia, where local fishermen’s small boats “pointus” mingle with luxury yachts, you’re just a 5-minute walk from the famous Promenade des Anglais and Nice’s many other attractions.

Harbor Festival
Every September, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s harbor festival, which offers plenty of tastings of local specialties along with concerts and entertainment performed on the quay and on the water.

The port also receives hundreds of daily passengers taking the ferry to Corsica. Throughout the year, you can take countless boat trips to experience the French Riviera from the Mediterranean.

The port area is located in the southeastern part of the city, just around the point near Hotel Suisse and the Bellanda Tower.

It’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink or meal at one of the area’s bars or restaurants while soaking in the Mediterranean vibes and maritime atmosphere.

History of Port Lympia
The port was built in the mid-17th century at the request of the Sardinian king. At that time, it was a very marshy area, and there was a need for quay spaces to attract maritime trade. The first part of the port was completed in 1751.

The port’s development particularly accelerated after Nice became part of the French kingdom in 1860, and the expansion would continue for almost 150 years until it became the port we know today.

The establishment of the port in Nice offered new economic growth for the city. New trade agreements were made, especially with the Italian peninsula. In 1860, the port, which specialized in foodstuffs, generated significant traffic of 37,000 tons of goods, mainly grain and wine. By 1910, this figure had multiplied by ten.

Passenger transport has also been a very successful source of income with regular connections to Corsica from 1860 to the present day.

The Port Today, for Sailors and Visitors
The port is one of the most important hubs in Nice and indeed the entire French Riviera, standing out as one of the key ports for boats crossing the Mediterranean.

Port Lympia offers all the facilities that a modern sailor would expect from a harbor of this caliber.

You can check all information about facilities, berth reservations, etc. at this link:
https://www.marinareservation.com/marina-port-de-nice-2612

Ferry Routes from the Port
Ferries depart from Nice port to Corsica and Sardinia with up to 14 weekly departures.

In Corsica, there are landings at the ports of Ajaccio, Bastia, L’Ile Rousse, and Calvi, and in Sardinia at the port of Golfo Aranci.

The crossing to Corsica takes approximately 5-8.5 hours depending on the chosen arrival port, and 17.5 hours to Sardinia. Ticket prices start from around 65 euros for a return ticket per person, and if you want to bring your car, prices start from about 165 euros depending on specific departures and choice of arrival port.

Nearby Attractions
In the port area itself stands the Lympia Barracks, the oldest building in the port, which now serves as a cultural exhibition space with 230 m2 available across several floors.

Originally when the barracks were built back in 1750, they were used as a warehouse and workshop with their large wide vaults, but in 1802 they were converted into a prison for an extended period. In 1826, the “Clock Pavilion” was added. Today, the entire barracks are beautifully restored and easily recognizable with the stunning clock on the yellow facade of the main building and the barracks building to the right.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the port lies the Promenade des Anglais and with it a string of Nice’s many interesting attractions. Look forward to the old town, Place Masséna, Jardin Albert 1er, the Matisse and Chagall museums, and many more. You can see all the experiences collected below.

By Tommy Sverre / 2021