Best 15 Things to do in Nice France

Close your eyes and imagine a place where the ocean is as blue as a sapphire, the buildings are the color of sunshine, and the air smells like fresh flowers and salty sea spray.

Welcome to Nice (pronounced like “niece”), the most beautiful city on the French Riviera.

Nice sits on the southeast coast of France, right along the Mediterranean Sea. It is a city where history meets the beach, and where every street corner feels like a scene from a movie.

For the readers of Atelier Plage, Nice is more than just a vacation spot; it is a lifestyle. It is about slow mornings, stylish walks, and enjoying the simple things in life.

In this giant guide, we will explore the very best things to do in Nice. Whether you love climbing hills for a great view, eating yummy street food, or just relaxing by the water, Nice has something for everyone.

Grab your Atelier Plage Organic Cotton Tee and some sunscreen—we are going on an adventure!

 

1. Walk the Famous Promenade des Anglais

If Nice had a heart, it would be the Promenade des Anglais. This is a world-famous walkway that stretches for seven kilometers (about four miles) along the curve of the beach.

Why is it called that?

In the 18th century, many English people started coming to Nice to escape the cold winters in Great Britain. They loved the sun so much that they paid for a walkway to be built along the sea. Today, everyone calls it “The Prom.”

What to do there:

• Ride a Bike: You can rent “Vélo Bleu” bikes and zoom down the dedicated bike lanes.
• Sit in a Blue Chair: You will see bright blue chairs bolted to the ground. These are famous icons of Nice. Sit down, look at the waves, and relax.
• Watch the Performers: On weekends, you will see rollerbladers, musicians, and artists showing off their talents.

When you are walking the Prom, you want to feel the breeze but stay cool. Our Atelier Plage Lightweight Hoodie is perfect for those early-morning walks when the sea air is a little chilly, but the sun is starting to peek out.

 

2. Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Don’t let the name fool you—there isn’t a big castle at the top anymore. It was destroyed hundreds of years ago by King Louis XIV. However, what remains is the best park in the city.

The Great Climb

You can take the stairs (there are a lot of them!) or use the free elevator (the ascenseur) located near the Hotel Suisse.

What you will find at the top:

1. The Waterfall: A huge, artificial waterfall called the Cascade Dijon. It is cold, misty, and perfect for photos.
2. The Views: From one side, you see the red roofs of the Old Town. From the other side, you see the Port of Nice with all the big ships.
3. The Playground: If you are traveling with younger siblings, there is a giant park where kids can run around while the adults enjoy the scenery.

3. Get Lost in Vieux Nice (The Old Town)

Walking into the Old Town feels like stepping back in time. The streets are very narrow—so narrow that cars cannot fit! This makes it a paradise for walkers.

The Colors of Italy

Nice used to belong to Italy a long time ago, and you can see it in the buildings. They are painted in warm ochre, bright red, and sunny yellow. Look up, and you will see locals hanging their laundry out of the windows, just like they have done for centuries.

Places to stop in the Old Town:

• Place Rossetti: This is a beautiful square with a big cathedral and a fountain.
• Fenocchio Ice Cream: This is France’s most famous ice cream shop. They have over 90 flavors! You can try normal things like chocolate or weird things like lavender, cactus, or even tomato-and-basil ice cream.
• The Narrow Alleys: Don't use a map. Just walk and see where the path takes you. You might find a tiny shop selling handmade soap or a secret bakery.

 

4. Smell the Flowers at Cours Saleya

Every morning (except Monday), the Cours Saleya turns into a giant outdoor market. It is located right between the Old Town and the beach.

The Flower Market

Nice is famous for its flowers. You will see rows and rows of bright roses, lilies, and sunflowers. The smell is amazing! Even if you don’t buy flowers, it is a great place to walk.

The Food Market

On the other side of the market, you will find fresh fruits, giant olives, spices, and local honey. This is where the best chefs in Nice buy their ingredients.

Pro Tip: On Mondays, the flowers disappear, and the market turns into an Antiques Market. You can find old postcards, vintage jewelry, and cool French furniture.

 

5. Taste the Local Street Food: Socca!

You cannot visit Nice without eating Socca. It is the most famous snack in the city.

What is Socca?

It is a thin, savory pancake made from chickpea flour, olive oil, and water. It is cooked in a giant copper pan inside a very hot wood-fired oven. When it comes out, it is crispy on the edges and soft in the middle.

How to eat it:

You usually buy a plate for a few euros. The vendor will chop it up and sprinkle lots of black pepper on top. You eat it with your fingers while it is still hot. It is healthy, delicious, and very cheap!

Other foods to try:

• Pissaladière: A thick pizza-like bread with onions and olives.
• Pan Bagnat: A giant sandwich that is basically a Salad Niçoise inside a bread roll.

 

6. Visit the Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse Museums

Nice has a special light that artists have loved for a long time. Two very famous painters, Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse, lived here.

Marc Chagall Museum

This museum was built while the artist was still alive. It has huge, colorful paintings that tell stories from the Bible. The windows are made of bright blue stained glass that makes the whole room feel like it is underwater.

Matisse Museum

Matisse is famous for using very bright colors and simple shapes. The museum is inside a beautiful red villa on a hill called Cimiez. You can see how his art changed from normal paintings to his famous “cut-outs” (art made by cutting paper with scissors).

 

7. Relax at the Place Masséna

The Place Masséna is the main square of Nice. It is very easy to spot because the ground is covered in a giant black-and-white checkerboard pattern.

The Seven Statues

If you look up, you will see seven statues sitting on tall poles high above the ground. At night, they light up in different colors like neon signs. They represent the seven continents of the world and talk to each other.

The Fountain of the Sun

At the end of the square is a huge fountain with a giant statue of Apollo, the Greek god. It is a favorite meeting spot for locals.

 

8. Play in the Promenade du Paillon (The Water Park)

Right next to Place Masséna is a long, skinny park called the Promenade du Paillon. It was built on top of a river that now flows underground!

The Mirror of Water

The coolest part of this park is the “Miroir d’Eau.” It is a flat stone area with 128 water jets. Every few minutes, the jets spray water into the air or create a thin water layer that looks like a mirror. On a hot summer day, you will see hundreds of kids (and adults!) running through the water to cool off.

This is a great place to spend an afternoon. If you’re hanging out by the fountains, you’ll want clothes that dry fast and stay comfortable. Check out our Atelier Plage Beach Collection for outfits perfect for a day at the beach.

 

9. Explore the Port Lympia (The Harbor)

The Port of Nice is where the big “Corsica Ferries” (the giant yellow boats) come in. It is also where the world’s most expensive yachts park.

The Contrast

It is fun to look at the tiny, colorful wooden fishing boats (called pirogues) sitting right next to massive white yachts that look like floating mansions.

Where to eat:

The area around the Port is full of great restaurants. It is usually a bit quieter and more local than the Old Town. Walk around the back of the Port to the Confiserie Florian, a candy factory that makes chocolate and glazed fruits!

 

10. Take a Day Trip from the Gare de Nice-Ville

One of the best things to do in Nice is actually to leave Nice for a few hours. The train station is in the center of the city, and the “TER” trains can take you to many beautiful places in less than 30 minutes.

Easy Day Trips:

1. Villefranche-sur-Mer (2 mins away): A tiny village with a sandy beach and bright orange houses.
2. Monaco (20 mins away): See the Prince’s Palace and the fast Formula 1 cars.
3. Cannes (30 mins away): Walk the red carpet where the movie stars go.
4. Antibes (20 mins away): Visit the giant yacht harbor and the old stone walls.

 

11. Swim in the Mediterranean Sea

We can’t talk about Nice without talking about the beach! But be warned: the beaches in Nice are not made of sand. They are made of galets (smooth grey pebbles).

Tips for a Pebble Beach:

• Wear Water Shoes: Walking on the stones can hurt your feet if you aren’t used to it.
• Bring a thick towel, or better yet, a padded mat.
• Public vs. Private: Most of the beach is free (Public). However, there are “Private Beaches” where you can pay to have a soft blue bed, an umbrella, and someone to bring you a cold drink.

The water in Nice is very salty, which makes it very easy to float. It is a bright turquoise color that looks like a swimming pool.

 

12. Visit the Russian Cathedral

Did you know that Nice has the largest Russian Orthodox Cathedral outside Russia? It is called St. Nicholas Cathedral.

It looks very different from the rest of Nice. It has giant “onion domes” on top, covered in gold and colorful tiles. It was built by the Russian Royal family, who loved to spend their holidays in the warm weather of Nice. It is a very peaceful place to visit, but remember to dress respectfully (cover your shoulders and knees) if you go inside.

 

13. Shopping on Jean Médecin

If you love shopping, Avenue Jean Médecin is the place for you. It is a massive street that runs from the train station to the sea.

What you will find:

• Galeries Lafayette: A huge French department store.
• Nice Star: A large shopping mall with all the famous brands.
• Local Boutiques: Hidden in the side streets, you will find smaller shops selling unique French fashion.

At Atelier Plage, we believe in “Slow Fashion.” Instead of buying a hundred cheap shirts, we recommend buying one high-quality, organic piece that will last you for many summers. The style of people inspires our Signature French Riviera Collection, which you see on the streets of Jean Médecin every day.

 

14. Watch the Sunset at Rauba Capeu

At the very end of the Promenade des Anglais, right before you turn the corner to the Port, there’s a spot called Rauba Capeu. In the local language, this means “The place where the wind steals your hat!”

The #IloveNice Sign

This is where the giant #IloveNice sign is located. Everyone takes a photo here! It is the best place in the city to watch the sunset. As the sun goes down, the sky turns pink and orange, and the lights of the Promenade des Anglais start to twinkle like diamonds.

 

15. Explore the Cimiez Neighborhood

Cimiez is a hill located above the city center. It is much quieter than the beach and has a lot of history.

Roman Ruins

You can see the remains of a real Roman city! There is an ancient arena where gladiators used to fight, and the remains of Roman baths. It is amazing to think that people have lived in Nice for over 2,000 years.

The Monastery of Cimiez

There is a beautiful monastery with a garden full of roses. From the garden, you get a “secret” view of the city that most tourists don’t know about. It is the perfect place for a quiet picnic.

 

What to Pack for Nice?

Packing for the French Riviera is all about being “Effortless.” You want to look nice, but you also want to be comfortable because you will be walking a lot.

The Essentials:

1. Comfortable Walking Shoes: The cobblestones in the Old Town can be tricky.
2. A Wide-Brimmed Hat: The sun is very strong in the South of France.
3. Sunglasses: The reflection of the sun on the blue water is very bright.
4. Atelier Plage Basics: Our Organic Cotton Collection is designed specifically for this climate. The fabric is breathable, so you won’t get too hot while exploring the markets.

 

Why Nice is the Best City in France

Nice is a special place because it offers everything. It has the mountains behind it and the sea in front of it. It has Italian food and French style.

When you visit Nice, don’t try to do everything at once. The “Niçois” way of life is about taking your time. Have a long lunch. Sit on a bench and watch the dogs play in the park. Take a nap in the afternoon when the sun is at its hottest.

Nice teaches us to appreciate beauty. Whether it’s the pattern of a tiled floor, the color of a sunset, or the taste of a fresh orange, there is beauty everywhere in this city.

 

Final Tips for Your Trip

• Water is Free: There are many public fountains in Nice with cold, clean drinking water. Don’t waste money buying plastic bottles!
• Learn a Few Words: Saying “Bonjour” (Hello) when you walk into a shop and “Merci” (Thank you) when you leave will make the locals very happy.
• Watch Out for Seagulls: The seagulls in Nice are very brave! If you are eating Socca on the beach, they might try to grab a bite.

We hope this guide helps you plan your dream trip to Nice. It is a city that stays in your heart forever. And remember, wherever you go, go in style with Atelier Plage.

Ready to start your journey? Explore our latest arrivals here!