General Sightseeing and Orientation in Nice

Nice, chief town to the departement of Alpes-Maritimes, is magnificently situated on the Baie des Anges, surrounded by the foothills of the Maritime Alps, some 19 miles from the Italian border. Nice has a splendid old town, separated from the busy new town by the river Paillon. With its sheltered situation and mild climate, Nice is one of the oldest established winter resorts on the Cote d'Azur, and is also a very popular summer resort.

Colline du Chateau
The oldest settlement on the site of Nice was on the Colline du Chateau. From the Terrasse Frederic Nietszche there is an impressive view of the whole town and the old harbour. The citadel, which once stood here, was destroyed in 1706. Remains of two churches, a 15th century church overlaying an earlier 11th century one have been excavated here.

Old Town (Vieille Ville)
The old town of Nice is a maze of narrow streets and lanes, dotted with colourful cafes and restaurants. A flower market is held every day on Cours Saleya. The 17th century cathedral has rich stucco decoration, fine choir stalls and beautiful wood panelling in the sacristy. This magnificent Baroque building was once the palace of the Counts of Castellar, it has a handsome entrance hall, an 18th century pharmacy and rich stucco decoration and ceiling paintings in the state apartments.

Gardens
The Jardin Albert I er runs north-east from the sea front to the busy place Massena, the hub of the cities traffic, where you find the Fountain Du Soleil and the Casino Municipal. At the south end of the gardens is an open-air theatre.

Promenade des Anglais
From the south end of the Jardin Albert I er runs the magnificent Promenade des Anglais, dating back to the 1820's. The promenade is lined by elegant and luxurious buildings, including the Casino Ruhl and the famous Hotel Negresco. Many of the hotels have their own private beaches on the Baie des Anges but there are also plenty of public beaches with easy access.

Places to visit in Nice

Musée Matisse
164, avenue des Arènes de Cimiez
(du Monastère)
Nice 06000

Housed in a magnificent red building, this museum stands on Cimiez hill, close to the city's Arènes (ancient amphitheatre) and Musée archéologique. Matisse lived in Cimiez from 1917 until his death in 1954. Paintings, drawings and some of his earliest works are on display.

Museum of Contemporary and Modern Art
Promenade des Arts
Nice

The museum houses a major permanent collection tracing the history of the European and American avant - garde since the early 1960's.

Musee Massena
65 Rue de France
Nice

This museum set in a park displays Roman antiquities, numerous works by painters of the Nice school, impressionist and post-impressionist pictures, applied art and a collection of weapons.