Schmap Nice Neighborhood Guide

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Nice - Neighborhood Guide
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Nice Home

The image that immediately springs to mind when you think of Nice is one of the famous Promenade des Anglais hugging the pebbly shores. But there is an old town hiding many picturesque treasures and a bustling city centre, both of which lie parallel to the sea. Unassumingly tucked into the eastern part of town, The Port exudes a charm all of its own, and the various hills – Cimiez northeast of Vieux-Nice and the centre, and Mont-Boron east of the harbour – make up green and tranquil districts endowed with stunning panoramas. Arénas in the west and Promenade du Paillon northeast of the old town are the main business and conference centres, the rest is primarily residential.

Seaside

This is probably the most famous part of Nice. For more than a century, people have been flocking here to walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais; in the 19th century the gentle winters drew in the visitors, while today it tends to be at its height during the summer months. As for the inhabitants, whatever the season or the weather, they never get tired of the place. Some go jogging, others rollerblade, many just walk, but they all adore the view of the sea. Take time to soak it all up sitting on one of the little blue chairs – an endearing characteristic of the "Prom." The seashore is also lined with an impressive selection of luxury hotels, the most prestigious of which is the Négresco.

Vieux-Nice

You can almost smell the atmosphere that fills this little cluster of picturesquely narrow and winding streets, be it day or night. The houses are so close together in places that they almost seem to be reaching out to embrace one another across the street. Those with a penchant for religious art will marvel at the number of churches such a small corner of town can hold, particularly when you survey it from the heights of the Colline du Château, which rises up like a natural border between The Port and the old town. The most majestic of the churches is undoubtedly Basilique Sainte Réparate – a wonderful metamorphosis of the baroque architecture that can be admired throughout the old town. The most beautiful example of this style has to be Palais Lascaris. The good life is, of course, never far away and this part of town is home to the best ice cream parlours, particularly around Place Rossetti. Glacier Fenocchio is a must, although you'll need plenty of time if you're going to taste every exciting flavour; the choices include cinnamon, violet, fig, chewing gum, tomato, lavender and rose! There are also some excellent restaurants serving varied cuisines – local specialities, Lebanese, Italian and so forth, at very reasonable prices. Those who like beer should go on a pub crawl around the likes of De Klomp, which borders the old town. The atmosphere is often swinging with live music so you're sure to have a great time. At the other end of the scale, the city Opéra, whose auditorium is truly magnificent, is still within the old town. Vieux-Nice is also a good place for artists, featuring the most extraordinarily varied range of exhibits from the representational to the abstract. There's much enjoyment to be had just wandering through the little streets, shaded from the summer heat, chancing upon all the little galleries. Cours Saleya is another must-see, as there's always something going on there. The Marché Saleya is the fruit and vegetable market, and the flower market, flea market, and arts and crafts market are also held here. The café and restaurant terraces prove very popular both in summer and winter, especially La Civette and L'F. Perfect for whiling away the hours…

Masséna-Town Centre

Place Masséna is the heart of Nice, a beating heart to match the red of the buildings which border it. This heart is surrounded by two green lungs: the Albert I Gardens with the immense black metal Arc de Venet (an artist from Nice), and the Masséna Gardens, where you can enjoy the rare shade offered by the trees. Outside these parks, the turmoil of the city resumes and the traffic is always very heavy. Throughout the day, window-shopping crowds walk up Avenue Jean-Médecin and through the pedestrian precinct where most of the shops, including Galeries Lafayette and the Nice Etoile shopping centre can be found.

The Port

The atmosphere of this district is unique. Fuelled by the prevailing calm and air of authenticity, it creates the illusion that you're no longer in one of the biggest cities in France. There are a few great little restaurants serving specialities of the region, including Pipo Socca and Fjord where the locals like to eat. The Port district, especially around Rue Ségurane, is also home to antique dealers such as Ginac. Crammed full of treasures, they are sure to delight. But the port itself is just as deserving of your attention. From the quayside you can enjoy the sight of brightly coloured little fishing boats moored next to millionaires' yachts, ferry boats and cruisers.

Cimiez

The hill at Cimiez is still the most fashionable residential area of Nice. As well as the pleasant villas and well-manicured gardens, two aspects of Nice's past can be found here – the remarkable Roman amphitheatres, which play host to the annual Jazz Festival, and some very well-preserved Roman baths (this visit can be combined with the adjoining Archeological Museum). Le Régina, an enormous hotel now divided into apartments, recalls the other important era of Cimiez's past – the belle époque. Matisse also spent the last years of his life here, and there is a museum dedicated to his paintings a little further up the hill. Those who wish to visit the Matisse Museum might also enjoy the impressive canvasses at the Marc Chagall Biblical Message Museum.

Mont-Boron and Mont-Alban

To get to Mont-Boron, even though it is still part of Nice, you'll have to take a car or use public transport, unless you feel like a long walk (it is a pleasant one though, through Mediterranean landscapes and pretty belle époque houses). However you travel, you'll pass the Terra Amata Museum of Paleontology, which explores the prehistoric activity in this area. The view of Nice from Mont-Boron is fantastic; most of the postcards depicting a panorama of Nice are photographed from this point. Singer Elton John certainly had the right idea when he bought his huge yellow villa at the top of neighbouring Mont-Alban.

Arénas

This is the newest district of Nice and, as a result, the furthest from the centre. Situated near the airport, Arénas contains many offices and hotels, where everything is very modern and functional. Essentially it is the business centre of Nice. Close by, you can visit the enormous greenhouse at Phoenix Park or the Museum of Asian Arts.

Promenade du Paillon

Here is a district that has gained in importance over the years. The Palais des Expositions and the Palais des Congrès can be found here, as well as the Acropolis, a huge futuristic building which hosts a variety of exhibitions and conferences. The largest room, the Apollon, is reserved for shows given by singers and comedians. The lively Cinémathèque has also sprung up in the area. A little further afield, you can see the twin towers of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC) and the Théâtre de Nice (TDN), whose architecture is just as current.

The north, east and western districts of the town, as well as the Saint-Laurent du Var suburb, being mainly residential, are of little interest to tourists.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Arenas

Nice
France

This is the newest district of Nice and, as a result, the furthest from the centre. Situated near the airport, Arénas contains many offices and Hôtels, where everything is very modern and functional. Essentially it is the business centre of Nice. Close by, you can visit the enormous greenhouse at Phoenix Park or the Museum of Asian Arts.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Ghene Snowdon

Photo: Lzo.Arenas

Cimiez

Nice
France
The hill at Cimiez is still the most fashionable residential area of Nice. As well as the pleasant villas and well-manicured gardens, two aspects of Nice's past can be found here--the remarkable Roman amphitheatres, which play host to the annual Jazz Festival, and some very well-preserved Roman baths (this visit can be combined with the adjoining Archeological Museum). Le Régina, an enormous Hôtel now divided into apartments, recalls the other important era of Cimiez's past--the belle époque. Matisse also spent the last years of his life here, and there is a museum dedicated to his paintings a little further up the hill. Those who wish to visit the Matisse Museum might also enjoy the impressive canvasses at the Marc Chagall Biblical Message Museum.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Ludovic De Paz
Photo: Feather Pen
Photo: John Stull
Photo: David Andrés
Photo: Peter Tysowski
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Photo: Stefrag

Masséna/Town Centre

Nice
France
Place Masséna is the heart of Nice, a beating heart to match the red of the buildings which border it. This heart is surrounded by two green lungs: the Albert I Gardens with the immense black metal Arc de Venet (an artist from Nice), and the Masséna Gardens, where you can enjoy the rare shade offered by the trees. Outside these parks, the turmoil of the city resumes and the traffic is always very heavy. Throughout the day, window-shopping crowds walk up Avenue Jean-Médecin and through the pedestrianized precinct where most of the shops, including Galeries Lafayette and the Nice Etoile shopping centre can be found.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Mont-Boron/Mont-Alban

Nice
France
To get to Mont-Boron, even though it is still part of Nice, you'll have to take a car or use public transport, unless you feel like a long walk (it is a pleasant one though, through Mediterranean landscapes and pretty belle époque houses). However you travel, you'll pass the Terra Amata Museum of Paleontology, which explores the prehistoric activity in this area. The view of Nice from Mont-Boron is fantastic; most of the postcards depicting a panorama of Nice are photographed from this point. Singer Elton John certainly had the right idea when he bought his huge yellow villa at the top of neighbouring Mont-Alban.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Vanessa
Photo: Francis Bourgouin
Photo: arners
Photo: Leigh Suga
Photo: Emma Rodgers
Photo: Niki Smallwood

Promenade du Paillon

Nice
France
Here is a district that has gained in importance over the years. The Palais des Expositions and the Palais des Congrès can be found here, as well as the Acropolis, a huge futuristic building which hosts a variety of exhibitions and conferences. The largest room, the Apollon, is reserved for shows given by singers and comedians. The lively Cinémathèque has also sprung up in the area. A little further afield, you can see the twin towers of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC) and the Théatre de Nice (TDN), whose architecture is just as current. The north, east and western districts of the town, as well as the Saint-Laurent du Var suburb, being mainly residential, are of little interest to tourists.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Robert Cudmore

Seaside

Nice
France
This is probably the most famous part of Nice. For more than a century, people have been flocking here to walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais; in the 19th century the gentle winters drew in the visitors, while today it tends to be at its height during the summer months. As for the inhabitants, whatever the season or the weather, they never get tired of the place. Some go jogging, others rollerblade, many just walk, but they all adore the view of the sea. Take time to soak it all up sitting on one of the little blue chairs--an endearing characteristic of the "Prom." The seashore is also lined with an impressive selection of luxury Hôtels, the most prestigious of which is the Négresco.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Leo Watson
Photo: marianthipop
Photo: Helen Watson
Photo: Sébastien Kuperberg
Photo: Daniel
Photo: Sara Ko
Photo: Darrel Ronald
Photo: Dave Stevenson

The Port

Nice
France
The atmosphere of this district is unique. Fuelled by the prevailing calm and air of authenticity, it creates the illusion that you're no longer in one of the biggest cities in France. There are a few great little restaurants serving specialities of the region, including Pipo Socca and Fjord where the locals like to eat. The port district, especially around Rue Ségurane, is also home to antique dealers such as Ginac. Crammed full of treasures, they are sure to delight. But the port itself is just as deserving of your attention. From the quayside you can enjoy the sight of brightly coloured little fishing boats moored next to millionaires' yachts, ferry boats and cruisers.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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