Culture in Nice Cote d' Azur

Proposed by the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau , Published: 3 August 2022, 16:10, Updated: 18 August 2022, 20:12

© Ville de Nice — PROMENADE DU PAILLON in Nice Cote d' Azur - Video content

Visit a unique and listed city on your next holiday! Because of its beauty, its history, its architecture and its natural spaces, the heart of Nice has made its entry to UNESCO. Indeed, the capital of the French Riviera has seen the four letters of its name inscribed on the World Heritage List as "Winter Resort Town of the Riviera".

UNESCO World Heritage- and culture in Nice

In order to obtain this precious inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the city of Nice (External link) had to justify an "Exceptional Universal Value" by its international cultural influences, the architectural variety of its buildings but also its abundant and varied vegetation. See for yourself and explore this magnificent picture of cultural richness that invites you to escape and get away from it all.
Immerse yourself in the scenery and admire the beauty of the buildings that stand all around you. The old palaces take you back to the 18th century, when Baroque art was coming to the south of France. Take a step back in time to the era of the aristocracy and the Belle Époque movement which has given birth to the most beautiful monuments of Nice Côte d'Azur. Travel through the architectural beauty of the Château de l'Anglais and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint-Nicolas. Art Deco has also left Nice Côte d'Azur with an exceptional heritage of 4,000 buildings including the Palais de la Méditerranée and the stunning Jeanne d'Arc Church.

There are so many places to visit in Nice, but if there is one place that cannot be missed, it is the famous Promenade des Anglais. Offering a unique panorama of the Baie des Anges, the Promenade des Anglais, with its mythical blue chairs, is strewn, over 7 kilometres, with palm trees shading the resplendent hotels and palaces of Nice, such as the Negresco or the Palais de la Méditerranée. The "Prom", as the locals call it, has become a meeting place for all lovers of rollerblading, cycling, running or simply walking for locals and visitors alike.

Cours Saleya in Nice Cote d' Azur @ J.KELAGOPIAN OTMNCA

Vieux-Nice is, in itself, a festival of sensations! Narrow streets, yellow and ochre facades, craftsmen's shops and small businesses, restaurants and lively squares make up the soul of this old quarter, which is alive both day and night, not forgetting, of course, the Cours Saleya market (External link) , classified as one of the most exceptional markets in France! From the top of the Colline du Château listed site, you can enjoy a remarkable view of the Baie des Anges, the old town and the port, from sunrise to sunset.

From all times, artists have been fascinated by the light and colours of Nice and have frequently taken up residence on the Côte d'Azur, bringing with them all the currents of pictorial art in their immense diversity. Take advantage of your stay in Nice to visit the museums and galleries and the prestigious collections of Matisse, Chagall and the famous École de Nice.

Museum Matisse in Nice Cote d' Azur ©OTM NCA H.Lagarde

Push open the door of the MAMAC - Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Inside, plunge into the heart of art from the 1950s to the present day. Stroll through the four imposing towers linked by glass walkways. Finally, end your visit on the roof of the building to admire the panoramic view of the whole city of Nice.

Eze Village at the Cote d' Azur @OTMNCA J.KELAGOPIAN

Just a few kilometres away, in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, don't miss a visit to the Villa Ephrussi de Rotschild, one of the most beautiful Italian Renaissance palaces on the Côte d'Azur. The villa and its 9 themed gardens are a tourist attraction that can be explored on your own, thanks to the audio guides. Similarly, the medieval village of Eze, an eagle's nest situated on a rocky spur above the sea, is a must-see tourist site. The view from its exotic garden is absolutely breathtaking! At the entrance to the village, the Fragonard and Galimard perfumeries offer you the opportunity to compose your own perfume during a workshop followed by a guided tour. In Beaulieu-sur-Mer, you will be surprised to visit the Villa Kerylos, a superb reproduction of an ancient Greek palace on the seafront. In Cagnes-sur-Mer, you will fall under the spell of the Renoir Museum, an absolutely magical place with a garden that has remained as it was in the painter's time. You will go back in time and soak up the unique light, dotted through the hundred-year-old olive trees.

Renoir Museum in Nice Cote d' Azur @OTM NCA CSM

Good plan: FRENCH RIVIERA PASS

For your outings and cultural visits, choose the FRENCH RIVIERA PASS! You will have free access to about sixty tourist sites and activities in Nice and on the Côte d'Azur and will benefit from a ticket cutter. Saving time and money, the FRENCH RIVIERA PASS is THE essential companion for your stay. It is available in a choice of 3 durations (24h, 48h or 72h). You can buy it online at en.frenchrivierapass.com or at the tourist information offices of the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolitan Visitors Bureau.