Côte d'Azur
Old Nice, UNESCO-inscribed 2021, is a baroque labyrinth of coloured alleys between Place Masséna and Castle Hill. Ochre facades, Gesù church, cathedral and lively Cours Saleya.
Castle Hill peaks at 93m above Nice. Panoramic view over the Mediterranean, old town and Port Lympia. Free lift, waterfalls, archaeological crypt and Bellanda Tower.
Rue Droite in Old Nice, Palais Lascaris (1648) is a listed Historic Monument. Baroque monumental staircase, 500 ancient musical instruments — France's 2nd collection. Entry €5.
On Place Rossetti in the heart of Old Nice, Sainte-Réparate Cathedral is a 17th-century baroque masterpiece. Green tile dome, 3 monumental organs and a lively square with Fenocchio ice creams.
On Cours Saleya, the Chapelle de la Miséricorde (1736) hides Nice's finest baroque interior. Vertiginous trompe-l'œil, stucco and gold, Bréa altarpiece. Open Tuesday mornings — not to be missed.
On avenue Nicolas II, Saint-Nicolas Cathedral is the finest Orthodox cathedral outside Russia. 6 golden domes, tsarist icons, built by Nicholas II in 1912. Surprising and magnificent in Nice.
The Promenade du Paillon extends over 12ha between Place Masséna and MAMAC. Fountains and water mirror, tropical vegetation, play areas, sculptures and open-air concerts. Free entry.
Beneath Castle Hill, the Archaeological Crypt reveals 6th-century BC Greek remains — foundation of Nikaia by Phocaeans from Marseille. Entry €3, guided visit available.
In a 17th-century Roman-style villa in Cimiez, the Matisse Museum holds the world's most complete Matisse collection. 200 works, watercolours, drawings and the master's tomb in the Franciscan garden.
In Cimiez, 3rd-century Roman arenas neighbour the Franciscan Monastery (14th c.) and its Louis Bréa Pietàs. Archaeological Museum Cemenelum, Franciscan garden and panoramic hill view.