Palais Lascaris — Joyau Baroque

At 15 rue Droite, in the heart of Old Nice, Palais Lascaris is the most remarkable civil baroque monument in Nice. Built from 1648 for Jean-Baptiste Lascaris-Vintimille, descendant of a princely Byzantine-origin family, among the County of Nice's noblest, this five-level palace is a dazzling demonstration of northern Italian (Genoa, Turin) baroque expertise transposed to Nice.

The relatively discreet street facade hides sumptuous interiors. The monumental staircase, Nice's finest, adorned with Mars, Venus and Hercules statues, ceiling frescoes and trompe-l'œil, prepares for the discovery of the noble floor: state rooms with ceilings painted by Genoese school artists (mythological scenes, including the spectacular Fall of Phaethon), furnished with 17th-century Aubusson tapestries, silverware, porcelain and period furniture.

The Musical Instrument Collection

Palais Lascaris' great surprise is its collection of 500 ancient musical instruments, France's second largest after the Musée de la Musique in Paris. Bequeathed by Niçois notable Antoine Gautier, this exceptional collection unites 17th-century harps, viols, harpsichords, Renaissance lutes, baroque flutes, ancient guitars.

Concerts and Exhibitions

The Grand Salon regularly hosts baroque and classical music concerts, the 17th-century high ceiling acoustics create a unique musical experience. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent collections year-round.

Pricing

Entry €5 (3-day museum pass €15). Free for under-18s, students, job seekers, Nice Côte d'Azur residents.

Visitor reviews

Highlights: Palais Lascaris is described as Nice's greatest heritage surprise, an interior beauty its discreet facade doesn't reveal. The monumental staircase and painted ceilings are unanimously cited as spectacular. The instrument collection is described as fascinating for music lovers. Grand Salon concerts are cited as a memorable experience.

Areas for improvement: The visit is relatively short (1h), best combined with rue Droite and its galleries. Closed Tuesdays. Interior signage improvable.

Overall impression: Palais Lascaris is Old Nice's intimate monument, a baroque jewel often ignored in classic tourist itineraries, but one of Nice's finest visits for €5.