Start with the unmissable Cours Saleya
Every first-time visitor should make their first stop at the Cours Saleya. This vast pedestrianised square is famous for its flower market and stalls selling local produce.
- The Flower Market: Ranked amongst France’s most exceptional markets, it brings colour to the city from Tuesday to Sunday.
- The Flea Market: On Mondays, antique dealers take over the square, much to the delight of bargain hunters.
It’s the perfect place to soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere before venturing into the narrower streets.
Lose yourself (on purpose) in the narrow streets
The best way to explore Old Nice is to put your sat-nav away. The neighbourhood is a dense network of narrow streets where Baroque architecture is on full display.
Look up to admire the warm-coloured façades and the traditional shutters that provide shelter from the sun. Don’t miss Place Rossetti, where the majestic Sainte-Réparate Cathedral stands proudly. It’s the spiritual and social heart of the neighbourhood, ideal for a refreshing break.
Sample the cuisine of Old Nice
You can’t explore Old Nice without sampling its street food. Nice’s culinary traditions are, in fact, in the running for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
For first-timers, here are three specialities you simply must try:
- Socca: A large flatbread made from chickpea flour, baked in a wood-fired oven. Best enjoyed hot and generously peppered.
- Pissaladière: A tart with caramelised onions, anchovies and Cailletier olives.
- Pan Bagnat: The quintessential local sandwich – a proper Niçoise salad in a round loaf rubbed with garlic and generously drizzled with olive oil.
Tip: For dessert, head to the master ice-cream makers on Place Rossetti to try unusual flavours such as lavender or basil.
Get a bird’s-eye view from the Colline du Château
Although technically situated just on the edge of the neighbourhood, the Colline du Château is a must-see for anyone visiting Old Nice.
After wandering through the narrow streets, make your way up – on foot for the brave, or via the free lift – to admire the panoramic view. On one side, Port Lympia and its colourful ‘pointus’; on the other, the Baie des Anges and the red rooftops of Old Nice. This is where you’ll take your best photos.
Practical tips for a first visit
To make the most of your visit, here are a few practical tips:
- Comfortable shoes: The cobblestones are old and can be slippery. Leave your heels at home!
- Best times to visit: Go very early in the morning (before 10 am) for the market, or in the late afternoon to enjoy the cooler weather and the lively atmosphere of the restaurants.
- Handcrafted shopping: Old Nice is brimming with artists’ studios and olive oil shops (such as the famous Maison Nicolas Alziari).
Nice is a destination to be enjoyed all year round. Thanks to its mild climate and rich cultural heritage, the city offers an enchanting getaway just a few hours’ flight from your region. By choosing regional flights, you’ll save precious time to make the most of the Côte d’Azur.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie or simply in search of some sunshine, a visit to Old Nice is an unmissable highlight of any trip to the south of France.
Find out more about Nice:
- Discover Nice: 7 fun and cultural activities to do with the family
- Nice by night: 7 places to enjoy the city’s nightlife
- The most beautiful beaches in and around Nice for relaxing in the sun
- The 5 best walking trails around Nice for a nature adventure
- 4 museums in Nice for an artistic and historical journey
Photo: Freepik