Visiting Old Nice: 20 must-do and must-see attractions.
The Old Town of Nice is the historical and cultural heart of the city, a place where picturesque alleys, colorful facades, Baroque palaces, and majestic churches come together.
Strolling through Old Nice is like diving into the city’s history while discovering lively spots such as the Cours Saleya, with its flower markets and typical restaurants.
This district attracts thousands of visitors each year thanks to its unique atmosphere, iconic landmarks, and views over the Bay of Angels.
In this article, we guide you through the must-see sites of Old Nice, so you won’t miss anything during your visit and can fully enjoy this charming Mediterranean neighborhood steeped in history.
For a more original discovery, embark on our adventure trail “The Treasures of Old Nice”, a captivating mix of an escape game and self-guided cultural tour, which lets you explore the city in a unique way.
Palaces to See in Old Nice
Palais Rusca
The Palais Rusca, also known as the Rusca Barracks, is located on the Place du Palais, right next to the Clock Tower.
This historic building was originally designed to house military troops.
Today, it stands as an important architectural testimony of Old Nice, framing the square with grandeur.
Its central location makes it a must-see landmark and a historical point of reference during visits to the Old Town.
Palais de la Préfecture
Formerly the palace of the Dukes of Savoy, the Palais de la Préfecture now houses the headquarters of the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture.
It has served multiple purposes over time: military hospital, royal palace, and administrative building.
Its architecture, featuring columned windows and a gallery with painted glass, reflects renovations over the centuries.
Located near the Cours Saleya, it plays a very visible role in the tourist route of Old Nice.
Discover secrets about this former palace with our treasure hunt The Treasures of Old Nice.
Palais de Justice (Nice)
The Palais de Justice of Nice stands on the Place du Palais, surrounded by other iconic buildings.
Built at the end of the 19th century, its neoclassical style with a monumental staircase gives it an imposing solemnity.
It continues to host courts, connecting judicial history with heritage architecture.
Its presence reinforces the idea that Old Nice is not only a tourist district but also a functional center of the city.
Palais Lascaris
Palais Lascaris, located on Rue Droite, is a jewel of civil Baroque in Nice.
Built in the 17th century by the Lascaris-Vintimille family, it is now a museum of ancient musical instruments, with an exceptional collection of over 500 pieces.
The palace fascinates visitors with its monumental staircase painted with frescoes and richly decorated rooms.
It offers an immersive glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle of historical Nice.
Chapels & Churches of Old Nice
Chapelle de la Miséricorde
Chapelle de la Miséricorde, known as the Chapel of the Black Penitents, is one of the Baroque highlights of Old Nice.
Built between 1747 and 1770, its interior is richly decorated, showcasing the typical Baroque style of Nice.
Located near the Cours Saleya, it is a natural stop during a walk through the old quarter.
The chapel also symbolizes the confraternity of penitents, which played an important religious and social role in Nice’s history.
Chapelle de la Très‑Sainte Trinité et du Saint‑Suaire
This chapel, belonging to the Red Penitents confraternity, is located at 1 Rue du Saint‑Suaire in Old Nice.
It was built between 1657 and 1660, then rebuilt in the 19th century in a neo-classical style by architect Paul-Émile Barberi.
The building is dedicated to the Holy Shroud, commemorating times when the Turin Shroud was brought to Nice.
Inside, visitors can see religious artworks, including a painting by Gio-Gasparo Baldoino depicting the Entombment and exposition of the Shroud.
Église Saint‑Jacques‑le‑Majeur (Gesù Church)
Located on Rue Droite, this 17th-century Jesuit church, also called the Gesù of Nice, is a magnificent example of Piedmontese Baroque architecture.
Its Corinthian façade and polychrome brick bell tower reflect Genoese and Italian influence.
The interior features stuccos, medallions, and faux marbles, typical of Jesuit style.
It is both a place of worship and an architectural marvel not to be missed when visiting Old Nice.
Cathédrale Sainte‑Réparate
Sainte‑Réparate Cathedral, a Baroque jewel of Old Nice, was built between 1650 and 1699. Its painted dome and richly decorated façade give it a recognizable silhouette from Place Rossetti. Inside, it houses ten side chapels dedicated to various saints.
It is the seat of the Diocese of Nice and has been classified as a historic monument, highlighting its heritage significance.
Learn more about Sainte-Reparate and its history with our adventure The Treasures of Old Nice.
Convent / Chapel of the Visitation Sainte‑Claire
The Visitation Convent and its Sainte‑Claire Chapel, located in Old Nice, form a peaceful and historically rich ensemble.
The chapel was built as early as 1609, and the monastic complex developed over the centuries.
Today, it is no longer active as a convent but retains its quiet, spiritual charm.
It is sometimes included in tours for visitors who want to explore the “hidden corners” of Old Nice.
Squares & Public Spaces
Flower Market – Cours Saleya
Cours Saleya is the iconic pedestrian promenade of Old Nice, especially famous for its flower market.
Every morning, its colorful and fragrant stalls attract locals and tourists, offering a unique sensory experience.
The market alternates between flowers, fruits, and vegetables depending on the day, enhancing the lively Provençal atmosphere.
It’s an ideal starting point for a walk through the old quarter or a moment to sample Nice specialties.
Place Rossetti
Place Rossetti is one of the liveliest spots in Old Nice, dominated by Sainte‑Réparate Cathedral. This picturesque square is lined with cafés, ice cream shops, and small lively restaurants, especially in the evenings.
It is a natural meeting point between history and modern life, perfect for sitting, observing, and enjoying the atmosphere. The interplay of light and shadow on the Baroque façades gives the square a highly photogenic charm.
Discover the best ice cream vendor in Nice with our adventure The Treasures of Old Nice.
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is a must-visit in Old Nice: a park offering spectacular panoramic views of the Bay of Angels, the port, and the old town.
Once a military fortress from the 11th to the 18th century, the site now features ruins, an artificial waterfall, and gardens.
You can reach the summit on foot via several paths or by elevator from the Quai des États-Unis.
It is a perfect viewpoint for contemplative pauses, with breathtaking vistas at sunrise or sunset.
Place Saint‑François
Place Saint‑François is a historic square in Old Nice, dominated by the Saint‑François Tower, the former bell tower of the Franciscan convent.
Every morning (except Mondays), it hosts a fish market, a spot very popular with locals.
The old Baroque-style town hall is located on this square: it served as city hall and later as the labor exchange.
After renovations, the square has become a lively pedestrian area, both cultural and convivial.
Place Masséna
Place Masséna is the central and emblematic square of Nice, located between Old Nice and the modern city center.
It was laid out in the 19th century in a classical style, and recently renovated to become pedestrian-friendly and modern, while retaining its statues and historic architecture.
The square is lined with ochre and red façades characteristic of Nice’s architecture, featuring beautiful arcades and balconies.
It houses the famous Fountain of the Sun, decorated with a statue of Apollo surrounded by deities and celestial symbols, as well as the Seven Continents statues in the central park.
Place Masséna is a real city hub, with restaurants, cafés, terraces, and pedestrian areas where locals and tourists mingle.
It serves as an ideal starting point to reach Old Nice, Cours Saleya, the Promenade des Anglais, and other iconic tourist spots.
In the evening, the square lights up with light shows on its red and black paving stones, offering a modern visual spectacle that contrasts with its historic architecture.
Place Masséna is also the site of major events and festivals, such as the Nice Carnival, open-air concerts, and seasonal markets.
Discover the secrets of the fountain on this square in our Nice adventure trail.
Cultural Venues of Old Nice
Théâtre des Oiseaux
The Théâtre des Oiseaux, located at 6 rue de l’Abbaye in Old Nice, is an intimate theater founded in 1999 by Noëlle Perna.
It is a “small Olympia of the South,” offering comedy shows, one-man/one-woman performances, as well as workshops for children and adults.
This local stage provides a warm atmosphere typical of Nice, blending tradition and creativity.
It also represents a less touristy but very authentic artistic facet of the old district.
Opéra de Nice
The Opéra de Nice is a cultural landmark of Old Nice, built in the 19th century in an elegant style.
It hosts opera performances, concerts, and ballet shows, making it a major artistic hub.
Its façade on rue Saint‑François‑de‑Paule gives it a majestic appearance.
Visiting the Opera allows you to explore its auditorium and appreciate its architecture and its role in Nice’s cultural life.
Discover the secrets of the statues of the Opéra de Nice with our tour The Treasures of Old Nice.
Gastronomy
Tasting Ice Cream at Fenocchio
The famous Fenocchio ice cream shop is located in the heart of Cours Saleya in Old Nice.
It offers more than 90 flavors of ice creams and sorbets, including unique local tastes such as fig, Menton lemon, or basil.
Fenocchio is an iconic spot where locals and tourists gather for a sweet break while strolling through the colorful streets.
Tasting ice cream here is a must for experiencing the sweetness of Nice and the authenticity of Old Nice.
Restaurant Lou Pilha Leva
Located in Old Nice, Lou Pilha Leva is a traditional restaurant serving classic Niçoise dishes.
You can enjoy socca, pissaladière, pan bagnat, and recipes using local ingredients such as olive oil and herbs from Provence.
The setting is simple and friendly, typical of Nice bistros in the heart of lively streets.
It’s an ideal stop to taste authentic local cuisine and soak in the Old Nice atmosphere.
Other Places to See
Maison d’Adam et Ève
The Maison d’Adam et Ève is located at 8 rue de la Poissonnerie, at the corner of Cours Saleya, in Old Nice.
It is famous for a high-relief sculpture dating from 1584 depicting a naked man and woman (Adam and Eve) in a dispute, brandishing clubs, in a sgraffito style.
This fresco-restoration highlights decorative art of medieval façades, now rare in the old town.
Local legends say this scene symbolizes couple quarrels or the exile of Adam and Eve in the Bay of Nice.
Sphinxes of the Column of the Israelites
The sphinxes of the Column of the Israelites are monumental statues that once decorated an obelisk erected in 1826, a gift from the Jewish community of Nice to King Charles-Félix.
The monument was demolished in 1861, shortly after the County of Nice was annexed by France, but some sphinxes were preserved.
Two sphinxes are now located on a villa on rue de la Préfecture, while others are displayed in a small “open-air museum.”
These remnants represent a lesser-known part of Nice’s Jewish history and urban heritage.
Conclusion
Old Nice is a true historical and cultural treasure, combining monuments, lively squares, Baroque chapels, and picturesque streets.
Each visit allows you to discover landmarks such as Cours Saleya, Place Masséna, Baroque palaces, and unique churches and chapels of the old town.
But Old Nice is also a gourmet experience with local specialties, from socca to Fenocchio ice cream, reflecting the richness of Niçoise culture.
Strolling through this district immerses you in the history, gastronomy, and authenticity of Nice, while enjoying a warm and lively atmosphere.
Old Nice remains a must-visit for anyone wishing to combine heritage, culture, and culinary delights in the heart of the French Riviera.
