From Nikaia to Nice
Nice was founded by the Greeks in the fourth century BC. Settling in Marseilles, they imported valuable crops such as olives, figs and vines from their homeland, establishing several strategic trading posts in the region to stimulate Mediterranean trade. One of these trading posts was Nikaia, which later became Nice. Since then, the city has flourished as a major commercial and cultural center, forging links with neighboring civilisations thanks to its privileged location on the Mediterranean sea. In the 19th century, it became a popular holiday destination for the European aristocracy, attracted by its mild climate and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Discover Nice’s culinary specialities, our favorite addresses and places to visit to make the most of your stay in Nice!
Nice’s culinary specialties
What better way to start than with Nice’s culinary specialities, combining freshness, sunny flavors and age-old traditions!
The Niçoise salad, invented by fishermen to accompany their catch, has been improved over the years. In addition to sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil and anchovies, it now includes tuna, fava beans, artichokes, olives, hard-boiled eggs, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. It is now found in cuisines all over the world.
Socca is an oven-baked chickpea flour cake, usually served in portions. It has long been eaten by field workers and fishermen, and is generally eaten as a snack.
Pissaladière is an oven-baked bread dough topped with candied onions, anchovies and black olives. You’ll find it on the menu of almost every restaurant in Nice.
Pan bagnat is a round bread roll traditionally filled with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, radishes, peppers and onions. Its name comes from the Nice dialect, where bagnat means ‘soaked’, in reference to the custom of soaking the bread in olive oil and vegetable juice before filling.
Our addresses to try!
In the heart of Vieux Nice nestles La Merenda, an institution where chef Dominique Le Stanc offers traditional regional dishes made with fresh market produce. Please note: only book online and remember to bring cash as the restaurant does not accept cards.
-> Address : 4 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice
Located right in the center of Nice, La Cantine de Mémé offers a menu of original local dishes and international favorites, changed every fortnight, to be enjoyed in a warm and friendly atmosphere
-> Address : 5 rue Longchamp, Imp. Longchamp, 06300 Nice
For fans of Italian cuisine, head for La Voglia, located in the heart of the Cours Saleya. The à la carte menu features classic Italian dishes (pasta, pizza, risotto, antipasti), served in generous portions and with a smile.
-> Address : 2 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice
For a quick lunch, head to Lou Pilha Leva, in Vieux Nice, where you can order socca, pissaladière or vegetable doughnuts at the counter, which you can eat on the terrace or take away to enjoy by the sea!
-> Address : 10 Rue du Collet, 06300 Nice
For dessert or if you’re feeling peckish, stop off at the Azzurro ice cream shop, considered to be one of the best in France. He offers traditional ice creams in classic flavors, made from fruit or pasta but never flavorings.
-> Address : 1 Rue Sainte-Reparate, 06300 Nice
Sites to discover
Let’s start with the essentials!
La Place Masséna
Created in 1840 to link the old districts with those developing on the right bank of the Paillon river, Place Masséna is now a lively city center where locals and tourists meet. Spanish artist Jaume Plensa’s emblematic work ‘Conversation à Nice’, made up of seven statues illuminated at nightfall and representing the seven continents, adorns the pillars of this lively square.
Le Vieux Nice
Vieux Nice, with its historic alleyways and colorful buildings, is a district full of charm and history, blending Italian and French influences. Wander through this charming maze of alleyways and discover the cathedral of Saint-Réparate and the Place Rossetti, surrounded by cafés and boutiques. The lively markets, such as the flower market on Cours Saleya, offer a lively and authentic immersion in local life.
La Promenade des Anglais
Known internationally, this seven-kilometer avenue stretches from the Baie des Anges, near Nice airport, to the Quai des Etats-Unis, near Nice’s Old Port, running alongside numerous luxury hotels and offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. La Promenade des Anglais takes its name from the European aristocrats, particularly English, who contributed to its development during the 18th century, enjoying Nice’s mild Mediterranean climate for their winter holidays.
Check out our recommendations!
Le parc de la colline du Château
Take a stroll through Le Parc de la colline du Château, a vast landscaped area laid out after the castle was destroyed in 1706 by Louis XIV’s troops. To get there, take the lift out of the old town or climb the several hundred steps of the Lepage staircase, which offers superb panoramic views along the way. Once at the top, take in the breathtaking views over the Baie des Anges and admire the imposing waterfall added at the end of the 19th century.
Le Musée Matisse
Opened in 1963, the museum celebrates the life and work of French painter Henri Matisse (1869-1954), who produced most of his work in Nice and generously donated many of his creations to the city. He was the leader of fauvism, an early 20th-century artistic movement characterized by the bold use of bright colors to express emotions and sensations. The museum houses almost 600 works and 300 objects that once belonged to the artist.
Le port Lympia
Le port Lympia, located in the heart of the town, is home to both a commercial port and a marina. It owes its name to the spring of the same name, which once fed a lake in a marshy area where harbor work began in the 17th century. It’s a great place to take a stroll and admire both the luxury yachts and the ‘pointus’, the traditional colorful fishing boats of the region. The people of Nice gather here every year for the port festival (this year on the 1st of July), to enjoy live music and gastronomic delights.
Nice also benefits from its proximity to other communes, such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the picturesque village of Eze, allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy a wide range of day trips in the surrounding area.
RÉF 1 : 84571892 – Nice Cimiez
RÉF 2 : 83509155 – Nice Cimiez
RÉF 3 : 5803572 – Nice Lanterne
