Wandering around the historic narrow streets of the old town is lovely although it can get very crowded. There are lovely baroque buildings such as the Palais Communal de Nice [see photo below], and plenty of cafe’s, restaurants and boutiques throughout. There are also two lovely churches: Eglise Sainte-Rita and Eglise du Gesù as well as some handsome squares.

We stumbled across Porte Fausse [which translates as hidden door] that was built in the 1830’s as a handy pedestrian passage joining the old town to the new town and has a drinking fountain incorporated ito the design. [see photo above].

Place Rosetti

This compact and busy square is at the heart of the old town and is where the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate is situated. The Cathedral was built in the 17th century and is hard to view the exterior properly due to the proximity of the surrounding buildings, the maginificent dome is nearly hidden from view from the square.

The square is also the place to head to if you fancy an ice cream.

Place Garibaldi

This 18th century square is at the northern end of the old town and has a statue of the Italian Garibaldi who was born in Nice at its centre. The statue always seemed to have a pigeon on his head when we visited, [it should be a biscuit really]. la crypte archéologique is to the side of the square with artifictacts on display that were discovered when the tram was being built in 2007.

The Cours Saleya market

The market is spread out in front of the stunning 17th century Palais de la Préfecture on the edge of the old town and on Tuesday to Sunday it’s all about flowers and fruit and veg and on Mondays it becomes an antique market. It can get busy!

Quick Links: