Top Attractions in Nice: Food, Art, and Culture

This city bubbles over with a sprit of fun. I fell in love with Nice, and didn’t mean to. After a week in Provence, the last thing I was in the mood for was a city. But it was so relaxing, delightful, colorful, friendly, complex, cultured, relaxing, busy, that I extended a three day visit to eight. And I want to go back — tomorrow.

Here are some great things to do to get the range and depth of experiences. As much as it seemed ‘young’ and party haven, it was so much more. Let’s talk food, art, strolls, views, vibe.

Food? Avoid the restaurants on Rue Massena — I am sure there are a few restaurants worthy of a good meal, but mostly it was tasteless fare meant for Americans and other tourists. Decidedly non-French. Old Town, the gem of Nice’s fascinating crown, has loads of tiny restaurants. Near the beach, the restaurant Le Safari is quite good for solid, affordable food.

Nice Markets: this is must see. Nearly every day, the area on Cr. Saleya. Since every day was a different mix of stalls, and all were of great quality, it was a frequent activity.

The Chagall Museum is not easy to get to but it is truly unforgettable. The depth and beauty of his work was astounding.

For more great art, and a good walk through a safe but local neighborhood was the Musee De Bueax-Arts. An artist I had never heard of, Drury, was exhibited and took my breath away.

Before you go, have the legendary lunch at the upscale, but affordable, La Rotonde, and its ocean facing patio the in the hotel Negresco.

The city embraces the idea of pedestrian walkways with elegance and maps so you see the best of the town. Walking down Rue Massena, take the right at the tramline for this magnificent display of art and architecture, then cross to the Apollo statue, and take a left onto the street that takes you the the daily markets on Cours Saleya..Saturday being the best.