Wine, food, sun, sea and sand aren’t the only reasons why Nice has long been one of Europe’s premier Mediterranean retreats. The city has a rich history dating back to the time of the Ancient Greeks, and its popularity in the 19th century has contributed to one of the most beautiful cityscapes in all of France.
Whether you’re here to sample the local wine and produce, take in the famous Baroque and Belle Époque architecture, or simply to experience the decadent, carpe diem style of living that’s synonymous with the French Riviera – Nice deserves to be at the very top of your travel wish list in the south of France.
Discover more about this beautiful French city in our in-depth guide to Nice.
La Chapelle de la Miséricorde, or ‘The Chapel of Mercy’ as
it’s known in English, is one of the most famous Baroque buildings in Nice –
lauded for its beautiful architecture and collection of works by Italian
painter, Leonardo Bistolfi. A highlight of Nice’s Old Town quarter, the chapel
is thought to have been built in the late 16th century, and has been
painstakingly preserved to showcase the opulence of the Baroque architectural
style. The building itself was designed by Italian architect, Bernardo Vittone,
and is considered a masterpiece of the Italian Baroque movement.
Like many cities on the Mediterranean, Nice was founded by the Phoenician Greeks, and their influence remains visible in La Colline du Château, or ‘The Hill of the Castle’. This landscaped park in the centre of Nice Old Town was the site of one of the greatest Medieval strongholds of the French Riviera, until its destruction at the hands of Louis XIV in the 18th century. Still, several sections of the fortress remain today, offering a fascinating insight into Nice’s heritage. Visitors can explore the remains of Medieval Nice in a basement close to the gardens, as well as several ancient monuments which have survived since the Greek era.
Whatever time of year you visit Nice, there’s a strong likelihood that the city will be in the midst of celebrating one of its many cultural festivals. Thanks to its blend of Provencal, Mediterranean and French culture, the city hosts a wide range of traditional festivals and events throughout the year. From The Feast of Cougourdons, which is held in the gardens of Cimiez Monastery, to the colourful Wish Party, a religious event which began in 1832 as a means of asking the Virgin Mary for protection from an outbreak of cholera. Before your visit, be sure to find out what’s on in Nice on the city’s official tourism website.
A local delicacy you must try during your time in Nice is pissaladière, a dish whose origins hark back to the city’s Italian roots. Similar to a pizza, pissaladière is made from a thin bread dough, but where the Italians would use tomatoes, the locals of Nice use onions as the main base topping. From there, anchovies (or sardines) and black olives are added, bringing that delicious Mediterranean flavour, with the dish often finished with fresh thyme and rosemary. Again, it’s delicious enjoyed with local white wine, or as an indulgent street-food snack as you peruse Nice’s colourful Old Town quarter.
Another Niçoise delicacy with surprisingly humble origins is La Socca, a type of thin pancake that’s made from chickpea flour. Similar to the classic French crêpe, socca are large pancakes that are popular throughout the Côte d’Azur, and made exclusively using chickpea flour. Much like crêpes in Paris, you’ll find socca across Nice, with some of the finest coming from pop-up street vendors or hole-in-the-wall style eateries.
Chez Pipo is always among the list of the best places in Nice to try socca. The crêpes here are made in a traditional pizza oven and are around 3 feet in diameter, so be sure to bring your appetite.
Chez Pipo
If you’re keen to experience the full wonders of Nice, Emerald Cruisesoffers a special Extend your stay offering, giving you longer in the beautiful city.
Available on our Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Nice itinerary, this gives you the option to extend your experience in the south of France with an exclusive 3-night city stay in the heart of Nice – including hotel, transfers, and a guided bus tour of Nice and Monte Carlo.
For more information about our Rhône river cruises and exclusive Nice city stays, download our latest river cruise brochure or call us on 0808 159 6412.