Nice, France | Port and Gateway to the Mediterranean

The History of Nice, France

The city of Nice, nestled on the glittering French Riviera, boasts a history as colorful and varied as its famous coastline. Human settlement in the area dates back to prehistoric times, but the city’s recorded history begins around 350 BC, when Greek sailors from Massalia (modern-day Marseille) founded a colony here and named it Nikaia, in honor of Nike, the goddess of victory. The location was strategic, offering both maritime opportunities and defensive elevation, and soon Nikaia flourished as a modest yet stable outpost of Greek commerce.

Following Roman conquest in the 2nd century BC, the area around Nice, including the nearby Roman town of Cemenelum (modern Cimiez), grew into a bustling administrative and military zone. As the Western Roman Empire declined, the region fell into the hands of various Germanic tribes and later became a contested area during the medieval period.

By the 10th century, Nice was part of the County of Provence but often endured pirate raids and internal disputes. In 1388, the city voluntarily placed itself under the protection of the House of Savoy in a pivotal move known as La Dédition. For nearly five centuries, Nice oscillated between French and Italian influence, caught in a tug-of-war between the Duchy of Savoy, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and France.

In 1860, following the Treaty of Turin and a plebiscite among the residents (though historically debated for its fairness), Nice officially became part of France. The decision was closely tied to Napoleon III’s support for Italian unification. This annexation gave Nice a French identity while preserving deep Italian roots—a cultural duality still visible today in its architecture, dialect, and cuisine.

Nice blossomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a glamorous retreat for European nobility. The English upper class played a particularly notable role in shaping the city, constructing the iconic Promenade des Anglais. The city’s status as a cultural capital expanded through the 20th century, attracting artists like Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, both of whom left lasting legacies.

Today, Nice stands as a cosmopolitan blend of history, Mediterranean charm, and French elegance—a crown jewel of the Côte d’Azur.

Top 25 Attractions in Nice, France

1. Promenade des Anglais – This famed seaside boulevard lined with palm trees and Belle Époque architecture is ideal for leisurely strolls, bike rides, or admiring views of the Baie des Anges.

2. Old Town (Vieux Nice) – A labyrinth of narrow alleyways, baroque churches, colorful buildings, open-air markets, and traditional eateries that preserve the city’s Italianate charm.

3. Castle Hill (Colline du Château) – Offering panoramic views over Nice, the port, and the sea, this historic site is a popular hiking and photography spot, even though the original castle was dismantled in 1706.

4. Place Masséna – The city’s central square blends classical and modern aesthetics, with striking red façades, checkerboard pavement, fountains, and contemporary sculptures.

5. Cours Saleya Market – A bustling open-air market in the Old Town where visitors can buy fresh produce, flowers, local delicacies, and artisan goods.

6. Marc Chagall National Museum – Dedicated to the artist’s biblical works, this museum showcases Chagall’s deep spirituality and connection to French culture.

7. Musée Matisse – Located in a 17th-century villa in the Cimiez neighborhood, this museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of works by Henri Matisse.

8. Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate) – A baroque masterpiece in the heart of Old Town, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, and notable for its richly adorned interior.

9. Russian Orthodox Cathedral – Built in 1912 with the patronage of Tsar Nicholas II, this striking church is an architectural gem and a reminder of the Russian presence in Nice.

10. Port Lympia – The city’s charming harbor is lined with colorful Ligurian-style houses, seafood restaurants, and luxury yachts.

11. Parc Phoenix – A lush botanical and zoological park near the airport that features tropical greenhouses, animal enclosures, and serene walking paths.

12. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice – Housed in a grand villa, this museum features works from the 16th to 20th centuries, including pieces by Monet, Boudin, and Dufy.

13. Avenue Jean Médecin – The main commercial street in Nice, filled with boutiques, department stores, cafés, and the impressive Notre-Dame de Nice basilica.

14. Promenade du Paillon – A contemporary urban park with water mirrors, fountains, playgrounds, and green lawns connecting Old Town with modern Nice.

15. Place Garibaldi – One of the oldest and most picturesque squares in the city, named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was born in Nice.

16. Villa Masséna – A museum of regional history and Napoleonic memorabilia housed in a stunning Belle Époque villa surrounded by manicured gardens.

17. Cimiez Monastery and Gardens – Perched on a hill above the city, this site includes a historic monastery, serene gardens, and ancient Roman ruins.

18. Nice Observatory – Founded in the 1880s and perched high on Mont Gros, this observatory is a blend of astronomy and architectural grandeur.

19. Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) – A must-visit for modern art lovers, this museum explores the postwar European and American avant-garde.

20. La Réserve de Nice – A scenic swimming spot and seafood restaurant on the coast, popular with locals seeking an authentic Riviera experience.

21. Tête Carrée Library – A massive sculptural building shaped like a square head that functions as a library annex, blending public function with artistic boldness.

22. Le Jardin Albert I – A lovely park near Place Masséna, ideal for relaxing walks, musical performances, and a respite from the city bustle.

23. Nice Opera House (Opéra de Nice) – A neoclassical building offering high-quality performances of opera, ballet, and orchestral music.

24. Palais Lascaris – A baroque palace in the Old Town showcasing 17th-century noble life and a superb collection of historical musical instruments.

25. Baie des Anges Beaches – While Nice’s beaches are pebbly rather than sandy, they offer fantastic swimming, sunbathing, and waterfront cafés.

 

From its ancient origins as a Greek trading post to its modern role as a sun-drenched coastal metropolis, Nice has always captivated with its unique blend of cultures, scenery, and spirit. Whether strolling through its historic lanes or soaking in the Mediterranean sun, visitors quickly understand why this city has long been a muse for artists and a refuge for royalty.