Getting started: About Nice While archeological research indicates that the area was populated up to 400,000 years earlier, most historians believe that Nice, as a city, was established around 350 BCE by the Phocaeans of Marseille – a colony...
Getting started: About Nice
The historical streets of Nice.
While archeological research indicates that the area was populated up to 400,000 years earlier, most historians believe that Nice, as a city, was established around 350 BCE by the Phocaeans of Marseille – a colony of Greek sailors – and that they named the city Nikaia, after Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. It came under Roman rule in the first century and became a trade hub during that time. In subsequent centuries, the area was finally ceded to France in 1860 through the Treaty of Turin and then a referendum.
Places to visit in Nice
Nice, South France
The city’s mild climate and beautiful setting has attracted tourists for decades, if not centuries; it is one of the most visited cities in France. In addition to its historical background, Nice hosts numerous festivals and trade shows each year.
Place Masséna
Place Massena, Nice.
Massena Square, also known as Place Masséna, is a centerpiece of the city. Erected in the mid-1800s and named for André Masséna, one of Napoleon’s marshals, it features a Neo-Classical layout designed by Joseph Vernier. Sculptures by artist Jaume Plensa are also displayed in the square.
Massena Museum
The Massena Museum is the second most popular attraction in Nice. The building once served as the winter residence for Prince Essling, a grandson of André Masséna, and opened as a museum in 1921. Restored to its original appearance on the first floor, the museum’s collection includes numerous items associated with both Napoleon and Masséna. In addition, the museum houses the magnificent Library of Victor Knight of Cessole, with an extensive collection on the history of France and Nice.
Vieux-Nice
Vieux Nice, France.
To get a feel for the history of Nice, take a stroll around Vieux-Nice, the Old Town. You can start at the Cours Saleya, part of the town’s original port and now housing the famous flower market. Vieux-Nice is home to most of the city’s beautiful historical buildings, as well as narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafes, boutiques and galleries. The area is also known for its lively nightlife!
Place Rossetti
One of the most famous of Nice’s many picturesque squares, Place Rossetti is considered the heart of Vieux-Nice, housing numerous cafes and restaurants, as well as the landmark Nice Cathedral (Cathedrale Sainte Reparate de Nice).
Nice Cathedral (Cathedrale Sainte Reparate de Nice)
Put the Nice Cathedral on your list of places to visit in Nice. A stunning example of Baroque architecture, the cathedral features a 39-meter-high dome, as well as an organ dating from 1901.
Le Parc de la Colline du Château
Parc de Château, Nice.
Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Le Parc de la Colline du Château is in a hilly area between the harbor and Vieux-Nice. You can ascend the hill via stairs or an elevator to see the ruins of the former castle, as well as views of the city skyline, and an artificial waterfall built in the heart of the park in the 19th century. Add the park to your list of places to visit in Nice!
Dining in Nice
Ratatouille, a famous French dish made with different vegetables.
With a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, Nice is certainly a destination for gourmands. But from fine dining to street fare, the city’s culinary flair shines. We’ve listed some local specialties below.
Socca – a thin, savory chickpea flour pancake Salade Niçoise – originating in Nice, this salad includes crunchy lettuce, boiled new potatoes, green beans, black olives, tomatoes and tuna Pissaladiere – a flatbread topped with caramelized onions, black olives and anchovies Magret de canard – duck breast, usually from the mulard duck Ratatouille – eggplant, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes stewed with garlic, herbs and spices Tapenade – an appetizer made from anchovies, Niçoise olives, capers and olive oilSome notes on Nice
Colorful Nice houses.
If you’re ready to book your Nice flight, keep reading for some useful tips.
Where to stay in Nice?
As an established tourist destination, Nice presents a wide range of accommodations. If proximity to historical sites is a priority, consider staying in or close to Vieux-Nice. Jean-Médecin is a great area if you want to be near the nightlife scene, while Gambetta offers more affordable choices. If price is no object, the seafront Promenade des Anglais features several luxury hotels.
You can keep it simple with Turkish Airlines Holidays holiday packages, which let you plan and book your flights and accommodation in a practical and easy way.
Getting around Nice
Nice has a developed public transportation network mainly consisting of buses and trams. Taxis are plentiful but can be pricey. Many visitors opt to rent a car for ease and convenience. Note: if you do rent a car with plans to drive into Italy, be aware that highway tolls can get expensive.
Transportation from Nice Cote d’Azur Airport to the city center
It’s about 8 kilometers from Cote d’Azur Airport to the Nice city center. Trams and buses operate between the airport and the city center, as do taxis, which operate 24 hours. Trams usually provide the fastest and most economical transportation. Just to note, the number 12 bus departs from Terminal 1 and makes various stops in the city center.
We wish you a pleasant trip!