Things to do in Nice

One of the most rewarding things to do in Nice is to enjoy its glorious scenery. For initial orientation, fantastic sea and city views, and the scent of Mediterranean vegetation, head for the Parc de la Colline du Château. It’s where Nice began, as the ancient Greek city of Nikaïa, hence the mosaics and stone vases in mock-Grecian style. Despite the name, there’s no château, just wonderful views over the scrambled rooftops. Enjoy spotting the gleaming mosaic tiles of Vieux Nice and the trailing promenade des Anglais.

The seventeenth-century villa lying between the Roman excavations and the arena is the Musée Matisse. Matisse spent his winters in Nice from 1916 onwards. Then from 1921 to 1938 he rented an apartment overlooking Place Charles-Félix. It was here that he painted his most sensual, colour-flooded canvases of odalisques posed against exotic draperies. As well as the Mediterranean light, Matisse loved the cosmopolitan aspect of Nice. He loved the presence of fellow artists Renoir, Bonnard and Picasso in neighbouring towns.

One of the best things to do in Nice is to take a look in the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, an example of Nice’s flamboyant architecture. It’s a beautiful building with five onion domes and glazed tiles, holding a striking contrast to the modern apartment blocks around it. When entering, note that men should not be bare chested, and women should have both head and shoulders covered (scarves can be borrowed near the entrance).

Nice is home to numerous festivals throughout the year. Nice’s LGBTQ scene is active, and for LGBTQ visitors the city has a relaxed feel. And with that comes the annual Pink Parade which takes place in early summer. The Mardi Gras Carnival opens the year’s events in February, with the second week of July taken up by the Nice Jazz Festival. These festivals are fantastic to attend if you’re in the city at these times.

The Chemins de Fer de Provence is one of France’s most scenic railway routes. The route meanders from the Gare de Provence on Rue Alfred-Binet (at least 4 daily; 3hr 15min). The line runs up the Var valley into the hinterland of Nice to Digne-les-Bains, climbing through spectacular scenery as it goes. There are also steam train excursions on Sundays from May to October. Tempted to look for Nice holidays? Why not stay at B4 Nice Park Hotel - it’s only a short walk from Rue Alfred-Binet? A perfect location for the Chemins de Fer de Provence route.