Old town of Nice bears the history of French Riviera, you will dive into completely different atmosphere.

Old town (Vieux Nice) of Nice is exactly the place to feel the real atmosphere of French Riviera. This is a top travel spot and of course there are always a lot of tourists visiting the old town. In summer it is a bit overcrowded. 

Narrow streets of XVII-XVIII centuries of old town of Nice will take you back in time, showing totally different city.

You may be a bit surprised, but there is no place for sidewalk in old town. All the tables of cafes and restaurants in the old town are “parked” just on the streets. There is not much space in the district of the old town, the outdoor cafes and restaurants serve food and drinks and it doesn’t create any chaos. 

When you are visiting Vieux Nice for the first time you may have an impression that the sun cannot get through the walls of the town, and reaches only the crossroads. During hot summer months this is a really nice place to hide from heat. 

What are things to see in old town of Nice?

In order to see the most interesting places i the old town of Nice consider visiting:

• St Franzysk Paolansky Church (1733 – 50)
• Mizericorde Capella (Bernardo Vittone, 1736)
• St Reparate Cathedral (Guiberg, 1650)
• Palais Lascaris.

The Mizericorde Capella 

The Mizericorde Capella was built in 1740, designed by Bernardo Vittone, famous architect. The chapel has an elliptical nave, with semicircular side chapels.

The Mizericorde Capella is beautifully decorated inside. This is an amazing sample of Baroque art, with exceptionally rich architecture.

Saint Reparate Cathedral

Saint Reparate Cathedral, which became a Cathedral in the 16th century, is the largest sanctuary in Old Nice. Inspired by early Baroque architectural models from Rome, the structure has a basilica layout with a triple nave and a transept. The decoration of the side chapels and choir is particularly sumptuous and the interior reflects the influence of Saint Peter’s of Rome.

Palais Lascaris 

Palais Lascari is located in the historical center of Nice. It belonged to the family of Laskaris-Ventimiglia and was built in XVII century in Genoese baroque style.

Old Nice Market 

There is also a must see place in Vieaux Nice – local market with its special atmosphere, plenty of fresh, tasty food and hundreds of beautiful flowers. If you are looking for places to meet local citizens and see more of life in French Riviera, this is the very place for you to visit in Nice. 

In old Nice market you can buy socca, fresh bread, tasty fruits and vegs grown by local farmers. 

Please note, the market is open till noon approximately and in the second half of the day Nice old town restaurants will open here. 

Each of the restaurants will serve food outside, and you have a nice chance to enjoy tasty meals, French wines and listen to the music. Locals highly recommend to order fish dishes and salads. By the way, there are a number of excursions to private wineries arranged by tourist agencies in French Riviera. You can meet with the owners, find out about the process how the wine is produced and buy a couple of bottles of French red wine. 

Find out how Battle of Flowers in French Riviera is celebrated.