Nice
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Pedestrian treats in Nice
Nestled between the hills and the sea off the Côte d’Azur, Nice has so much lot to offer. Renowned for its gentle climate, its relaxed atmosphere, its old town, and its carnival, it draws travellers and retirees who long to lay their burden down and build a new life. The beautiful city’s palaces, alleys, museums, markets, and restaurants are all places to get a feel for life on the Mediterranean. But let’s start with the city’s squares.
Place Garibaldi
Once marking the end of the royal road from Turin with its monumental gate, Place Garibaldi has borne the name of the Italian patriot since 1870; a statue to him was erected in 1891. Located between the old and new town, the plaza is surrounded by magnificent Baroque civil architecture, including the Saint-Sépulcre chapel, all built between 1782 and 1784. A grand fountain rises at its centre, with verdant pathways radiating outward. Benches sit in the shade of oaks and eucalyptus. Steps away are the connected Théâtre national de Nice and Musée d’Art moderne et d’Art contemporain.
Place Masséna
At the heart of the city, not far from the beginning of the Promenade des Anglais at the water’s edge, majestic Place Masséna sits next to Jardin Albert Ier and the handsome Galeries Lafayette, built in 1859. This small square, created in 1830 and enlarged in 1852, is named for Marshal of France André Masséna. Mostly paved in a black and white chessboard pattern, its central area is surrounded by pine trees. In the southern part is the Fontaine du Soleil, with bronze sculptures representing the planets Earth, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Saturn. Recently, seven contemporary statues, mounted on masts and illuminated at night, have been added.
Place du Palais
Place du Palais, at the entrance to Vieux-Nice near Cours Saleya, is dominated by the grand staircase of the neoclassical Palais de Justice and by the adjoining Palais Rusca, a former military garrison. The square is embellished by a lovely little fountain and handsome old-fashioned paving. This large square is most active when its book market is held, but you can enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance at any time from the relaxing café terraces. Place du Palais is also home to the town clock tower, built in the 18th century from the remains of the belfry of the former Franciscan monastery.
Place Rossetti
Tucked away at the foot of Colline du Château at the heart of Vieux-Nice, Place Rossetti is the convergence of several narrow, winding streets that cross a lively neighbourhood. Lined with old houses and paved with grey stones that give it its authentic feel, it opens onto the baroque Sainte-Réparate cathedral. At the end of the square is a white stone fountain, and all around, well-known Italian restaurants with terraces ply their wares, as do the best ice cream shops in Nice. The square honours Charles Rossetti de Châteauneuf, who left the land to the city in 1825 as a handsome plaza in front of the cathedral.
Cours Saleya
The main pedestrian area in Vieux-Nice, Cours Saleya, whose name may come from the word cellier (cellar), offers an intriguing experience to all those who walk along its handsome cobbled length. Lined with handsome, parasol-bedecked café terraces and countless market stands shaded with multicoloured canopies, the flower-bedecked Cours offers an attractive ambiance 24 hours a day. The markets are the main attraction: the fruit and vegetable stands selling Provençal herbs, the sweet perfumes of the flower stands, or the hidden antique treasures of the flea market. At the end, the Colline du Château impresses strollers with its night-time illumination.
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