Nice: Old Town, French Riviera, France
The Old Town of Nice offers much more than just a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings. It's a vibrant place full of charm, local life, and memorable attractions. Two of them stand out in particular: Colline du Château (Castle Hill), with breathtaking panoramic views, and the famous flower market, Marché aux Fleurs, located at the bustling Cours Saleya. If you're planning a visit to Vieux Nice, make sure not to miss these highlights!
Parking in Nice
If you’re arriving by car, there are convenient parking options close to the Old Town. One is the underground parking lot at Casino du Palais, located on Rue du Congrès (1; GPS: 43.695448, 7.263412). Another great option is the Palais Masséna parking on Rue de France (2; GPS: 43.695754, 7.259430). Both offer easy walking access to the heart of the old quarter and the famous Promenade des Anglais.
Keep in mind that parking in Nice can be challenging during peak hours or weekends, so arriving early is advisable. The city also has a reliable public transport system, which can be a good alternative to avoid traffic.
For those traveling with electric vehicles, most car parks in the city center are now equipped with charging stations. Signs in English and French help guide you to the nearest available space.
Whether you're staying in a nearby hotel or just visiting for the day, starting your walk from one of these parkings ensures a smooth and enjoyable discovery of Nice's historical treasures.
And one more tip: some accommodations offer discounted rates at nearby garages, so it’s worth checking in advance when booking your stay!
Still, if you're not keen on driving in heavy traffic, we strongly recommend considering public transport — especially since Nice is a large urban area where navigating by car can be quite stressful. If you’re staying in Cannes or Antibes, getting to the city center by bus or train is a convenient option. The main bus terminal in Nice (Gare Routière) is currently located on Avenue des Diables Bleus (A; GPS: 43.708756, 7.285817), about 1 km northeast of the Old Town. Of course, you can also hop off earlier at the Promenade des Anglais if you’d like to walk through the waterfront area. The main railway station (Gare de Nice Ville) is situated a similar distance northwest of the Old Town (B; GPS: 43.704314, 7.262132) — but don’t worry, it’s an easy stroll. Just walk down Avenue Jean Médecin all the way to Place Masséna.
Colline du Château
Colline du Château (Castle Hill) rises right above the coastline and is just a short walk from the heart of the Old Town. You can take the stairs if you're feeling energetic, but there’s also a free elevator available on the left side of the Hotel Suisse (C; GPS: 43.694397, 7.279158). A great idea is to ride the elevator to the top and then enjoy a pleasant walk down. Once you reach the summit, you’ll find a peaceful park, several historic monuments, and—best of all—spectacular panoramic views of the marina and the Old Town of Nice.
Cours Saleya – Marché aux Fleurs
Located in the very heart of Old Nice, Cours Saleya (D; GPS: 43.695542, 7.274927) is the city’s iconic pedestrian promenade. Depending on the day of the week, this vibrant street turns into various themed markets — most famously, the flower market (marché aux fleurs), but also antique fairs and stalls with fresh fruits and vegetables. It's not just about shopping, though — it’s about soaking up the unique atmosphere! Surrounded by charming restaurants and cafés, this spot is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a well-deserved break. And yes — we definitely indulged in a delicious lunch here when hunger struck :)
Wandering through the Old Town
Now it's time to get lost — intentionally — in the maze of narrow streets that make up the Old Town of Nice. No visit would be complete without exploring this historic district. Winding alleys, pastel-colored facades, and rooftops clad in terracotta tiles create a truly timeless setting. This is where Nice reveals its Mediterranean soul. From authentic French and Niçoise cuisine to art galleries and specialty shops — there’s something around every corner. During our walk, we stopped by Place Rossetti with its picturesque cathedral (E; GPS: 43.6971731, 7.2762042), then explored the elegant Place du Palais de Justice (F; GPS: 43.6966067, 7.2738492). We continued down Rue du Marché and Rue Mascoïnat, eventually arriving at the lively Place Centrale (G; GPS: 43.6981619, 7.2768639).
We wrapped up our visit with a scenic return walk along the tram line, passing through the stunning Place Masséna (H; GPS: 43.696496, 7.270640). This elegant square, with its striking red façades, checkerboard pavement, and the beautiful Fontaine du Soleil at its center, is one of Nice’s iconic spots. From there, we continued along the Promenade des Anglais, enjoying the sea breeze and views, until we reached the parking lot where our little urban adventure had begun.
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