Complete Guide to Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice): Best Things to Do & More

When you think of the French Riviera, it is easy to imagine the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and the glitz of the Monaco Grand Prix. However, one of the best places to experience the real French Riviera is in Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice). 

Old Town Nice, also called Vieux Nice, is where the city slows down and invites you to wander through cobblestoned streets, past pastel-hued buildings that glow in the warm Mediterranean sun, and into squares alive with chatter, music, and the scent of socca fresh from the oven.

What makes Vieux Nice so special is how it blends everyday life with centuries of history. Locals still shop for produce and flowers in Cours Saleya, children chase pigeons across Place Rossetti, and Baroque churches quietly anchor the neighborhood as they have for hundreds of years. Around every corner, there is something worth pausing for whether it be a hidden chapel, a family-run café, or a glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea.

In this guide, I will take you through the very best of Old Town Nice: the landmarks you cannot miss, the foods you have to try, and the little corners that make this slice of the city unforgettable.

Table of Contents:

1. A Brief History of Vieux Nice
2. Top Things to Do in Old Town Nice
3. The Best Food in Old Town Nice
4. Practical Tips for Visiting Vieux Nice
5. Where to Stay in Old Town Nice
6. Suggested Walking Route
7. Wrapping Up Your Visit to Old Town Nice

A Brief History of Vieux Nice

The story of Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice) is one of crossroads and contrasts. Long before the glamour of the French Riviera, this was a compact Mediterranean town built to protect its people from the oppressive summer sun. The narrow, winding streets you see today were not accidental, they were designed to create shade for residents.

For centuries, Nice was not actually a part of France. From the Middle Ages until the 19th century, the city was a part of the Duchy of Savoy and later the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. The Italian influence is still everywhere in Nice, but nowhere is it more prevalent than in Vieux Nice. The pastel-colored buildings resemble Ligurian fishing villages like those in Cinque Terre, the food (think pasta, focaccia, and gelato) has Italian roots, and even the rhythm of daily life feels far more Italian than French. In 1860, Nice officially became part of France after a vote held under Napoleon III. The decision was controversial as some residents wanted to remain Italian and the cultural mix has lingered ever since. 

Today, walking through Old Town Nice, you can see the layers of this history. Baroque churches like Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate recall the city’s Catholic Italian roots, while the arcaded walkways in Place Masséna are a clear example of French design and influence. Alongside the clear Italian roots in Niçoise cuisine, there are also plenty of Provençal flavors creeping in: herbs de Provence, ratatouille, and rosé wine. This cultural fusion is exactly what gives Vieux Nice its distinct identity. It is a neighborhood that does not feel entirely French or entirely Italian, but something in between.

Top Things to Do in Old Town Nice

Whether you are in Nice just for the day or you are spending a few days in the city, these are the top attractions in Old Town Nice that should be on your list:

Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market) & Marché aux fruits, légumes et marée du Cours Saleya (Cours Saleya Fruit, Vegetable, & Seafood Market)

No visit to Old Town Nice is complete without experiencing the markets in Cours Saleya. Known as the Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market) & Marché aux fruits, légumes et marée du Cours Saleya (Cours Saleya Fruit, Vegetable, & Seafood Market), this market stretches through the heart of Old Town and has been part of the lives of locals since the mid-19th century. Beneath striped awnings, vendors set up stalls that overflow with colors, fragrance, and flavor.

In the mornings, you will find a mix of stalls selling:

• Fresh Produce - Seasonal fruits and vegetables from the surrounding countryside, from sun-ripened tomatoes and citrus to melons, strawberries, artichokes, and more.
• Flowers - The market’s signature draw, with everything from roses and peonies to Mediterranean favorites like sunflowers and bougainvillea.

• Fish & Meat - Daily catches from the Mediterranean Sea alongside regional meats, sausages, and charcuterie.
• Cheeses - A mix of regional varieties, including goat cheese, Roquefort, and soft brie.
• Dried Fruits & Nuts - Stalls display figs, apricots, dates, almonds, and more, perfect for snacks or gifts.
• Olives & Oils - Local Niçoise olives, jars of tapenade, and Provençal olive oil, staples of the region’s cuisine, fill stalls throughout the market.
• Baked Goods & Sweets - Fresh bread, tourte de blettes (Swiss chard pie), traditional pastries, and, of course, socca hot off the griddle.

More than Food

The markets at Cours Saleya are for more than just groceries. The markets are also the best place in Nice to shop for authentic souvenirs. Local artisans sell lavender sachets, handmade soaps from nearby Provence, colorful ceramics, and more. I found the prices to be similar to what you will find in other shops around Nice, but browsing in the lively market setting makes the experience far more memorable! 

Market Hours, Opening Days, & Tips for Visiting 

• Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday 6:00 AM until 1:30 PM, year-round
• Closed on Mondays
• Bring Cash: Most vendors are cash-only, though a few may accept credit cards. Small bills and coins are especially handy. 
• Reusable Bag: Some vendors will provide a paper bag for your purchases, but bringing a reusable bag makes it easier to carry your purchases back to your hotel. Plus, it is the more sustainable choice! 
• Arrive Early: The best selection of produce, flowers, and baked goods is available in the morning. By midday, many stalls begin to pack up. In fact, it is not uncommon for stalls to close before 1:30 PM. 
• Crowds: Expect the market to be the busiest between 9:00 to 11:00 AM, especially on weekends. For a quieter experience (and better photos), come closer to the opening time. 

Marché à la Brocante Saleya (Monday Antiques Market)

On Mondays, the food and flower stalls of Cours Saleya give way to one of Nice’s best traditions: the weekly antiques market (Marché à la Brocante Saleya). The square fills with vendors selling an incredible range of treasures, including: vintage books and posters, old maps, art, crystal chandeliers, delicate china, watches, jewelry, and racks of secondhand clothing. It is part flea market, part open-air museum, with every stall offering something unexpected.

I personally loved wandering through this market. It is the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time sifting through old postcards or imagining the history behind a gilded mirror or silver teapot. More than once I caught myself wishing I had a home in France to furnish with the pieces I found here. Even if you are just passing through, it is well worth a stroll! The antiques market is one of the most memorable experiences in Old Town Nice.

Market Hours, Opening Days, & Tips for Visiting 

• Hours: Open Mondays from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM
  • On the third Saturday of every month, the Marché à la Brocante Saleya also sets up in Place Garibaldi.
• Bargaining: Bargaining is a normal part of the experience here, but keep it polite. Vendors expect a little negotiation, especially on bigger items, but it is more about conversation than driving the price down aggressively. A friendly smile and a respectful counteroffer can go a long way. However, this does not mean that every stall and every vendor are open to bargaining. If a vendor stands by their price or if they are offering a deal if you buy more than one (for example, vintage posters priced at two for €12), it is important to honor that decision.
• Suitcase-Friendly Finds: While it is hard to bring home a chandelier or marble-topped antique table in your carry-on, many of the treasures at the Monday Antiques Market in Cours Saleya travel easily. Vintage posters, antique books, jewelry, linens, and small decorative objects make perfect souvenirs that will not weigh you down. If you happen to fall in love with a larger piece, many dealers can also help you arrange shipping, so do not hesitate to ask. 
• Cash: Like the food and flower stalls of Cours Saleya the rest of the week, many of the vendors at the Monday Antiques Market prefer cash. For larger purchases, many vendors do accept credit cards, but I always recommend that you still have some cash on you when visiting the market.

Marché Artisanal Nocturne (Evening Artisans Market)

If you are visiting Old Town Nice in the summer, there is a third market well worth a visit: the Marché Artisanal Nocturne (or Evening Artisans Market). You will find stalls selling handmade jewelry, paintings, pottery, and other crafts - most of which are crafted right here in the French Riviera. 

The Evening Artisans Market is also one of the best places in Nice to shop for souvenirs. Instead of mass-produced trinkets, you will find unique, meaningful keepsakes. So, if you are looking to bring home something special to commemorate your time in Nice, the Evening Artisans Market is the perfect place to find it. 

Market Hours & Opening Days 

• Dates: Summer; May 17 to September 15, 2025
• Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday 6:30 PM until 12:30 AM
• Closed Mondays

Place Rossetti & Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate

At the very heart of Old Town Nice lies Place Rossetti, a lively square that captures everything people love about Vieux Nice. The space is framed by pastel-colored buildings with wrought-iron balconies, their shutters open to enjoy the Mediterranean breeze. Cafés and shops spill onto the square, where both locals and visitors linger over coffee or stop for a cone of glace at Fenocchio, Nice’s oldest ice cream shop.

Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate

In the center of the square is the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, an elegant 17th-century Baroque cathedral named after the patron saint of Nice, Saint Reparata. Its ornate façade and bell tower stand out in the maze of narrow streets, and stepping inside reveals a richly decorated interior with marble, gilded details, and dramatic frescoes. It may be a religious site, but it is also a reminder of Nice’s deep Italian roots, since the cathedral’s style was inspired by churches in Genoa and Rome.

The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Reparata, a young Christian martyr from Palestine whose relics were brought to Nice in the 11th century. According to legend, her body washed ashore in a boat guided by angels to the Baie des Anges in Nice. Each year, on October 8th, the city celebrates her feast day with a procession through Old Town Nice, ending at the cathedral.

Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate Opening Hours & Additional Information

The Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate is free to visit, making it an easy stop while exploring Place Rossetti. The cathedral is open:

• Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Closed on Mondays

When visiting the cathedral, here are some other things to keep in mind:

• Dress Respectfully: Since the cathedral is an active place of worship, visitors should dress respectfully (shoulders covered, hats off, no swimwear) and keep their voices low while inside.
• Crowds: If you can, stop by the cathedral in the morning when the space is quieter and you can really take in the intricate Baroque details without the crowds.
• Photography: Photography is permitted, but avoid using flash and be mindful to not take photos during mass.
• Donations: It is also customary to leave a few coins or a small donation in the box, which helps sustain the cathedral’s preservation and supports its role within the local community.

For more information regarding the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, please visit the cathedral's website.

Other Beautiful Churches in Vieux Nice

• Chapelle de la Miséricorde: Located in the Cours Saleya, the Chapelle de la Miséricorde is an 18th-century Baroque chapel designed by the Piedmontese architect Bernardo Vittone. Most visitors to Vieux Nice do not realize what hides behind the modest façade, tucked behind the rows of busy market stalls. The interior of the chapel is classic Baroque with an elliptical nave, side chapels, impressive stucco and gilding. The chapel has irregular opening hours, but if you happen to see its doors open while strolling through the market stalls in Cours Saleya, it is well worth a quick peek inside!
• Eglise Saint-Jacques Le-Majeur: Located in Place du Gesù, the Eglise Saint-Jacques Le-Majeur is one of the most atmospheric churches in Vieux Nice. Built between 1642 and 1685 by the Jesuits, this was originally the chapel of their convent. It became the parish seat of Saint-Jacques Le-Majeur in 1802 and reopened for worship in 1806. From the outside, the church looks rather plain, but if you step inside, you will find a breathtaking Baroque interior filled with stucco ornamentation and gilding typical of the Counter-Reformation movement. In fact, it is this exact architectural style that inspired the design of most of the other Baroque churches in the French Riviera! Outside, the 137.8-foot (42-meter) belltower, with its Genoese tiled roof, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Old Town Nice. The church welcomes visitors from 9:00 AM to noon and again from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, daily.

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Rising above Old Town Nice, Castle Hill offers the best panoramic views of the city. Do not be fooled by the name, the fortress that once stood here was destroyed in the early 18th century by order of Louis XIV, and today, no castle remains. (Although you can see part of the castle's foundations.) In its place, you will find a beautiful park and one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the French Riviera. 

From the terraces, you can look out over Vieux Nice, with its maze of terracotta rooftops, the Baie des Anges, and the Promenade des Anglais below. However, Castle Hill is more than just a lookout point. It is a spot for locals to jog, picnic, or bring children to the playgrounds. The shaded paths make it a pleasant escape from the heat of the summer and the man-made waterfall offers a cool mist. 

You can reach the top by climbing the staircases that wind up from Old Town Nice, or by taking the free public elevator located near the eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais. Once up top, you can spend as much time as you wish wandering between viewpoints and enjoying the green space. 

Sunset is the most popular time to visit Castle Hill. However, I recommend going for a lunchtime picnic, after stopping by the markets in Cours Saleya market!

Place Masséna

Bordering Old Town Nice on the west, Place Masséna is Nice's grand central square and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Paved in black-and-white checkerboard tiles and framed by red buildings with arcaded walkways, the square is a clear example of French design. Where the narrow, shaded streets of Vieux Nice feel distinctly Italian, Place Masséna reflects the French preference for broad, symmetrical, and open public spaces. 

At its center, you will find the Fontaine du Soleil, crowned by a large statue of Apollo. Around the square, you will also find seven modern statues, by the Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, representing the continents of the world. 

By day, the square buzzes with shoppers, trams, and people flowing between Old Town Nice, the Promenade des Anglais, and Avenue Jean Médecin. By night, the modern statues are illuminated in vibrant, changing colors, casting a modern glow across the historic square. 

Carnaval de Nice

Every winter, Place Masséna is transformed into the heart of the Carnaval de Nice. Floats, giant papier-mâché figures, dancers, and musicians parade through the square. Carnival in Nice is one of the largest carnival celebrations in the world, alongside Brazilian Carnival, Venetian Carnival (the original), and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. For more information, please visit the Carnaval de Nice website.

More Things to do in Old Town Nice

While the markets, squares, churches, and Castle Hill are the stars of Vieux Nice, there are a few other spots worth adding to your itinerary, including: 

• Opéra de Nice: Opened in 1885, this elegant opera house hosts performances of opera, ballet, and classical music. Even if you cannot catch a show, its Belle Époque façade on Rue Saint-François de Paule is well worth a brief stop to admire. Performances are held year-round and schedules are posted on the Opéra de Nice website, so it is worth checking ahead if you would like to experience the classical side of Nice’s cultural scene.

• Palais Lascaris: Palais Lascaris is a 17th-century baroque palace located on Rue Droite, once home to the noble Lascaris-Ventimiglia family before the French Revolution. Inside you will find opulent staircases, frescoed ceilings, and an impressive collection of antique musical instruments. It is a quiet, often overlooked museum that gives you a glimpse into aristocratic life in Vieux Nice. The museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For additional information, please visit the Palais Lascaris website.
• Place Saint-François: Place Saint-François is a small square that feels more local than touristy and is anchored by the daily fish market (known as Marché aux Poissons Saint-François). The fish market takes place each morning beginning at 6:00 AM (except on Mondays) and wraps-up by the early afternoon. The square also features a large Baroque building that is home to the Palais Communal de Nice and Tour Saint-François, a large clocktower, which offers panoramic views of Vieux Nice.  

The Best Food in Old Town Nice

One of the best ways to visit Old Town Nice is by sampling the local cuisine. The flavors here are distinctly Niçoise—Mediterranean, Provençal, and Italian all at once. Whether you are wandering through the morning markets or sitting down for a meal at a local restaurant, you will find plenty of tasty options. 

No trip to Nice would be complete without visiting, at a minimum, these three establishments in Vieux Nice:

• The Markets at Cours Saleya - As I have already mentioned, the markets in Cours Saleya are among my favorite parts of Vieux Nice! I recommend that you start your food journey in Nice at Cours Saleya, where you can snack as you shop! Socca hot off the griddle, Niçoise olives, candied fruits, and fresh pastries make this market as much about tasting as shopping. It’s a great place to graze your way through breakfast or gather supplies for a picnic.

• Chez Theresa - For a true Niçoise speciality, head to Chez Theresa, a tiny stand in Cours Saleya that has been serving socca, the famous chickpea pancake of Nice, for generations. Baked in a wood-fired oven and delivered to the stand by bicycle, socca is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is best enjoyed with a sprinkle of pepper! Since the lines at the Chez Theresa stand in Cours Saleya can be long, you can head to their nearby restaurant in Old Town on Rue Droite. 

• Maison Auer - Just across from the Opéra, Maison Auer has been tempting sweet tooths since 1820. This historic chocolatier and confiserie is famous for its candied fruits, artisanal chocolates, ornately decorated interior, and, of course candied flowers - a true specialty of Nice. Popular varieties include rose, violet, and jasmine, preserved in sugar to capture their delicate flavors. You can enjoy the flowers on their own like a candy, or drop a couple into a glass of local wine for a uniquely (and underrated) Niçoise treat. I definitely recommend that you stop by Maison Auer for either a sweet treat or for souvenirs to take home!

Other Niçoise Specialties to Try

I have mentioned some Niçoise specialties already, but no trip to Nice would be complete without trying:

• Socca - Perhaps the most iconic street food in Nice, socca is a thin chickpea flour pancake baked in a wood-fired oven until blistered and crispy. Served hot and sprinkled with pepper, it is simple, hearty, and best eaten straight from the pan at market stalls. 

• Pissaladière - A savory tart made with a bed of slow-cooked caramelized onions and topped with anchovies. More rustic than pizza, it is salty, sweet, and a true taste of Old Town Nice. If you are not a fan of anchovies, you can also typically get pissaladière without them. 

• Tourte de Blettes - A dish unique to Nice and my favorite as far as Niçoise specialties go, tourte de blettes is a sweet pie made with Swiss chard, raisins, pine nuts, cheese, and powdered sugar. Some versions may also include apples or pears in the filling. It reflects the region's frugal cooking traditions, turning humble greens into a beloved dish. I honestly think I ate a tourte de blettes every day for breakfast while in Nice! 
• Salade Niçoise - Nice's most famous export, this salad includes tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies or tuna, and Niçoise olives, dressed with olive oil. It is a salad that is fresh, simple, and all about local ingredients. 
• Pan Bagnat - Pan bagnat is essentially a salade Niçoise in sandwich form. A traditional fisherman's lunch, it is now a classic staple for beach days and picnics.
• Daube Niçoise - A rich beef stew slowly braised in red wine with vegetables, garlic, herbs, and mushrooms. 
• Lingot aux Agrumes - A local pastry, often shaped like a bar (lingot), with citrus flavors from the Riviera (think: lemon, orange, or grapefruit). Light, but indulgent, it is one of the city's best sweet treats. 

• Fougasse Mentonnaise - From nearby Menton, this sweet focaccia-style bread is flavored with orange blossom includes almonds. Soft and slightly chewy, it is usually dusted with sugar. A fougasse Mentonnaise is perfect alongside coffee for a quick breakfast. 

Popular Restaurants in Old Town Nice

The streets in Old Town Nice are filled with restaurants ranging from casual, family-run spots to fancy French bistros. Most restaurants in Old Town (and Nice as a whole) focus on Niçoise and Provençal cuisine. A few highly recommended restaurants in Vieux Nice are listed below; however, if you are looking for even more suggestions, check out the Michelin Guide, theFork, and Tripadvisor. 

• Apopino
• Olive & Artichaut 
• Le Safari 
• Bistrot d'Antoine 

A Quick Note: Le Safari is easily the most touristy restaurant on this list. I did not eat here while I was in Nice, but the concierge at my hotel did recommend it. It is located right in Cours Saleya, so if you are looking for a centrally located restaurant in a picturesque square in Vieux Nice, then it might be a worthwhile option!  

Reservations & Dining Etiquette

• Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, especially during the summer months when Old Town Nice is busier than normal thanks to the influx of tourists. Most restaurants allow you to make reservations online using platforms like theFork. 
• Dinner in Nice is typically later than many visitors are accustomed to, with most restaurants opening for dinner at 7:00 or 7:30 PM. While you may be able to find a restaurant open earlier, keep in mind that locals often eat closer to 8:00 or 9:00 PM, even during the week.
• While Nice is a resort town with plenty of public beaches, restaurants, especially in Old Town, generally will not seat you if you show up in swimwear. Keep this in mind when heading out in the evening. When in doubt, opt for something simple but polished: a sundress, or linen pants with a nice shirt, will make you feel comfortable and appropriately dressed for dinner.

Food Tours in Old Town Nice

If you are overwhelmed when it comes to exploring Nice's markets or experiencing the local cuisine, I recommend booking a food tour. Food tours are not just for foodies, they are one of the best ways to meet locals and learn more about the city. I booked a food tour for my time in Nice and it gave me the opportunity to try so many of the Niçoise specialties, some of which I do not think I would have tried on my own (like the pissaladière and tourte de blettes). My food tour also provided the opportunity to try a wide range of local cheeses and meats (shown below)!

Some of the highest rated food tours, available through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are listed below. 

• No Diet Club - Unique Local Food in Nice with Tastings 
• Sunset Food Tour with Full Meal and Wine
• City Foods Guided Walking Tour
• Old Town Food Walking Tour
• Food and Wine Old Town Guided Walking Tour (This is the food tour I booked!)

Practical Tips for Visiting Vieux Nice

Visiting Vieux Nice is as much about sightseeing as it is about gaining a better understanding of daily life in the French Riviera. Markets wind down earlier than you might expect, shops close for an afternoon siesta, and the pace of the neighborhood shifts throughout the day. To make the most of your time in Old Town, keep the following practical tips in mind. 

• Afternoon Siestas: Many shops and restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon, typically between 1:00 PM and 2:30/4:00 PM. (Some museums in Nice also follow this schedule, so I always recommend double-checking the opening hours before walking too far out of your way.) With places closed, you will have to plan accordingly. So, consider having a long lunch, visiting Castle Hill, or even the beach mid-afternoon during your time in Nice.
• Market Opening Hours: While the official hours for the flower and produce markets at Cours Saleya stretch into the early afternoon, many vendors begin closing up early, especially on hot summer days or if they are low on inventory. I recommend arriving around 10:00 AM for the best selection and atmosphere.
• Pickpockets: Old Town can be one of the busiest parts of Nice, especially in the peak summer months (May through September). While I personally did not see any pickpockets during my time in Nice, it is always better to be cautious and make sure you keep an eye on your belongings in crowded markets and squares. 
• Cash: While most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, some vendors and market stalls still prefer cash. Or, they may have a minimum spend required before accepting credit cards. As such, plan to have some cash on you if you are planning on doing any shopping during your time in Nice. 
• Explore on Foot: The best way to experience Old Town Nice is simply by walking. Most of the narrow streets and lively squares are closed to traffic. Additionally, many of the roads that are open are one-way or difficult to navigate in a car. If you are renting a car to explore the French Riviera, it is best to park it outside the Old Town and wander the area on foot. You will see and experience far more this way!
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: While Old Town is beautiful, it is old. Meaning, cobblestoned, uneven streets are relatively normal here. If you are planning on extensively exploring exploring Vieux Nice, consider wearing comfortable walking shoes. 

Where to Stay in Old Town Nice

On my last visit to Nice, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée along the Promenade des Anglais. It was a fantastic base for my week in the French Riviera - comfortable, modern, and right on the waterfront. However, for my next trip, I would choose to stay in Old Town Nice for a completely different experience. The atmosphere here is more intimate, with cafés, markets, and historic squares right at your doorstep. Staying in the Old Town means trading the sleek seaside vibe for cobblestoned streets, lively markets, and a chance to experience Nice at a slower pace.

Below are some recommended hotels and guesthouses in Vieux Nice to consider if you would like to stay in the neighborhood. 

• Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice
• Hôtel La Pérouse Nice
• Hotel du Convent, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Suggested Walking Route

One of the best ways to experience Vieux Nice is simply to wander, but if you would like a little structure, here is a walking route that connects many of the neighborhood’s highlights:

1. Cours Saleya Market - Start your morning here with a pastry or small snack, then stroll past stalls overflowing with flowers, produce, and local specialties.
2. Chapelle de la Miséricorde - Step inside this understated 18th-century baroque chapel on Cours Saleya (if it is open, of course).
3. Place Rossetti & Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate - Continue into the heart of Old Town and stop for a quick visit to see Nice’s cathedral.
4. Palais Lascaris - Detour down Rue Droite to this aristocratic palace-turned-museum, with an incredible collection of antique instruments.
5. Église Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur (Église du Gesù) - Just a few minutes away, admire this church’s baroque interior, decorated with cherubs and frescoes.
6. Castle Hill (Colline du Château) - Finish with a climb (or elevator ride) to Castle Hill for sweeping views over the terracotta rooftops, the Promenade des Anglais, and the Baie des Anges.

Optional Add-Ons

• If you are visiting on a Monday, swing back through Cours Saleya in the afternoon for the antiques market.
• In summer evenings, consider visiting the Marché Artisanal Nocturne for artisan crafts and live music.
• Also consider adding a stop at Place Saint-Francois.

Interactive Map

To make this walk even easier, I have mapped the route so you can follow it on your phone. Click below to view and save it to your own Google Maps.

👉 View the Old Town Nice Walking Route on Google Maps

Wrapping Up Your Visit to Old Town Nice

Exploring Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice) offers more than just sightseeing. Between its markets, Baroque churches, local landmarks, and food scene, Vieux Nice captures the character of the French Riviera in a way that feels both historic and authentic. 

If you are using Nice as a base, Old Town is just the start. Additional adventures along the Côte d’Azur await! Explore further with our French Riviera Travel Guide, spend a day in Antibes with our Antibes Travel Guide, or step inside the stunning Rothschild Villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. You can even experience the glamor of Monaco without overspending; see our tips on how to visit Monaco on a budget.  

Wherever your Riviera itinerary takes you, a stop in Old Town Nice is one of the best ways to experience the history, flavors, and atmosphere that make the Côte d’Azur unforgettable! 

Planning your first trip to Vieux Nice? Tell me...are you more drawn to the food (socca, pissaladière, pan bagnat), the markets, or the historic squares and churches? I would love to hear what is on your must-see list. Let me know in the comments below!