Make sure you spend some time on city breaks in Nice exploring the city's old town and its cultural attractions.
- Nice and the French Riviera has inspired hundreds of artists through the centuries, including Matisse, who has a museum in the city dedicated to his works, housed in a 17th century villa.
- Nice is also home to the Marc Chagall Museum, as well as a museum dedicated to Monet, which is housed in the artist's former home.
- Visit the 17th century Palais Lascaris, a Baroque palace which features tapestries, works of art, and historical artefacts.
- Terra Amata is an archaeological sight which was discovered on the slopes of Mount Boron, overlooking the city, now home to a museum featuring some of the finds from the dig.
- Head to the 19th century Nice Observatory, with a dome designed and built by Gustav Eiffel, for one its twice-weekly astronomy sessions.
What to Eat in Nice
French cuisine is famous around the world, but there are some local specialities that you should make sure you try while on city breaks in Nice. Salade Niçoise is named after the city itself, and usually includes hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and anchovies served with olive oil. If you want to eat your Salade Niçoise on the move, order a Pan Bagnat, which consists of the same ingredients stuffed into a delicious baguette.
Ratatouille also originated in Nice; the popular French dish features a mixture of vegetables served in a tomato sauce with plenty of herbs. Finally, snack on socca, a crispy chickpea pancake served warm, and the essential Nice street food.
What to Bring Back from Nice
A bottle of Provençal wine makes a great gift or souvenir of your weekend in Nice, along with the locally-made soaps scented with lavender grown in the hills of Provence. Farms in the area still make delicious olive oil in the same way they have for centuries, while the nearby town of Grasse is famous for its innovative perfumeries, which use Provençal flowers and herbs to create unique scents.