Vieille Ville (Old Town)
Located just below Castle Hill, Old Nice’s picturesque architecture and cobblestone streets are filled with dazzling restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The richly adorned Cathedral Sainte-Reparate, the over 500 instruments of Musee du Palau Lascaris, and the central square of Place Massena, decorated with statues, and its signature large fountain, are all within walking distance.
Marc Chagall National Museum
A modernist building surrounded by lush Mediterranean green spaces, the Musee National Marc Chagall is home to more than 1,000 works of the Belarusian-French artist. The incredible collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, ceramics, stained glass, tapestry, and mosaics make up the unique galleries of the Museum. At the center of the collection are the 17 large canvases of the Biblical Message.
Parc de la Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill Park)
Serving as a divide of the seaside part of Nice in two, Castle Hill Park was home a citadel that was entirely dismantled by the soldiers of Louis XIV in 1706. Surrounded by greenery, Castle Hill is known for its stunning panoramic views of the Bare des Angles, Old Nice, and the Port.
The Fairy Tale Gardens of the Monastere Notre Dame de Cimiez
The peaceful and serene Monastery Notre Dame de Cimiez offers an escape from Nice’s buzz and vibrancy. The monastery was founded in the 9th century by the Brothers of the Abbey of Saint-Pons, and is listed as a Historical Monument. Across from the monastery is the Garden des Arenes de Cimiez, set in a grove of hundred year old olive trees.
The Cours Saleya Market
The pedestrianized area of Cours Saleya is home to Nice’s vibrant outdoor markets. Famous for the Marche aux Fleurs (Flower Market), the market sells vibrant fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables. Mondays offer a special treat as the Cours Saleya turns into the marche a la brocante, an antique/flea market.
Villa Massena Musee
Located in the Promenade des Anglais, the Villa Massena is filled with photos, paintings, posters, floats, and artifacts from the Nice Carnival. At the centre of the collection is Napoleon’s death mask. The Villa itself is a sight to be scene. The Neoclassical mansion is listed as a historical monument decorated in dreamy antique furnishings.
French Riviera Beaches
Opera Beach is Nice’s oldest private beach and the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. La Reserve, located east of the harbor, serves as another reprieve of the bustling streets. Villefranche-sur-Mer’s sandy beach offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Plage du Midi stands as one of Cannes’s most popular beaches. There is no shortage of soft sand, clear water, and stunning views.
Fortified City of Carcassonne
The Fortified City of Carcassonne is perfect for adventure seeking, and discovering the South of France’s rich history. Dating back to the 11th century, the fortress served as part of the city’s defense systems. Following the French Revolution, the Carcassonne Castle became a prison and later a museum. The castle was restored in the mid-19th century.
Marseille
The second largest city in France, Marseille is a melting pot of Mediterranean culture. The port city is filled with markets, restaurants, and boats offering day trips. The Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde sits atop the tallest hill in Marseille, offering breathtaking views of the city and Mediterranean Sea. The Chateau d’If is a fortress is on an island located off the coast, and is most famous for being the prison of Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristro.
Avignon
The beautiful and historic city of Avignon is home of the Palais des Pipes, a 14th century palace that served as the home of the Catholic Popes from 1309 to 1377. Visitors from around the world come to explore the city’s rich culture. Renowned for its annual theater festival, stunning architecture, and quaint cobblestone streets lined with galleries and cafes offers an incredible view into France’s history.