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Vieux Nice/Old Town, Nice
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Al fresco cafes in the Old Town of Nice - Nice
Al fresco cafes in the Old Town of Nice
by aukahkay
Things to Do in Nice: Vieux Nice/Old Town tips and photos posted by real travelers and Nice locals.
Vieux Nice/Old Town
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Vieux Nice/Old Town: Take a wander through the lanes of Old Nice
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  • Old Nice is a lively and bustling mass of winding lanes choc with little boutiques, patisieres, restaurants and snack bars, touristy nicknacks, everything within one compact area bounded by the Cours Saleya on one side and the Albert 1st Gardens on the other. Wander the lanes and soak up the atmosphere, stop for a coffee or sample the traditional Nicois dishes at one of the many snackbars. The air is perfumed with the smell of provencal lavender sachets and scented soaps. Massed ceramic cicadas pump out their distintive mating call. Olive oil in traditional yellow and green pouring bottles. Postcards, posters, fridge magnets, souvenirs of Nice and the Riviera. Most importantly, unlike some urban centres, Vieux Nice by day or night is entirely safe. You can wander out at night, relaxed and secure.

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  • Address: Vieux Nice

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate/ Place Rossetti
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  • Place Rosetti, one of old Nice's many charming squares, is home to the baroque cathedral Saint Réparate, built in honour of an early martyr who was made the patron saint of Nice. In 250 AD Saint Réparate, at the age of only 15, was martyred by Roman Emperor Gaius Decius, whose specialty was persecuting Christians. This helped fill in otherwise tedious afternoons when there was not much on at the Colosseum. Decius promulgated a decree requiring sacrifices be made to the Gods - note the plural. Christians who refused - "Sorry Decius, I'm into this new one-God thing", were promptly given the chop. According to Catholic legend, they first tried to burn Reparate alive, but fortuitously he was saved by torrential rain which put out the flames. They then made him drink scalding pitch. Once again, miraculously, he survived, though no doubt with heartburn. In desperation, Decius ordered him decapitated. (That's a sure-fire result Decius. "Ha! Get out of this one Christian!" Chop). His headless torso was put in a small boat and set to drift in the Mediterranean currents, in the manner of fellow martyr Torpes, who ended up in what became called after him Saint-Tropez. Reparate's boat drifted to the niçois coast, was brought to the shore by angels, and his remains buried in a chapel of the old town. Centuries later these were moved into the new cathedral Sainte-Réparate in 1690. In summer the square is filled with happy visitors on the alfresco tables of La Claire Fontaine, and the very wonderful Fennochio, maker of hundreds of flavours of ice cream. Few if any know of the dark deeds of Emperor Gaius Decius and the story of Sainte-Reparate, the patron saint of Nice. But now you do.

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  • Directions: Place Rosetti, Vieux Nice.

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Palais Lascaris
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  • Updated By NiceLife on February 28, 2004
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  • Vaulted interior of the Palais Lascaris - Nice
    Vaulted interior of the Palais
    Lascaris
    by NiceLife
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    Amost hidden in the narrow lanes of Vieux Nice is the Palais Lascaris, home to the municipal museum of Nice. The beautiful facade of the Palais is to be noticed only if you look straight up, and is easy to miss. The Palais dates back to the 1700's and houses a fascinating collection of antiquities including a recreation of 19th century French pharmacy. The vaulted ceilings and baroque stairwells are set off in rich pinks, gold and alabaster. The gift shop has an excellent selection of books about Nice many of which are not found elsewhere, along with a selection of posters from THE photographer of Nice, Jean-Loius Martinetti. Remarkably for France, entrance to the Palais is free.

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  • Address: Rue Droite, In the heart of Vieux Nice
  • Directions: Rue Droite intersects Rue Rosetti (which runs uphill towards the Chateau and Cemetaries)

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Charming Shops, Great Architecture & Cool 'Buzz'
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  • Based around the Cours Saleya, the maze-like streets of the Vieux Nice (old town) are fun to explore, whether you are shopping, eating or simply just enjoying the 'buzz'. Small, mainly independent shops fill the streets, selling food, clothing, jewellery, cds and local arts. In the mornings there is a colourful food & flower market in the Cours Saleya. There are plenty of outside cafes, great for people-watching or not doing much at all except being there. At every turn there is something new to see, sometimes you can forget quite where exactly you are! At night, these little streets really come alive. Bars and restaurants are plentiful and people swarm there to soak up the atmosphere. (It was pleasantly busy at the beginning of Sept). The vibe is very French yet also very Italian, with quite a few Italian restaurants. Go for menu of the day, it is by far the most economic option and just as good. We noticed that many of Nice' waiting staff, tend to hum a little tune when serving, which was ever amusing. 'Le joie de vivre' is alive and kicking here!

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Old Harbour
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  • This was the view from a park at the end of the Promenade de Anglais. You climb up a series of steps at the end of the prom which are cut into the hillside, when you get to the top of the hill you are in a recreational park packed with locals and tourists. The views including this one over the harbour are well worth the steep climb to the top.

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  • Address: The hill at the end of the Promeade de Anglais

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Vieille Ville
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  • Old Town is much more than a must-see activity. It is the very essence of Nice, and one could spend their entire time here without ever crossing over Boulevard Jean Jaures. The old, crooked streets with brightly painted buildings hark back to a simpler time, and can still be seen and felt in the laundry hanging from the windows, and the smell of something cooking. Around every turn is a pleasant square surrounded by cafes, and beautiful churches to duck into along the way. It is as bustling and active as it is tranquil and nostalgic.


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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Be sure to visit Vieux Nice (Old Town)
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  • Never fail to visit Vieux Nice even you come to Nice for sun bathing. Its a beautiful old town. There are beautiful houses, restaurant, cafe and shops.

  • Address: go toward the city center
  • Directions: Walk Promenade des Anglais toward left by facing the sea.

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Markets, architecture, people...
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  • Not much to say, just spend the whole day walking through tiny streets of Old Town. You will see beautiful old buildings; not as nice building, but very expressive surroundings and smells. Small streets, typical Côte d'Azur ambiente. Bars, restaurants offering Menu of the Day. Simply enjoy the flow of the crowd! it's fantastic and probably the best activity in Nice.

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Hidden in narrow alleys: churches and chapels
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  • Monuments with clockstowers are not always churche - Nice
    Monuments with clockstowers
    are not always churche
    by Pavlik_NL, 1 more photos
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    Inside the winding streets of the old town of Nice, there are several sanctuaries hidden in silence. these churches and chapels can be sometimes a total contrast towards the outside world that is hectic and chaotic. Inside the silence is almost overwhelming and the candlelight shimmers gently, reflecting in the gold and silver of chandeliers, icons, statues and other decorations within the church. Sometimes beautiful wall and ceiling paintings carress the eyes of many visitor. There are several chapels and churches within the old town and sometimes you really have to search well to find them. Others appear from an unexpected angel, while marching through the narrow streets of the old town labyrinth. Some of the churches I describe in my "off the beaten path" tips, but here I want to mention them as being a must see in general (visit at least a few).

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  • Address: Throughout the old town

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: A charming maze
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  • Walking through Old Nice was a great way to see and experience the charm of the city. Narrow streets with lots of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs were a delight for all your senses. If you're a shopper, you can find everything from household items and Provencal items to wine, clothing and jewelry. This is also the area for some of the best nightlife, but take note, there are lots of dark alleys and streets so wandering through alone at night might not be the best idea. Do make some time to walk through the old town, you won't be sorry.

  • Directions: Located right next to the Cours Saleya

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