Nice is one of the most popular destinations in France – a favorite among tourists because of its stunning seascape, art deco buildings, quaint shops and boutiques, wonderful bars, restaurants, galleries and museums. Here is a short guide on what to see and do when in Nice:

Visit the Cours Saleya Flower Market

This is one of the most famous flower markets in the region, always packed with tourists and locals looking for great deals on flowers and those who just want to (literally) just stop and smell the roses. There are also cafes nearby and some souvenir shops that sell knick-knacks and other curiosities. The flower market is open six days each week, although it becomes an antiques and flea market on Mondays.

Get to know the old city

Vieux Nice is a glimpse of life in the city many years ago, although it is mostly known for its shopping and dining these days. Explore the narrow streets with its many shops and look for wonderful surprises such as wine, clothing, Provencal wares and gourmet food. There are also hip and trendy bars, nightclubs and restaurants in the area, one of which serves some of the best ice cream in the city.

Visit museums

There are several noted museums in Nice. Drop by the Matisse Museum where French painter and sculptor Henri Matisse’s best works are on display. Some of the artist’s personal things are preserved here and a souvenir shop sells prints of his famous works. Also worth a visit are the Musee de Paleontologie Humaine de Terra Amata, the Musee des Beaux-Arts and the Musee International d’Art Naif Anatole Jakovsky.

Sit back and get your dose of French food

No visit to a French city is ever complete without sitting back and enjoying a cup of coffee. Try the offerings at Civette du Cours or Safari or Bar de la Degustation. Or go for the popular socca, a crepe made from chickpeas. Try the local treats and cuisine at Chez Rene Socca or Lou Pilha Leva where tourists can sit on chairs next to the street, enjoy their meals and watch the world go by.

Spend some time with vins naturel

Vins naturel refer to wines that have been produced with minimal use of sulphites and chemicals, so if you are the type to go natural or organic, these selections are perfect for you. Some wine producers offer private and public tours of their cellars, so visitors can enjoy their wines with a little guidance from a sommelier. Wine lovers can also check out local wine bars with their lively mix of locals and visitors, good food and local music.

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