Le plongeoir

Nice reveals much more than its beaches and the famous Promenade des Anglais. This collection invites you to discover the treasures that Niçois cherish daily: the Castle Hill Park overlooking ancient ruins, the Matisse and Marc Chagall museums housing exceptional collections, and the Cimiez Monastery surrounded by gardens. These sites narrate the story of a city shaped by diverse influences, from the Orthodox Saint Nicholas Cathedral to the alleys of the Old Town. From the flower market at Cours Saleya, where local accents can be heard, to Fort Mont Alban perched on the heights, each location offers a different experience of Nice. Some places, like the Louis Nucéra Library with its modern architecture, showcase the city's contemporary face. Others, more subtle, allow you to grasp the essence of a Mediterranean city where history and daily life blend effortlessly.

The French Riviera between Monaco and Saint-Tropez features a diverse architectural heritage reflecting centuries of history. Visitors can explore medieval villages such as the historic center of Grasse, known as the perfume capital since the 16th century, or Saint-Paul-de-Vence, home to the Maeght Foundation and its modern art collection. The region also has Belle Époque buildings like the Negresco Hotel in Nice, along with 20th-century architectural creations such as the Palais Bulles in Théoule-sur-Mer. Mediterranean gardens are another attraction along this coastal area. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has nine themed gardens with vegetation suited to the local climate. The Bastide du Roy in Antibes preserves its geometric gardens and century-old olive trees. The coastline offers several vantage points overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, notably from the Le Corbusier Promenade connecting Cap Martin to Monaco over two miles, or from coves like Coco Beach where rocks and pebbles enable swimming and marine life observation.

Nice naturally lends itself to photography. The Mediterranean light shapes the city from morning to evening, revealing in turn the ochre facades of Old Nice, the palms lining the Promenade des Anglais, or the blue domes of Saint-Nicolas Orthodox Cathedral. From the Château hilltop, at 92 meters high, the view encompasses the entire bay, while below, Place Masséna displays its geometric paving stones and red facades. The flower market at Cours Saleya, established since the 17th century, extends to Lympia Port where yellow facades reflect in the water, each neighborhood forming a different scene. The Negresco Hotel with its pink dome marks the coastline, and the Matisse Museum shares the painter's love for the light of the South. Nice offers a variety of viewpoints, making it a preferred destination for those interested in capturing the architecture, colors, and vitality of a city oriented toward the Mediterranean.

The gastronomic tables in Nice include Michelin-starred restaurants, establishments in luxury hotels, and bistronomic addresses. The cuisine ranges from traditional Niçoise to international gastronomy, with Mediterranean, Asian, and fusion influences. Chefs use local and seasonal products to create their menus. Some restaurants offer sea views or are located in Old Nice. The selection extends to Monaco and Menton.

Nice has a number of rooftop bars and restaurants spread across hotels and standalone buildings. From these elevated points, you can see the Mediterranean, the old town, and the surrounding hills. Some are in the city center, others closer to the Promenade des Anglais or in neighborhoods like the port. Most open in the late afternoon and stay open into the night. They serve cocktails, wine, and often a selection of food, from light bites to full menus. The atmosphere varies depending on the place. Some rooftops are relaxed and focused on the view, others bring in DJs or live music. Farago on the Roof and Rooftop 360 at NH Hotel Nice are examples of spots that combine drinks with panoramic views. Ancora and Seen by Olivier Nice are among those that lean into food and ambiance. Le Plongeoir sits on a rock outcrop by the sea, outside the typical rooftop category but with similar exposure. La Terrasse at Le Méridien Nice and Calade Rooftop Restaurant at Radisson Blu are located in established hotels and attract both guests and locals. Many of these places are busiest in summer, when warm weather and long evenings draw people outside. Some stay open year round, others close in cooler months. Prices are generally higher than street level venues, but the view and setting justify this for many visitors. Reservations are often recommended, especially on weekends and during high season. The rooftops of Nice offer a way to experience the city from a different angle while taking in the coastal landscape.