Place Masséna, Main square in Nice, France

Place Masséna is the main square of Nice, laid out by Joseph Vernier in 1843–1844. Its dark cobblestones are set in a diagonal grid bordered by pale stone strips. Two sides are lined with neoclassical buildings in pale yellow and ochre, with white-framed windows and a ground-level arcade of round arches; a balustraded parapet runs above the left building.

The square was designed and built by architect Joseph Vernier between 1843 and 1844 as part of Nice's urban development. The original plan initially separated the space into distinct zones before they were eventually integrated into one unified area.

The square serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors experience outdoor concerts, art displays, and seasonal festivals throughout the year. This public role has made it a social center where the city's community life unfolds naturally.

The square sits between Vieux-Nice and avenue Jean-Médecin, about a two-minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais and the Jardin Albert Ier. It forms a crossroads of avenue Jean Médecin, avenue Félix Faure, boulevard Jean Jaurès, avenue de Verdun and rue Gioffredo, and the tramline runs across it. The ground is dark cobblestone with pale stone strips, so watch your footing on the diagonal grid.

The seven kneeling figures on tall poles along the tram lines were made by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa in 2007. The installation is titled Conversation in Nice and stands where the tramway was rebuilt, returning the square to pedestrians.