Vieux Nice

The Origins of Old Nice

Old Nice represents the historic heart of the city, dating back to before its annexation to France and before its emergence as a major tourist destination. The architecture of the old town is very different from that of the Belle Époque districts. Instead of wide Haussmannian-inspired boulevards, Old Nice features narrow, labyrinthine streets. The area is bordered by the sea to the south and by the Quai des États-Unis, which extends the Promenade des Anglais. To the north, it reaches up to Place Garibaldi. To the west, it is bordered by Place Masséna, and to the east by the port and Castle Hill, the latter of which was entirely destroyed by the troops of Louis XIV in 1706. As the oldest part of Nice, the old town boasts an urban landscape typical of fortified Italian cities from the 16th century, with colorful facades and numerous Baroque religious buildings. One unique feature of the district is its natural ventilation, designed by builders to take advantage of sea breezes and the orientation of the buildings. Discover all the properties for sale in this area with our agency, a specialist in real estate in Old Nice.

The Highlights of Old Nice

The old town of Nice is home to most of the city's administrative buildings and major cultural sites, such as the city hall and opera house. The list of must-see attractions in the district is extensive, including:

• Place Masséna, the venue for the famous carnival, adorned with the Fountain of the Sun and monumental scribe statues.
• The opera house, built in 1855 on the site of an old theater, with a design inspired by the Garnier Opera.
• The long Cours Saleya, a pedestrian esplanade that leads from the opera to the foot of Castle Hill, hosting daily flower and food markets.
• The former prefecture and the old palace of the Dukes of Savoy.
• The Baroque Chapel of Mercy.
• The Saint-Giaume Church, one of the oldest in the city.
• The 17th-century Sainte-Réparate Cathedral with its glazed tile dome.
• The Jesuit Church of the Gesù.
• The Lascaris Palace, a Genoese palace.
• Place Saint-François and its fish market.
• The Clock Tower on Rue Pairolière.
• Place Garibaldi, laid out in 1850.

Living in Old Nice

Old Nice is a vibrant neighborhood, bustling both day and night. It welcomes early risers to its beautiful Cours Saleya market and night owls to its restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs. The festive and friendly atmosphere is part of the district's charm. The typical Niçois houses are 2 to 4 stories high, without elevators, usually with two apartments per floor. Two large municipal parking garages facilitate car access to Old Nice, with subscription options available for residents. In the historic heart of the city, the environment is particularly pleasant: the concentration of architectural treasures and historical monuments is unique. Many sites, museums, and palaces are open to Niçois residents free of charge. Leaving Old Nice is quick, whether on foot or by tram. The port is very close, as are the Albert 1er Garden and the Promenade des Anglais. Old Nice is also bordered by the Opera and Ponchettes beaches, another feature that enhances the quality of life in this area. Properties are highly sought after in the district, with constant demand for both rentals and purchases.