Narrow cobbled streets, facing the sea, pastel-colored buildings, and a smell of socca, yes we are talking about the Old Nice! The liveliest area of the city. Over the years, this area has known several faces, today it is the tourist area of the city. Nestor&Jeeves wanted to make you discover the places not to be missed in the Old Nice through 5 steps.
Step 1: Fenocchio ice cream parlor, Piazza Rossetti
We recommend that before you start walking through the shady streets, you refresh yourself by heading to Piazza Rossetti to taste the best ice cream in town at Fenocchio. This unmissable ice cream shop has been located in Piazza Rossetti for over 50 years! It has a hundred of artisanal flavors, all made in the region. Exclusive flavors, such as chard pie, black olive or rosemary thyme are to be enjoyed. If you want to try it, it’s impossible not to find this ice cream shop. When you’re in Piazza Rossetti, do you see that big and long queue? Then you are at the right place! Victim of their success, this place gathers thousands of people every summer. Our advice, take your pain in patience, you will not be disappointed!
Step 2 : Visit the Saint Francis Tower
After tasting your ice cream, head to the Saint Francis Tower. Only 500m from the Place Rossetti is rue de La Tour a place much less known by tourists. This bell tower built in the XIIIth century and registered as a historical heritage site, overlooks the Old Nice and part of the city. Open to the public, you can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy an incredible landscape with a 360° view. But to deserve this experience, be prepared to climb the 262 metal steps. If you are afraid of heights, skip it.
Be careful, this visit is possible only on Friday from 6 pm to 10 pm and on Saturday Sunday from 9:30 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm for a fee of 6€. It is possible to pay on the spot by credit card. Children under 7 years old are not accepted as well as people with reduced mobility.
Step 3 : Buy flowers on the Cours Saleya
The emblematic Cours Saleya welcomes the flower market all year round from Tuesday to Sunday. Local producers set up shop early in the morning to decorate the cobblestone floor of the Cours Saleya with freshly picked flowers. You will find floral arrangements, mimosa, lavender, roses, plants and single flowers. Many varieties and colors are available at very competitive prices!
This is the must stop for holiday makers on the French Riviera. This bucolic stroll will also make you discover other stalls with artisans presenting local products, such as spices, olives, olive oil… And to finish, sit at a terrace on the Cours Saleya and admire these beautiful stalls from your chair, while enjoying a good coffee.
Step 4 : Enjoy a good slice of socca !
It’s the end of the day and you’re hungry? Nestor&Jeeves advises you to go to René Socca. A real institution in Nice. Close to the Place Saint François, this restaurant offers you Nice dishes to take away or to eat on the spot. But its main product is the socca. A little olive oil, chickpea flour, salt, pepper and there you have the favorite recipe of the Nice people. If you are in a hurry and want to continue your visit, take a slice to go and eat it while strolling through the Old Town. As for the ice creams, you have to earn them and you will surely have to wait in line, but the wait is worth it.
Step 5: See a ballet at the Opera
The Nice Opera House is a real jewel of Nice’s architecture to end your day in beauty. It is visited every Monday. This guided tour lasts 1h30, you will have the chance to go backstage and discover all the secrets and anecdotes that this place encompasses. Remember to book in advance by phone or on the spot, you will have to pay the sum of 5€ for the guided tour. Every year, the Nice Opera welcomes thousands of artists of all kinds. You can see a contemporary dance show, opera ballets, symphonic concerts etc.
Book your seat directly on the website so you don’t miss an unforgettable show.
Rent an apartment in the Old Nice!
If you want to live the experience to the fullest, rent an apartment for your vacation in Old Nice. Lou Francescan is a sublime 3 room apartment located in the heart of the Old Town. It is close to the Place Saint François. Le Saleya is also a beautiful apartment located on the Cours Saleya. It’s the ideal place to be in the heart of the action!