Le Cours Saleya is the lively soul of Nice’s Old Town, a sun-drenched pedestrian street where the city’s daily rhythms unfold in full colour. Framed by ochre-toned buildings and lined with bustling cafés and restaurants, this historic square is most famous for its open-air markets, which have drawn locals and travellers alike for centuries. From Tuesday to Sunday, the morning air fills with the scent of fresh blooms at the flower market, mingling with the aromas of ripe produce, herbs, spices, and local specialities like socca. On Mondays, antique stalls take over, offering a treasure hunt through vintage books, furniture, and curiosities. In summer evenings, artisans set up under the stars, turning the promenade into a twilight fair of handmade crafts. More than a market, Cours Saleya is a daily celebration of Niçois culture: vibrant, welcoming, and always in motion.
No visit to Nice would be complete without wandering the charming streets of the Old Town. Known as Vieux Nice in French, it is the historic and cultural heart of the city with over 2000 years of stories to tell. Our private half-day walking tour is a great way to make the most of your time in the city, covering the most iconic highlights of the Old Town as well as some lesser-known local favourites thanks to your expert guide.
On your 3-hour private tour, you will:
Step into the heart of the French Riviera on a captivating private walking tour of Nice with a passionate local expert guide who will guide you through the quaint streets and sun-drenched squares of the Old Town, weaving stories of ancient Greeks, medieval intrigue, and Belle Époque elegance into a rich tapestry of culture and history. Your journey begins in Place Masséna, the city’s elegant main square, where Italianate architecture meets modern glamour. Just steps away, you’ll be greeted by the striking Fontaine du Soleil and its commanding statue of Apollo. Soon you will make your way towards the seafront, pausing to admire the bold modernism of the Neuf Lignes Obliques sculpture before uncovering the surprising tale of Nice’s replica of the Statue of Liberty on the Quai des États-Unis, an unexpected nod to the shared histories of France and the United States.
The tour continues past the graceful façade of the Opéra de Nice, a beloved institution that reflects the city’s deep artistic roots. From there, you’ll slip into the sensory feast of the Cours Saleya market, where the scent of lavender, the flash of ripe produce, and the chatter of vendors invite you to linger (if open at the time of the tour). As you navigate the winding lanes of the Old Town with the help of your guide, you’ll uncover the grandeur of the Neoclassical Palais de Justice, the stately Palace of the Prefecture, which once housed dukes and royals, and the solemn beauty of the 17th-century Nice Cathedral, learning the importance of these landmarks to the city’s cultural heritage along the way.
You’ll feel the pulse of daily life in Place Rossetti, a lively square framed by cafés and gelaterias, before ascending Castle Hill, which is widely regarded as the original site of the Ancient Greek settlement that became Nice. From the historic Bellanda Tower, you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of Nice’s rooftops spilling into the azure Mediterranean, an image you'll carry long after your travels end. You will then make your way back into the city to conclude your urban adventure at the promenade. Your guide will be happy to provide tailored recommendations for restaurants or things to do around the city before bidding you adieu.
Ideal for travellers looking for a culturally rich experience, this tour is a seamless blend of discovery, storytelling, and spectacular scenery. Whether it's your first time in Nice or you’re returning with fresh eyes, you'll come away with a newfound appreciation for its timeless charm.
Discover Nice on a half-day driving tour, spent in the comfort of a private vehicle, exploring city highlights.
On your private tour, you will:
Hop into the comfort of a private vehicle and cruise through several of the city’s highlights, including Promenade des Anglais, a favourite walk-way of the European nobility of the last century and home to the magnificent Hôtel Negresco, the art deco Palais de la Méditerranée, and Le Opera de Nice. Then ascend Mont Boron for spectacular views over the mountainous and seafront landscape.
Venturing onwards to beautiful Cimiez, you will discover the former Roman settlement of Cemenelum, and learn how the area would later become the winter home of Queen Victoria. Spoilt for choice, you will see the Roman amphitheatre and ruins, you will enjoy the Belle Epoque architecture, and see the famous Cimiez Franciscan monastery with its stunning garden. Indeed, you will not be surprised that Cimiez would become home to Henri Matisse, and would be where he would get much of his inspiration for his fabulous work.
A tour of Nice would not be complete without a visit to the Italian-influenced, picturesque district of the Old City, where the last hour of your tour will be spent on foot, exploring the areas a car cannot reach. Enjoy the many beautiful Baroque churches, cobbled streets, and small colourful squares, along with its spectacular markets. After your tour ends, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or in the city centre, which you can discuss with your guide on the day of the tour.
Discover Nice on a full-day tour, with a half-day spent wandering Old Town and the afternoon spent in the comfort of a private vehicle, exploring other city highlights less easily reached by foot.
On your private full-day tour, you will:
Step into one of the most iconic and idyllic cities in the French Riviera with a private guide to show you the best of the city. On your tour, you will explore the elegant square Masséna, see the many quaint boutique stores, the Opera de Nice, and the Palace Square, home to the stunning Palace of Justice. On the colourful Saleya Square, you will have time to enjoy the famous flower market stalls and some of the many local delicacies on offer when the market is operating (mornings, most days of the year).
The Old Town has some great eateries, old-fashioned bakeries, classic Italian ice-cream parlours and chocolate stores, and your guide will happily recommend several which you can pop into or return to after your tour. You will have time to try it all as well as to take wonderful photos of old Italian Nice.
Then visit Nice’s Castle Hill, which was the original site of the trading town founded by the Greeks 2,500 years ago. Not only will you visit Bellanda Tower and the sweeping waterfalls which cascade down to the sea, but also the magnificent viewpoints over the Bay of Angels and Old Town. After descending the hill, your guide will take you into the city centre or back into Old Town to enjoy an hour’s respite for lunch.
In the afternoon, hop in the car to cruise through several more of the city’s highlights, including Promenade des Anglais, a favourite walk-way of the European nobility of the last century and home to the magnificent Hôtel Negresco, the art deco Palais de la Méditerranée, and Le Opera de Nice. Then ascend Mont Boron for spectacular views over the mountainous and seafront landscape. Visit the Garden of Arenas Cimiez, ancient Roman ruins, which sit atop one of the hillsides of the area. After your tour ends, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or in the city centre, which you can discuss with your guide on the day of the tour.
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