Located right in the heart of Nice's Old Town, just a stone's throw away from the Palais du Justice, is another palace with a long and fascinating history. Whilst it is currently known as Palais de la Préfecture due to being the seat of the regional government of Alpes-Maritimes (of which Nice is the capital), it was formerly known as the Palace of the Dukes of Savoy, the Palace of the Sardinian Kings, or simply, the Royal Palace. Originally built towards the beginning of the 17th Century, it was used by the rulers of the Duchy of Savoy on their frequent visits to Nice. Nice formed part of the Duchy until 1860, when it was ceded to France as part of a political agreement. The Savoy territories were strategically located between France and the Italian states, making them important players in European diplomacy. They included Savoy itself, Piedmont, Nice and later expanded to the Kingdom of Sardinia. This territorial expansion elevated the Savoy dynasty from dukes to kings (namely, the Kings of Sardinia-Piedmont), hence why the palace also became known as the Palace of the Kings of Sardinia.
The palace represents Nice's complex political history, transitioning from Italian rule under Savoy to French administration, and has hosted many illustrious figures across the centuries, including Tsar Alexander II of Russia and Napoleon III, who famously met there in 1864. Whilst the building has unfortunately not retained many of its original architectural elements, it continues to serve as an important government building today. As such, it isn't normally open to the public, though it is possible to visit on special heritage days every September.
Discover Nice’s Old Town, by wandering the many colourful lanes and marketplaces accompanied by your expert local guide and see some of the most famous sights in Nice while also getting to explore some of the city's lesser-known gems.
On your private tour, you will:
Step into one of the most iconic and idyllic cities on 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.
You will also have the pleasure of walking along the Promenade des Anglais to view the many historic highlights this area boasts, including the magnificent Hôtel Negresco and Opera de Nice.
You will also have the pleasure of visiting 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 to the #ILoveNICE sign to take a memorable photo!
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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