Culture & History

Due to its ancient belonging to the County of Savoy, Nice has kept a strong Italian identity, also represented by the most important community of the city. But Nice remains however a true cosmopolitan city, where many communities mix together: African, Asian, Russian or Nordic.

This diversity is also displayed by the architecture and the monument-ensemble as well as other places to visit. From Masséna to the Promenade des Anglais (thus named in the 18th century by the Brits who came here during their winter holidays), including Old Nice and its picturesque lanes, the uncovering persists. Also to visit: Castle Hill (la colline du Chateau), the Matisse Museum, the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Lascaris Palace (Palais Lascaris), the Cimiez Arenas (Les arènes de Cimiez), the Cours Saleya and its market, and the Nice Opera built by Charles Garnier.