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Nice Landmarks Walk
Guide Location: France » Nice
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 2.7 km
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Britrob
Author: jenny
Nice is an important cultural and historic city. There are many places of historical significance that make the city very beautiful. Many of these landmarks have been renovated over the years, giving the city a unique blended atmosphere of old and new elements. Check out the most popular landmarks in this next self-guided tour.
Tour Stops and Attractions
Place Garibaldi
1) Place Garibaldi
This is another of the lovely squares to be found in the city of Nice. It used to be called the Piazza Vittorio, and was designed to be a tribute to King Victor Amedee III. It was built in the late 1700s. When first constructed, it was meant to be a place for the Sardinian rulers to have public functions in Nice, while visiting from Turin. Much later, the square was renamed after Giuseppe Garibaldi, who tried to get Nice included in the governmental rule of Italy during the so-called Italian Reunification Movement. (At one point, Nice was part of Italy.)

The square was designed by Antoine Spinelli. This is the same designer who worked on the Chapelle du St. Sepulcre building in town. You will also be able to see the statue of Garibaldi which was constructed here.

While in the area, you may also want to visit the Place Massena. Place St. Francois is also very close. If you go there, you will want to see the famous Dolphin Fountain located in the center of the square. The Bell Tower Palais Communal is also within walking distance from the Place Garibaldi.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and wit
Place Saint-Francois
2) Place Saint-Francois
The Place St. François used to be the home of the town hall which was built in the 16th century in Baroque style. The square is smaller than some in Nice, but it is still a beautiful place to visit. There is a wonderful fountain in the middle of the square that was built in the 1930s a gift from François Aragon that depicts dolphins. There is a bell tower on the square that was built by the Franciscan monks who gave the name to the square- St. Francis. This area used to house a large Franciscan convent, but only the bell tower and some of the cloister remain today. Still, it is easy to imagine how busy this little spot was in its heyday when the town hall was here. The square hosts a fish market every morning with the exception of Monday. Some of the finest and freshest catch from the Mediterranean may be purchased here, so it can still be a busy bundle of activity. It is a nice spot to check out the architecture and people watch.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and lizardking_cda
Cimetiere du Chateau
3) Cimetiere du Chateau
For being a cemetery, it is still an interesting spot to visit in the city. It sits on top of the hill at Cimiez, and has one of the most beautiful total views of the town to be found anywhere. So, visiting the spot is certainly not very depressing. It is a very old place, and most of the graves are very ornate. There are many small chapel style gravesites located here also, that have been done in white marble. Some of the best sculpture in town is also here, and the works of art kind of reflect the love of art that the locals have for all aspects of life. There art is their life. The Cemetery was founded in 1783.

Most people visit this place, though, for two famous people who are buried here. It is the final resting place of Raoul Dufy. This is also the burial spot for Henri Matisse. You will have to look at bit for the site for Dufy, as it is a very simple plot to say the least. It is by the Monastery garden gate. Matisse’s grave is easier to spot.

This spot used to also be the citadel for the city in the 16th Century. There are, en toto, more than 2800 people buried here. Besides the two people already mentioned, you can find the final resting place of other famous people like Gaston Leroux and Emil Mercedes.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and debs-eye
Place Rosetti
4) Place Rosetti
If you need a place to go for a day to just sit back and watch the world go by in Nice, you may want to visit the famous Place Rosetti. It is a public square that is reachable by several of the old streets that wonder through this part of town. It has a beautiful fountain at the heart of the location, done in a classic Italian Baroque style. There are also many areas open for the general public to just come and stay a while.

It is located in the center of the part of town known as the Vieux Nice. The buildings are very old here, and almost appear as though they are leaning far enough to fall over. There is lots of color and uniqueness to the architecture here also. Just note the laundry hanging overhead. While in the area, you may want to visit the Cathedrale Sainte Reparate or get yourself some ice cream at Fenocchio’s. The church is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in town. And the ice cream is very popular among tourists and locals alike. You will also want to plan on having lunch or dinner in one of the fine restaurants or cafes located around the square. Bon appetite.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Patrice Semeria
Place du Palais
5) Place du Palais
Place du Palais is located near the Old Town entrance. It also goes by the name Palais de Justice because of the low courts nearby. It was renovated and is now a magnificent place where people gather on the staircase to sit and talk and admire the beauty of the surroundings. There are small markets and cafes located nearby. The square's style is neo-classical and attracts a lot of tourists for concerts and other celebrations.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and i_am_neuron
Statue Massena
6) Statue Massena
Statue Massena is located in the Place Messena square and is dedicated to one of the most important personalities in the history of Nice. He was a commander during the Napoleonic Revolution and was an integral figure in France’s rise in becoming a great country.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Seth Kramer
The Place Massena Fountain
7) The Place Massena Fountain
The Place Massena fountain has a great history. It was located in Nice’s main square for a long time, then was removed in order to modify its design. After a period of time it reappeared in the same place in all its beauty with statues to complete it.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and debs-eye
Place Massena
8) Place Massena
Place Massena is the main square in Nice, where one of the main streets in Nice, Promenade des Anglais runs. It is a beautiful place surrounded by Italian style architecture, recently renovated to enhance the atmosphere combining the historical with a modern touch. It is a large square where concerts and festivals are held.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and mwanasimba
Arc de Venet
9) Arc de Venet
If you go to the part of Nice near the Albert I Garden, you will find one of the most famous outdoor works of art in the town. It is called the Arc de Venet. It was built in 1988. At the time, it was considered quite controversial by the French locals, but now it is considered a town landmark and icon.

The piece was designed by Bernard Venet. This work represents his early carrier. He came to the town of Nice at the young age of 17, and studied at the Ville Thile. Now, his metal works of art are found in places all across the world. Venet now lives in New York, but is still held in high regard by the locals.

The arch reaches way into the sky above the area. It stands a full nineteen meters tall. Its black metallic color is quite interesting, and plays well against the sky on a clear day. It makes quite an impression. The piece is also quite popular among the locals of the town. Often, impromptu meetings are scheduled and held at the foot of this work by Venet. The surrounding park is also a lovely walk.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Omar Ansari
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