Nice Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Nice
As Cocteau, a French poet, put it, we’re not simply visiting a pretty coastline — we’re stepping into “the greenhouse where the roots grow”. Let’s walk the streets of Nice and discover how they shaped the city’s many lives.
The site of Nice has been inhabited since prehistoric times: archaeological evidence from nearby Terra Amata suggests human presence some 400,000 years ago. Around the 4th century BC, colonists from the Greek city of Massalia founded a settlement here. They called it Nikaia — likely in honour of the goddess Nike, symbolising victory. The name thus points to “victory” as its root.
Some propose alternate origins — perhaps from a local Ligurian word meaning “spring” or “water” — but the victory theory remains dominant. Over time, Nikaia became Latinised as Nicaea, and eventually evolved in French to “Nice.” The name, like the city itself, travelled across languages and centuries, carrying echoes of Greece, Rome, and Old French.
Under Roman rule, the area flourished: the nearby hill of Cimiez hosted the town of Cemenelum, an administrative hub of the region. During the Middle Ages, Nice fell under the Counts of Provence and endured invasions and upheavals. In 1388, seeking stability, the citizens placed themselves under the protection of the House of Savoy. For nearly five centuries, Nice remained part of Savoy — later the Kingdom of Sardinia.
After centuries of shifting borders and allegiances, Nice was definitively ceded to France in 1860 under the Treaty of Turin, linked to Italian unification and France’s support of Sardinia. The annexation ushered in prosperity: during the 19th century, Nice became a winter haven for European aristocracy, its mild climate and the glimmering Bay of Angels inspiring artists and travellers alike.
Today, the city blends Greek origins, Roman structure, Italian grace, and French refinement. Wandering through its centre, you’ll encounter the pastel-coloured lanes of the Old Town, the fragrant bustle of Cours Saleya Market, alive with flowers, local treats and buzzing stalls, and the sun-drenched sweep of the English Promenade. A short stroll away lies Massena Square—a lively square with shops, cafés and lively atmosphere.
And as you walk through this living greenhouse of history, you may find, just as Cocteau did, that Nice is not merely a place to admire — it’s a place where roots still grow, quietly feeding the beauty that blooms before you.
The site of Nice has been inhabited since prehistoric times: archaeological evidence from nearby Terra Amata suggests human presence some 400,000 years ago. Around the 4th century BC, colonists from the Greek city of Massalia founded a settlement here. They called it Nikaia — likely in honour of the goddess Nike, symbolising victory. The name thus points to “victory” as its root.
Some propose alternate origins — perhaps from a local Ligurian word meaning “spring” or “water” — but the victory theory remains dominant. Over time, Nikaia became Latinised as Nicaea, and eventually evolved in French to “Nice.” The name, like the city itself, travelled across languages and centuries, carrying echoes of Greece, Rome, and Old French.
Under Roman rule, the area flourished: the nearby hill of Cimiez hosted the town of Cemenelum, an administrative hub of the region. During the Middle Ages, Nice fell under the Counts of Provence and endured invasions and upheavals. In 1388, seeking stability, the citizens placed themselves under the protection of the House of Savoy. For nearly five centuries, Nice remained part of Savoy — later the Kingdom of Sardinia.
After centuries of shifting borders and allegiances, Nice was definitively ceded to France in 1860 under the Treaty of Turin, linked to Italian unification and France’s support of Sardinia. The annexation ushered in prosperity: during the 19th century, Nice became a winter haven for European aristocracy, its mild climate and the glimmering Bay of Angels inspiring artists and travellers alike.
Today, the city blends Greek origins, Roman structure, Italian grace, and French refinement. Wandering through its centre, you’ll encounter the pastel-coloured lanes of the Old Town, the fragrant bustle of Cours Saleya Market, alive with flowers, local treats and buzzing stalls, and the sun-drenched sweep of the English Promenade. A short stroll away lies Massena Square—a lively square with shops, cafés and lively atmosphere.
And as you walk through this living greenhouse of history, you may find, just as Cocteau did, that Nice is not merely a place to admire — it’s a place where roots still grow, quietly feeding the beauty that blooms before you.
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Nice Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Nice Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: France » Nice (See other walking tours in Nice)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 11
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: France » Nice (See other walking tours in Nice)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 11
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill)
- Place du Palais de Justice (Courthouse Square)
- Cours Saleya Markets
- Opera de Nice (Nice Opera House)
- Promenade des Anglais (English Promenade)
- Place Massena (Massena Square)
- Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate (Saint Reparate Cathedral)
- Place Rossetti (Rossetti Square)
- Palais Lascaris (Lascaris Palace)
- Cimetiere du Chateau (Castle Cemetery)
- Place Garibaldi (Garibaldi Square)
1) Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) (must see)
Castle Hill is a must see with its breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. This area is where Nice was founded in the third century BCE. From high on the hill a trading post was established and then a defensive post was maintained. A large wall was built around the city only to be torn down in the early 1700s.
Don’t go to the hill expecting to see the “Castle”, as a few ruins still remain but that is all. The area is still intriguing nonetheless. Aside from the exquisite views, there is a beautiful park, the Naval Museum, stepping stones that depict the Odyssey by Homer and a beautiful old cemetery filled with gorgeous headstones.
There is also a man-made waterfall along the way, which sometimes gets shutoff in the late afternoon, so be sure to visit early if you want to see it. There are plenty of benches around the area so take a few minutes to revel in the Mediterranean splendor of the park. This is a great place to pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon. There is a small cafe in the area too.
Getting to the hill can be accomplished several different ways depending upon time constraints and fitness. For those who like to walk, take the steps up to the observation platform. There are 213 steps but the view is spectacular along the way. For a fee, there is also an elevator or a motorized train. The train does not really allow for any wandering, so for those who like to stroll and look on their own schedule, take the steps or the elevator or a combination of the two.
Don’t go to the hill expecting to see the “Castle”, as a few ruins still remain but that is all. The area is still intriguing nonetheless. Aside from the exquisite views, there is a beautiful park, the Naval Museum, stepping stones that depict the Odyssey by Homer and a beautiful old cemetery filled with gorgeous headstones.
There is also a man-made waterfall along the way, which sometimes gets shutoff in the late afternoon, so be sure to visit early if you want to see it. There are plenty of benches around the area so take a few minutes to revel in the Mediterranean splendor of the park. This is a great place to pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon. There is a small cafe in the area too.
Getting to the hill can be accomplished several different ways depending upon time constraints and fitness. For those who like to walk, take the steps up to the observation platform. There are 213 steps but the view is spectacular along the way. For a fee, there is also an elevator or a motorized train. The train does not really allow for any wandering, so for those who like to stroll and look on their own schedule, take the steps or the elevator or a combination of the two.
2) Place du Palais de Justice (Courthouse Square)
The charming square known as the Courthouse Square lies quietly yet prominently between the bustling pedestrian lanes and the inviting cafés of the city. Its name is derived from the Courthouse of Nice, which has stood since the early 1890s overlooking the square. Built between 1890 and 1892, this neoclassical-style edifice features an imposing façade and broad staircase that contribute significantly to the character of the space.
The surrounding setting is also noteworthy: the square is flanked by restaurant terraces and lies just a short stroll from the picturesque flower and produce market at Cours Saleya as well as the elegant shopping zone along Avenue Jean Médecin. One of the special features of the square is its Saturday market. On the first and third Saturdays of each month, you’ll find stalls selling vintage books, rare editions, art prints and postcards.
From a tourist's perspective, the square works well as a strategic “breather” between major sights. The square’s colourful pavement, coupled with the neoclassical architecture of the court building, make for a relaxed yet scenic stop.
The surrounding setting is also noteworthy: the square is flanked by restaurant terraces and lies just a short stroll from the picturesque flower and produce market at Cours Saleya as well as the elegant shopping zone along Avenue Jean Médecin. One of the special features of the square is its Saturday market. On the first and third Saturdays of each month, you’ll find stalls selling vintage books, rare editions, art prints and postcards.
From a tourist's perspective, the square works well as a strategic “breather” between major sights. The square’s colourful pavement, coupled with the neoclassical architecture of the court building, make for a relaxed yet scenic stop.
3) Cours Saleya Markets (must see)
A trip to Nice absolutely must include a stroll around the Cours Saleya Markets. This lively stretch once served as the city’s main square, but today it’s an open-air market bursting with colour, fragrance, and energy. The sights, sounds, smells, and friendly bustle make it one of the highlights of any visit.
Every Monday morning, the area transforms into an antique market where you can hunt for the perfect piece of Art Deco design or a one-of-a-kind souvenir. From Tuesday through Sunday, the market is devoted to flowers and seasonal produce. The selection changes with the time of year, but everything sold here is fresh and full of Mediterranean flavour.
If your accommodation includes a kitchen, don’t miss the fresh fish stalls — the taste of fish caught just hours before is incomparable, especially when paired with local herbs, bread, and wine.
During summer evenings, the Cours Saleya becomes a craft market. You can shop for flowers, fruit, cheese, olives, and bread in the morning, then return after sunset to browse handmade jewellery, art, and souvenirs. The surrounding cafés and restaurants make it easy to linger — the perfect way to spend a summer day in Nice.
For early birds, this market is a delight. Bring reusable bags for your purchases, along with small bills and coins — the vendors are busy and often prefer quick transactions.
Tip: Be there around noon. You’ll hear the daily cannon fired — a long-standing tradition that began with the Duke of Nizza, who used it as a reminder for his shop-loving wife to come home for lunch.
Every Monday morning, the area transforms into an antique market where you can hunt for the perfect piece of Art Deco design or a one-of-a-kind souvenir. From Tuesday through Sunday, the market is devoted to flowers and seasonal produce. The selection changes with the time of year, but everything sold here is fresh and full of Mediterranean flavour.
If your accommodation includes a kitchen, don’t miss the fresh fish stalls — the taste of fish caught just hours before is incomparable, especially when paired with local herbs, bread, and wine.
During summer evenings, the Cours Saleya becomes a craft market. You can shop for flowers, fruit, cheese, olives, and bread in the morning, then return after sunset to browse handmade jewellery, art, and souvenirs. The surrounding cafés and restaurants make it easy to linger — the perfect way to spend a summer day in Nice.
For early birds, this market is a delight. Bring reusable bags for your purchases, along with small bills and coins — the vendors are busy and often prefer quick transactions.
Tip: Be there around noon. You’ll hear the daily cannon fired — a long-standing tradition that began with the Duke of Nizza, who used it as a reminder for his shop-loving wife to come home for lunch.
4) Opera de Nice (Nice Opera House)
On a sunny day in Nice, the calm of a leisurely stroll might suddenly be broken by the traditional boom of a cannon. Almost as if in response, the forecourt of the Nice Opera House comes alive with an informal burst of live music — turning the interruption into a charming reminder of Nice’s lively spirit.
The Nice Opera House is an esteemed venue for opera, housed in a massive late-19th-century theatre. It regularly presents operas, ballets and classical concerts — a rich variety of performances that trace back to the site’s earliest theatrical use. Indeed, the original wooden theatre on the location opened in 1776.
The building you see today was reconstructed under the direction of architect François Aune, a disciple of Charles Garnier, architect of Paris’s famed opera house, after a catastrophic fire in 1881. Its style has been described variously as Belle Époque or Baroque Revival, and its grandeur is balanced by surprising intimacy.
The theatre’s layout contributes to that effect: it features multiple tiers of boxes and galleries. Visitors today are greeted by congenial tour guides and can explore a historic space that invites a happy evening out.
The Nice Opera House is an esteemed venue for opera, housed in a massive late-19th-century theatre. It regularly presents operas, ballets and classical concerts — a rich variety of performances that trace back to the site’s earliest theatrical use. Indeed, the original wooden theatre on the location opened in 1776.
The building you see today was reconstructed under the direction of architect François Aune, a disciple of Charles Garnier, architect of Paris’s famed opera house, after a catastrophic fire in 1881. Its style has been described variously as Belle Époque or Baroque Revival, and its grandeur is balanced by surprising intimacy.
The theatre’s layout contributes to that effect: it features multiple tiers of boxes and galleries. Visitors today are greeted by congenial tour guides and can explore a historic space that invites a happy evening out.
5) Promenade des Anglais (English Promenade) (must see)
In the late 1700s, English aristocrats developed a fondness for the city of Nice, spending their winters along the shore. During the harsh winter of 1820, English visitors found themselves surrounded by a wave of beggars. The solution? Build a walkway along the seashore—funded by the Anglican Church. A brilliant idea that benefited everyone.
The city leaders took the plan further, greatly expanding its scope. After Nice was annexed by France in 1860, the “Promenade Path” became known as the English Promenade. Today, locals simply call it La Prom, and it remains a favourite spot for walkers, families, skateboarders, and cyclists.
The Promenade stretches for about four miles around the Bay of Angels”. On the seaside, private and public beaches stand side by side, often crowded during summer months. Don’t be surprised if you have to share your patch of sand. Above the coastline, in the hills of Nice, former aristocratic villas have been transformed into grand hotels and museums.
Tip:
Restaurants along the seafront tend to be more expensive. For a more authentic experience, try the traditional eateries a little farther inland. One of the most vibrant stretches lies between Boulevard Gambetta and the Old Town, where you’ll find the grand Belle Époque hotels, elegant residences, and plenty to explore.
The city leaders took the plan further, greatly expanding its scope. After Nice was annexed by France in 1860, the “Promenade Path” became known as the English Promenade. Today, locals simply call it La Prom, and it remains a favourite spot for walkers, families, skateboarders, and cyclists.
The Promenade stretches for about four miles around the Bay of Angels”. On the seaside, private and public beaches stand side by side, often crowded during summer months. Don’t be surprised if you have to share your patch of sand. Above the coastline, in the hills of Nice, former aristocratic villas have been transformed into grand hotels and museums.
Tip:
Restaurants along the seafront tend to be more expensive. For a more authentic experience, try the traditional eateries a little farther inland. One of the most vibrant stretches lies between Boulevard Gambetta and the Old Town, where you’ll find the grand Belle Époque hotels, elegant residences, and plenty to explore.
6) Place Massena (Massena Square) (must see)
Masséna Square, named in the honour of André Masséna, a Marshal of France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, was designed by Joseph Vernier in 1844. It is spacious and bordered by ochre-coloured Italianate buildings, palm trees, and stone pines.
It is a popular venue for concerts, public events, and festivals. The Carnival Parade, Bastille Day celebrations, and other traditional festivities are often held here. One of the square’s most distinctive features is the Open Sky Museum — seven sculpted Buddhist figures perched on high stilts above the square. At night, they glow in shifting colours, adding a dreamlike atmosphere.
The Open Sky Museum also includes a display of blue-green “fairy” lights arranged in a kind of poetic Morse code. Opposite the lights stands “Nine Oblique Lines”, a monumental sculpture created to mark the 150th anniversary of Nice’s annexation to France. Nearby, in the Sun Fountain, the god Apollo stands proudly, watching over the city — and the city, in turn, seems to watch him.
Beside the square lies the Paillon Promenade, a lush green park lined with palms and flowering shrubs. Its Mirror Fountain features jets of water that spray in rhythmic bursts from the ground, creating reflections on a polished stone base. Children — and often adults — delight in running through the misty water clouds.
Facing the Paillon Promenade is the Albert I Garden, a public park dating back to the 1880s. Stretching from Masséna Square toward the English Promenade and Old Nice, it hosts summer festivals, including the renowned Nice Jazz Festival. With its fountains, exotic flowers, and shaded paths, it offers a calm, green retreat.
It is a popular venue for concerts, public events, and festivals. The Carnival Parade, Bastille Day celebrations, and other traditional festivities are often held here. One of the square’s most distinctive features is the Open Sky Museum — seven sculpted Buddhist figures perched on high stilts above the square. At night, they glow in shifting colours, adding a dreamlike atmosphere.
The Open Sky Museum also includes a display of blue-green “fairy” lights arranged in a kind of poetic Morse code. Opposite the lights stands “Nine Oblique Lines”, a monumental sculpture created to mark the 150th anniversary of Nice’s annexation to France. Nearby, in the Sun Fountain, the god Apollo stands proudly, watching over the city — and the city, in turn, seems to watch him.
Beside the square lies the Paillon Promenade, a lush green park lined with palms and flowering shrubs. Its Mirror Fountain features jets of water that spray in rhythmic bursts from the ground, creating reflections on a polished stone base. Children — and often adults — delight in running through the misty water clouds.
Facing the Paillon Promenade is the Albert I Garden, a public park dating back to the 1880s. Stretching from Masséna Square toward the English Promenade and Old Nice, it hosts summer festivals, including the renowned Nice Jazz Festival. With its fountains, exotic flowers, and shaded paths, it offers a calm, green retreat.
7) Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate (Saint Reparate Cathedral) (must see)
The Saint Reparate Cathedral is one of the most interesting and beautiful cathedrals in Nice. It sits on the site of a small church called Saint Mary of the Castle that dates back circa 1049. The current structure was built in the middle 17th century, and dedicated in 1699. The building is magnificent and contains 10 chapels maintained by private families, and three organs.
The name comes from a young Palestinian boy who was martyred for his Christian faith. Saint Reparate was 15 when he was beheaded and his body set adrift in a small vessel. According to legend, the boat floated up to the shores of Nice and he is now buried at the cathedral.
There have been additions over the years; the Baroque facade was added in the early 1800s. This hides the original cupola which is still there, but a bit hard to see. However, the cupola is covered in colored tiles and is beautiful standing guard over the transept.
The inside also carries on the Baroque theme with plentiful use of marble and gold. The barrel ceilings only add to the huge splendor of the cathedral which is built in the style of the Latin cross. This is definitely a must see when in Nice.
The name comes from a young Palestinian boy who was martyred for his Christian faith. Saint Reparate was 15 when he was beheaded and his body set adrift in a small vessel. According to legend, the boat floated up to the shores of Nice and he is now buried at the cathedral.
There have been additions over the years; the Baroque facade was added in the early 1800s. This hides the original cupola which is still there, but a bit hard to see. However, the cupola is covered in colored tiles and is beautiful standing guard over the transept.
The inside also carries on the Baroque theme with plentiful use of marble and gold. The barrel ceilings only add to the huge splendor of the cathedral which is built in the style of the Latin cross. This is definitely a must see when in Nice.
8) Place Rossetti (Rossetti Square)
If you’re looking for a place to spend a leisurely day simply watching the world go by, head to the famous Rossetti Square. This charming public square is reached by several winding streets of the Old Town, each leading into a lively open space centred around a beautiful Baroque-style fountain.
The surrounding buildings are centuries old, their façades slightly tilted with age, giving the square its distinctive old-world charm. Look up and you’ll often see laundry strung across balconies — a touch of everyday life that adds to the atmosphere.
While you’re here, be sure to treat yourself to a scoop of artisanal ice cream from Fenocchio, a beloved local institution. And when it’s time to sit down for a meal, take your pick from one of the inviting cafés or restaurants bordering the square. Bon appétit!
The surrounding buildings are centuries old, their façades slightly tilted with age, giving the square its distinctive old-world charm. Look up and you’ll often see laundry strung across balconies — a touch of everyday life that adds to the atmosphere.
While you’re here, be sure to treat yourself to a scoop of artisanal ice cream from Fenocchio, a beloved local institution. And when it’s time to sit down for a meal, take your pick from one of the inviting cafés or restaurants bordering the square. Bon appétit!
9) Palais Lascaris (Lascaris Palace)
Lascaris Palace was built in the 1600s for the Lascaris-Vintimille family. It is one of the best representations of how the truly wealthy lived during that time period. The palace was restored during the 1940s and then was open to the public as a museum. The spectacular Baroque building is well worth the visit especially for those who love musical instruments.
Le Groupe AXA loaned an extensive collection of period instruments to the museum. In addition, there are also paintings that depict musical instruments, and it is not unusual to be able to hear some of the instruments being played. The palace also hosts several musical events throughout the year – check the schedule.
Be sure to see the "noble floor", where much of the original grandeur has been restored. This was used as a gathering place and is very fitting for a rich, noble family. The palace has the obligatory Baroque staircase as well as beautiful murals and tapestries. There is also an apothecary on the ground floor that houses many original pieces from the 18th century and some beautiful delft pieces.
Tip: If you plan to explore several museums in Nice, consider getting the city’s multi-museum pass. It offers access to all municipal museums for a set period — from a short stay to a full week — and is a convenient way to see more while spending less.
Le Groupe AXA loaned an extensive collection of period instruments to the museum. In addition, there are also paintings that depict musical instruments, and it is not unusual to be able to hear some of the instruments being played. The palace also hosts several musical events throughout the year – check the schedule.
Be sure to see the "noble floor", where much of the original grandeur has been restored. This was used as a gathering place and is very fitting for a rich, noble family. The palace has the obligatory Baroque staircase as well as beautiful murals and tapestries. There is also an apothecary on the ground floor that houses many original pieces from the 18th century and some beautiful delft pieces.
Tip: If you plan to explore several museums in Nice, consider getting the city’s multi-museum pass. It offers access to all municipal museums for a set period — from a short stay to a full week — and is a convenient way to see more while spending less.
10) Cimetiere du Chateau (Castle Cemetery)
Being a cemetery does not make it a less interesting place to visit. Castle Cemetery sits on top of the hill at Cimiez, and has one of the most beautiful views of the city. So, visiting the cemetery is certainly not very depressing.
The cemetery was founded in 1783. Most of the graves are very ornate and there are many small chapel style gravesites made in white marble. The works of art kind of reflect the love of art that the locals have for all aspects of life. Here art is life.
Most people visit this place, though, for two famous people who are buried here. It is the final resting place of Raoul Dufy, the famous French Fauvist painter. This is also the burial spot for the internationally renowned French painter Henri Matisse, whose works are adored by millions of art lovers worldwide. You will have to look a bit for the burying site of Dufy, as it is a very simple plot to say the least. It located near the Monastery garden gate. Matisse’s grave, on the other hand, is easier to spot.
The Castle Cemetery used to also be the citadel for the city in the 16th Century. There are, in total, more than 2800 people buried here. Besides the two people already mentioned, you can find the final resting places of other famous people like Gaston Leroux, a French journalist and author of detective fiction, and Emil Jellinek-Mercedes, an entrepreneur and industrialist who commissioned the first modern automobile, the Mercedes 35 HP.
The cemetery was founded in 1783. Most of the graves are very ornate and there are many small chapel style gravesites made in white marble. The works of art kind of reflect the love of art that the locals have for all aspects of life. Here art is life.
Most people visit this place, though, for two famous people who are buried here. It is the final resting place of Raoul Dufy, the famous French Fauvist painter. This is also the burial spot for the internationally renowned French painter Henri Matisse, whose works are adored by millions of art lovers worldwide. You will have to look a bit for the burying site of Dufy, as it is a very simple plot to say the least. It located near the Monastery garden gate. Matisse’s grave, on the other hand, is easier to spot.
The Castle Cemetery used to also be the citadel for the city in the 16th Century. There are, in total, more than 2800 people buried here. Besides the two people already mentioned, you can find the final resting places of other famous people like Gaston Leroux, a French journalist and author of detective fiction, and Emil Jellinek-Mercedes, an entrepreneur and industrialist who commissioned the first modern automobile, the Mercedes 35 HP.
11) Place Garibaldi (Garibaldi Square) (must see)
Place Garibaldi, designed by architect Antoine Spinelli and completed in 1773, is one of the oldest and most distinguished squares in Nice. Conceived while the city was still under Sardinian rule, it served as the royal gateway along the route connecting Nice to Turin. Its harmonious proportions and classical layout make it a fine example of 18th-century urban design on the French Riviera.
The square is framed by elegant Baroque-style buildings, three storeys high, painted in warm shades of ochre and terracotta. Their graceful arcades and trompe-l’œil frescoes evoke both the Mediterranean light and the Italian influence of the House of Savoy. At its centre rises the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the celebrated general and native of Nice, who played a defining role in the unification of Italy. The statue, installed in 1891, shows Garibaldi standing proudly atop a pedestal adorned with coats of arms and lions.
Place Garibaldi is intersected by Jean Jaurès Boulevard, Republic Avenue, and Cassini Street, placing it at a crossroads between the old town and the modern city. Around the square stand several landmarks, including the Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, the historic Turin Café, and the National Theater of Nice, each adding to the square’s rich architectural and cultural landscape.
Beneath the southern end of the square lie traces of Nice’s layered past. An archaeological crypt, accessible from Jean Jaurès Boulevard, reveals remnants of the 16th-century fortifications — including sections of the Pairoliere Tower, the Saint Sebastian Bastion, and the Augustins Suburb. These remains remind visitors that this elegant square once stood at the heart of the city’s defensive walls.
The square is framed by elegant Baroque-style buildings, three storeys high, painted in warm shades of ochre and terracotta. Their graceful arcades and trompe-l’œil frescoes evoke both the Mediterranean light and the Italian influence of the House of Savoy. At its centre rises the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the celebrated general and native of Nice, who played a defining role in the unification of Italy. The statue, installed in 1891, shows Garibaldi standing proudly atop a pedestal adorned with coats of arms and lions.
Place Garibaldi is intersected by Jean Jaurès Boulevard, Republic Avenue, and Cassini Street, placing it at a crossroads between the old town and the modern city. Around the square stand several landmarks, including the Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, the historic Turin Café, and the National Theater of Nice, each adding to the square’s rich architectural and cultural landscape.
Beneath the southern end of the square lie traces of Nice’s layered past. An archaeological crypt, accessible from Jean Jaurès Boulevard, reveals remnants of the 16th-century fortifications — including sections of the Pairoliere Tower, the Saint Sebastian Bastion, and the Augustins Suburb. These remains remind visitors that this elegant square once stood at the heart of the city’s defensive walls.
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