Best places to take great photos in Nice, France
The French Riviera or the Cote d'Azur is perhaps the most famous region of France, stretching across the western Mediterranean coast from Toulon to Monaco until the Italian border. The largest city on the French Riviera is Nice. If Paris is the northern capital of France, then Nice is its southern capital. This city has many tourist attractions, interesting places to visit and great spots to take photos. Here is the list of the best places to take beautiful photos in Nice according to our insider's information.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (French: La Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas) is an Orthodox church located in Nice, near Tsarevich Boulevard, on Avenue Nicolas II. This is one of the most famous attractions in Nice. In addition, the Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. The history of the Cathedral began in 1867. Two years earlier, the son of Emperor Alexander died in Nice. In honor of him, the emperor decided to build a magnificent cathedral. The construction cost 140,000 francs, and half of this amount was paid by the emperor. The first version of the church was small and later the building was significantly expanded. The Russian Cathedral was built from brown German brick, like Moscow churches of the XVII century. It is decorated with local materials such as pink granite and blue ceramic tiles. The height of the church is 50 meters and it can accommodate up to 625 people inside.
Castle’s Hill
Castle’s Hill is the place from where opens probably the most beautiful view of Nice. Its height is 92 meters. Despite its name, there is no castle on the hill. Until the beginning of the XVIII century, the castle fortress was really located here, after surviving in many battles. During the war in 1706, the castle was completely destroyed. For many years, there were only ruins on the top of the hill. Finally, in 1930, the King of Sardinia Carl Felix ordered the construction of a beautiful park on the hill. Later, it became a favorite place for residents of Nice and guests of the city. Today this place is a must-visit in Nice. The top of the hill offers a great view of Nice and the Promenade. From the viewing platform, you can see the whole Baie des Anges and the 6-kilometer long beach. Indeed, this is a place where you can take stunning photos of the Cote d'Azur coastline.
Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais is one of the most famous attractions not only in Nice but throughout France. This is a favorite place for many tourists and locals. The boulevard has a length of almost six kilometers and stretches along the Bay of Angels from the city airport to the port of Nice. The embankment got its name in honor of the British people who came here. In fact, in the 19th century, many English aristocrats came on vacation in the south of France. Therefore, in 1844, the city authorities made repairs and renamed the embankment to Promenade des Anglais. Today Promenade des Anglais is the main street of Nice, where various festivals, carnivals, and shows are constantly held. Also, there are located the legendary Hotel Negresco, Hotel Le Meridien, Casino de la Mediteranée, Massena Museum, and other famous buildings.
Nice Old Town
Old Town (Vieux Nice) is the heart of Nice, which consists of several quarters with picturesque streets. The most famous place of Vieux Nice is Cours Saleyia Square, which is a flower and flea market. Nearby is situated the Opera House building, created by the architect Francois Ayune in 1885. Also, there is Pierre Gaultier Square, famous for the Palace of the Prefecture. Houses on the streets of the old city are built in the style of the Renaissance and Classicism. They are beautifully decorated and are a great backdrop for the best Instagram shots.
Cours Saleya Market
Cours Saleya is the main pedestrian street in Nice. It separates the Old Town from the south side of the sea. Kur-Saleya was created in the XVII century. Since 1861, the Flower Market is open here from Tuesday to Saturday. The market at Cours Saleya is one of the hundred most picturesque markets in France. Here you can buy traditional souvenirs of Nice and Provence. Get yourself some perfumes, soap, spices, lavender, and other local specialities. In the evening, restaurant tables fill the entire street. Here you can taste the traditional French dishes, as well as fresh seafood accompanied by cool rose wine. On Mondays, a flea market where antiques are sold is open on the Cours Saleya. These days, you can find many interesting things there.
The Port of Nice
The Port of Nice is a kind of exhibition of luxurious modern yachts, boats and expensive exclusive cars. It also has many historic buildings, as well as an incredibly beautiful and picturesque park. One of the most beautiful places in the Port of Nice is the church called Notre Dame du Port. Cozy houses, colorful boats, and beautiful views really make this place an ideal photo spot.
Hotel Negresco
Grand Hotel Negresco is the most famous hotel in Nice and the entire Cote d'Azur. Its construction began in 1910 and lasted 3 years. The creation of the hotel cost 3 million gold francs. Inside the hotel, you should definitely see the dome created by Gustave Eiffel, which is a magnificent crystal chandelier of two meters in diameter. Also, in Negresco hotel is situated the world's largest carpet with an area of 400 square meters. This unique hotel was founded over 100 years ago by Henri Negresco and his associates. Celebrities such as Hemingway, Marlene Dietrich, Coco Chanel, and others were often guests of this hotel. Later, during the war, it housed a hospital for soldiers. The second life of the hotel began in 1957 when the Ogier family became its owner. Every corner here is created by Mrs. Ogier. This family made the hotel a real work of art.
Every corner here is created by Mrs. Ogier.
In fact, there are no two identical rooms in Negresco. She personally searched all over the world for furniture, antique paintings, sculptures, and other decorative elements. Today, this magnificent hotel looks like a museum and is one of the symbols of Nice.
Cimiez Monastery
The Cimiez Monastery is situated on the hill and includes 3 attractions: a museum, a garden, and a chapel. The Franciscan Museum has a collection of historical documents, paintings, prints and other cultural heritage of the monastery. The chapel was built in 1450 by the Benedictines and here you can see three outstanding works of Louis Brea. The monastery garden, founded in the 16th century, offers a beautiful view of Nice and Castle Hill. In summer, chamber music concerts regularly take place here.
Le Plongeoir restaurant
The next point on our list of the best photo places in Nice is the restaurant Le Plongeoir. It is located on top of a cliff and has breathtaking views of the promenade and the French Riviera. Le Plongeoir offers traditional French and Mediterranean cuisine. The Lounge Bar is open every day from 16:00 until 00:00. The restaurant Le Plongeoir is open from 18:30 to 22:30 for dinner.
Place Massena
Place Massena is the central square of Nice. It is named after the talented marshal of the French army, Andre Massena, a friend of Napoleon. The main decoration of the square is the fountain "Sun" with beautiful bronze sculptures of ancient gods. Also on the square, there are 7 figures made of white rubber. They were created by the Catalan sculptor Jaume Plensa and they symbolize seven continents. Along the perimeter of the square are beautiful buildings in the Genoese style. Place Massena is an important attraction of the city and one of the main venues of the Carnival of Nice.
