Let's talk about Vieux Nice for a minute. Spending time here was one of my favorite parts of being in Nice. I start out at Place Massena and walking through the narrow honeycombed roads lined with beautiful baroque churches, palaces turned musuems, markets, restaurants and shops - that is Vieux Nice. When you ask locals what Nice neighborhoods to explore, Vieux Nice is at the top of the list and I could not agree more. I spent a portion of everyday I was in Nice here eating, exploring, sightseeing and generally having a merry time.
During my visit, I started compiling a list of what to see, do and eat in Vieux Nice based on my experience (and conversations with locals).
1. Visit Cours Saleya. This flower market is popular with locals and tourist. It is open seven days a week. It is mainly a flower market, with sprinkles of fruit stalls, food stalls and my favorite - tea and spice stall. No visit to Nice or Vieux Nice is complete without checking out Cours Saleya. The market is closed on Mondays. Address: 06300 Nice, France.
2. Visit the Palace Square on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the Month. Just outside the Palais de Justice, there is a weekend market. You can pick up antiques, original works of arts, clothing and jewelry and rare edition book. There are a few home goods and souvenir stalls as well. This market is only open on the first and third saturday of the month. It is about 50 feet from Cours Saleya. Address: Place du Palais de Justice, 06300 - Nice
3. Visit Eglise Saint-Jacques-Le Majeur. Vieux Nice has got a number of Baroque churches that should be on your travel itinerary. I love all of them but if I had to rank, the Eglise Saint-Jacques on Rue de Jesus will be at the top of that list. Address: Rue du Jesus, 06300 Nice, France.
4. Visit Chapelle De La Misericorde. While you are at Cours Saleya, stop by Chapelle de la misericorde. I love the simple elegance of this building. If it is open, make sure to take a tour. The interior is beautiful. Address: Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice, France.
5. Visit Cathedrale Sainte Reparate. This is one of the oldest (if not, the oldest) catherale in Nice. Don't let the simple exterior full you - the interior is spectacular and worth your while if you are into baroque. It is closed on Mondays. Address: 3 Place Rossetti, Vieux Nice, 06300 Nice, France.
6. Visit Eglise Sainte-Rita. Don't miss a thing in Vieux Nice. Add this to your itinerary. Similar to the other churches on this list - let the Baroque inspire you. It is simply spectacular. Address: 1, Rue de la Poissonnerie, 06359, Nice, France.
7. Visit Palais Lascaris. Located in the heart of Vieux Nice and minutes from Eglise Saint-Jacques-Le Majeur. This palace turned museum transports you back to what Vieux Nice used to be like. The palace has been restored to its original glory and cannot be missed if you are in Nice. Entry to museum cost 10 Euros (or you can pick up the 7 day access to all municipal museums and galleries for 20 euros). Closed on Tuesdays. Address: 15 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice, France.
8. Eat Socca. You will find numerous socca stands in Vieux Nice, but the one I will recommend (and locals have recommended) are Chez Therese at Cours Saleya every morning. You can also visit her restaurant at 28, Rue Droite, Nice.
8. Eat Moules Frites. Moule Frites is another Nice delicacy that cannot be missed. You can get it at most restaurants in the area. At the top of every locals' list is Moule Frites at Lou Pilha Leva.
9. Have a meal at Emilie's Cookies. Located just feets away from Palais de Justice. I love the coffee shop atmosphere of this place. It is best know for its awesome bagels and several locals recommend the salmon-avo-cream cheese, however, my personal favorite is the poulet et tomate (chicken and tomato) scone and the coffee is pretty great too. Address: 1 Rue de la prefecture, 06300 Nice, France.
10. Pick Up Pastries from J. Multari. After exploring the churches, markets and museums, reward yourself with a sweet treat from J.Multari. Get an eclair or tarte - get something from J. Multari, its all really good. Address: 8, Boulevard Jean Jaures Nice.
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