Vieux Nice: The City’s Historic Soul
Your introduction to Nice begins in Vieux Nice, the oldest and most atmospheric part of the city.
Wander through a maze of narrow lanes where ochre buildings glow under the Riviera sun and balconies overflow with green shutters and laundry lines swaying in the breeze.
Your guide will point out hidden chapels, tiny delis selling Niçoise specialties, and local artisans whose families have been here for generations. The scent of warm socca (chickpea pancake) drifts through the air, a perfect mid-morning tasting if you’d like to try it.
Cours Saleya Market
A short stroll brings you to Cours Saleya, Nice’s famous outdoor market.
Here, blooms spill over colourful stalls, farmers display seasonal produce, and the hum of local life fills the air.
Your guide can introduce you to regional favourites:
- Nice olives & tapenade
- Fragrant herbs from the backcountry
- Handmade pastries
- Local jams, cheeses, and candied fruits
Castle Hill (Colline du Château): The Best View in Nice
Next, your driver whisks you up to Castle Hill, a leafy lookout perched above the Old Town.
From here, Nice stretches out beneath you in a dramatic sweep, the curve of the Baie des Anges, red rooftops tumbling toward the sea, and the Alps rising in the distance.
Your guide will recount the story of the fortress that once stood here and point out the best angles for panoramic photos.
Promenade des Anglais
Driving down from Castle Hill, you join the legendary Promenade des Anglais.
This palm-lined seafront road has hosted royalty, artists, and wintering aristocrats since the 19th century.
Your guide reveals the stories behind its grand hotels, including the pink-domed Negresco, and shares anecdotes about the English visitors who gave the promenade its name.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral
One of Nice’s most unexpected landmarks is the breathtaking St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built for the Imperial Russian community in the early 1900s.
With its onion-shaped domes, brilliant colours, and ornate iconography, the cathedral feels transported from another world.
Your guide provides insight into the Russian aristocrats who once treated Nice as their winter capital.
Private Visit to the Musée Matisse
The last destination on our day trip takes place on Cimiez Hill, one of Nice’s most elegant residential districts, where your private driver-guide brings you to the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the life and work of Henri Matisse.
Set within a 17th-century Genoese villa surrounded by olive groves and manicured gardens, the museum offers a beautifully intimate look at the artist’s evolution.
Your guide leads you through the collection, from early sketches and bold Fauvist canvases to cut-outs, sculptures, and personal objects that reveal Matisse’s creative process.
The museum’s airy rooms and sunlit terraces echo the Mediterranean light that inspired so much of his work. With a private guide beside you, you’ll gain insight into the themes, colours, and techniques that shaped Matisse’s artistic revolution, making this visit a thoughtfully curated highlight of your day in Nice.
Optional VIP Extras For Your Nice Tour
- Private yacht cruise along the Nice coastline
- Hands-on cooking class featuring Niçoise cuisine
- Professional photography session in Vieux Nice
- Perfume creation workshop in nearby Èze
- Wine tasting focused on Provence & Bellet wines
FAQs for the Best of Nice Day Trip
1. How In-Depth Is the Private Visit to the Musée Matisse?
Your guide provides an enriching, personalised exploration of Matisse’s works, sketches, sculptures, cut-outs, and personal objects that illuminate his artistic evolution.
2. Can This Tour Begin in Cannes, Monaco, or Èze Instead of Nice?
Yes. Private pick-up from Cannes, Monaco, and Èze is available, with the itinerary adjusted to ensure a full, seamless day in Nice.
3. Will There Be Time for Shopping or Artisan Browsing in Vieux Nice?
Absolutely. Vieux Nice is a treasure trove of local crafts, handmade soaps, delicacies, and boutique items. Your guide recommends the finest establishments.
4. Can You Arrange a Private Cooking Class During the Tour?
Yes. We can integrate a hands-on culinary session featuring traditional dishes, ideal for food lovers seeking a deeper cultural experience.
5. Can You Arrange a Private Yacht Cruise Along the Nice Coastline?
Certainly. A yacht or speedboat cruise can be added for a scenic hour on the Mediterranean, ideal before or after the main touring elements.
6. How Far in Advance Should I Reserve the Optional VIP Experiences Like Yacht Cruises or Cooking Classes?
We recommend booking 1–3 weeks in advance, as premium Riviera experiences fill quickly, especially in summer.
