More than 40 districts (“quartiers“) have developed around the old ramparts that once marked the boundary of the Old Town of Nice. Most of its “cantons” (canton denotes an administrative area) are very diverse, offering visitors a magnificent setting and a healthy environment by the Med. This rich heritage makes Nice the second most popular tourist destination in France after Paris!
Here are the five most popular districts of this capital of the Côte d’Azur!
1/ Old Nice – a medieval village in the city!
The district is the liveliest in the city and the most popular. Whatever you wish for on your holiday, you’ll find it here, both in the daytime and in the evening!
By day, it’s a paradise for fans of shopping; there are no fewer than 600 shops in the old streets, which are open all the year round, offering local products that are typical of the region, such as olives, spices, clothing, jewellery, jams and more.
While you’re strolling around, you can’t fail to notice the wonderful aromas! Old Nice is also the ideal place to find some local specialities!
If you’d like to find out more about the local specialities, take a look here
At night, Old Nice is the place where all the locals gather to celebrate the weekend! You’ll find a wide range of bars – Irish, South American, Niçois, etc.
2/ Le Carré d’or (Golden Square) – 3 different atmospheres in the same district.
The Carré d’or (Golden Square), as its name suggests, is the city’s most upmarket district. The attraction of this canton, which dates from the Belle Epoque period, is its blend of shopping areas, residential sectors and touristic areas.
You’ll find a residential area on the north side, near the Avenue Victor Hugo (see our rental properties nearby) and a touristic and shopping area in the Rue Masséna – a pedestrianised zone with restaurants and bars. The good news is that you’ll be a just a few steps away from the Promenade des Anglais!
3/ Libération – a brand new district that has become fashionable!
This rapidly developing district is becoming the main hub of the city. It is served by the tram and is just three stations away from the Place Massena. This is a lively area, with shops and restaurants, especially since, recently, the city has renovated the iconic Gare du Sud railway station, with its imposing glass roof inspired by the work of Gustave Eiffel. This glass building features more than 3,500 m2 of shops and restaurants, and a gigantic cinema … In addition to the lively residential area, you’ll be able to stroll around the large open-air market, with its displays of fresh produce that will delight your taste buds!
4/ Fabron – an ideal residential area for exploring the surrounding countryside
This canton is much quieter than the places mentioned above. However, it’s perfect for a family holiday. If you like travelling around and visiting new places, you’ll be ideally located for the motorway, with an opportunity to make a detour to Cannes or Monaco (by car or by train via the Saint-Augustin station). The Var Valley is also nearby, so you can enjoy excursions in the local countryside. Choose from ski resorts and authentic medieval villages in the region!
This district is located on the Fabron hill and offers a panoramic view of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea!
5/ The port and its traditional fishing boats (“pointus“)
We have already sung the praises of the Port of Nice in other articles, but we can’t resist telling you about it again!
This district is an invitation to stroll around, taste some delicious food and enjoy the “dolce vita“! It’s an area that is increasingly frequented by locals, who enjoy the peace and quiet there. You can admire the “pointus” (traditional fishing boats) and the beautiful sunrises.
This district also has a party atmosphere – in fact, many bars have opened in recent years, which will appeal to night owls! ENJOY!
See also > Tour of Nice – Nice’s not-to-be-missed districts!