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This is one of the most picturesque and widely visited parts of the city.
This itinerary is best followed to foot to appreciate the Baroque style of the old town.
Itinerary map in acrobat format (PDF)
1 Les BOUTIQUES de la RUE SAINT FRANÇOIS de PAULE
Rue Saint François de Paule
In this relatively recent street of old Nice, you will find various provençale-style boutiques.
2 L'OPERA
Rue Saint François de Paule
Built in 1885 by the niçois architect François Aune as an imitation of the Palais Garnier in Paris, this is one of the most decorative French theatres, due its seafront façade, its ceremonial staircase and painted ceiling.
3 ÉGLISE SAINT FRANÇOIS de PAULE
Rue Saint François de Paule
This 18th century church materialises the transition between Baroque and neoclassicism with its austere façade.
4 PALAIS SAINT SAUVEUR
Rue Saint François de Paule
A plaque commemorates the passage of General Bonaparte, Commander in chief of the Italian army.
5 PALAIS de la PRÉFECTURE
Place Pierre Gautier
The Préfecture has been located here since 1860.
The façade features windows with columns and there is a splendid gallery lit by painted windows. .
6 CHAPELLE de la MISÉRICORDE
Cours Saleya
This chapel belongs to the "Penitents noirs" (fellowship).
7 PALAIS ANNIBAL GRIMALDI
Cours Saleya
The façade has been renovated and painted with "trompe–l'oeil", with balconies of the 19th century.
8 ANCIEN HOPITAL SAINT–ROCH
3 rue Charles Félix
9 MAISON CAIS de PIERLAS
At the foot of the castle hill.
This property, dating from 17th century, was the home of Henri Matisse from 1921 to 1938.
10 ADAM and EVE
They are represented on the low-relief of this building 8 rue de la Poissonnerie.
11 CHAPELLE SAINT SUAIRE SAINTE TRINITÉ
Rue Jules Gilly
This chapel belongs to the "pénitents rouges". It was partially restored in 1763.
12 LA COLLINE du CHÂTEAU
There are various possibilities for reaching the top of the hill : by foot through the streets of the old town (montée du Château, montée Monica Rondelly) or by taking the lift
(Place du 8 Mai 1945 at the end of Rue des Ponchettes. The hill is covered by a shady park full of Mediterranean essences, with an ornamental waterfall, and offers an exceptional panorama over Nice and its surroundings. Little remains of the old fortress except the relics of the Cathédrale Santa Maria de l'Assompta.
13 FORMER SÉNAT BUILDING
Rue Jules Gilly
Built in 1614 and no longer used after 1848, the building now houses a night hostel run by the social services.
14 La TRAPPA
Angle rue Gilly–Malonat
Founded in 1866, this house was a meeting place for "cuisine niçoise" enthusiasts.
15 LAVOIR PUBLIC
Rue de l'ancien sénat
This was the last public wash-house in old Nice.
17 ÉGLISE du JESUS
Rue Droite
Built in 1607, this was the first parish founded in the old town. The Baroque influence is very present with a heavy decoration in false marble, stucco, angels and medallions.
18 PALAIS LASCARIS
Rue Droite
This is the only Baroque Palace open to the public as a museum. The opulent decoration of the facade, the impressive gate and the magnificent stairway are to be admired.
19 CHAPELLE SAINTE CROIX
Rue Saint Joseph
Since 1764, this chapel is home to the "penitents blancs". Closed to the public
20 CHAPELLE de la VISITATION
Situated at the foot of the staircase leading to the castle hill (montée Monica Rondelly) Dating from 1609, the chapel features a "trompe–l'œil" decoration.
21 PALAIS COMMUNAL
Place Saint François
This is one of the rare public Baroque buildings in the old town, today it houses the labour exchange..
22 ÉGLISE SAINT MARTIN, SAINT AUGUSTIN
At the end of rue du Choeur
This 16th century church features false marble, decorated arches and paintings.
23 PLACE GARIBALDI
Dating from the 18th century, this elegant square was the first extension of the old town toawrds the new. Renovated on several occasions, the building facades are now ochre-coloured with green shutters. In the centre of the roundabout - once a gathering place for festivities - stand a statute of Giuseppe Garibaldi, born in Nice in 1807.
24 CHAPELLE du SAINT SÉPULCRE
On one side of the Place Garibaldi
Also referred to as the "chapelle des pénitents bleus".
25 PLACE ROSSETTI
An Italian atmosphere reigns in this square with ochre-coloured facades, balconies with flowers, the fountain, the Baroque Cathedral, and the café terraces.
26 CATHÉDRALE SAINTE RÉPARATE
Place Rossetti
The cathedral dates from 1650 and has been restored on various occasions. On its 250th anniversary, it was named basilica.
27 ÉGLISE de l'ANNONCIATION dite de SAINTE RITA
Rue de la préfecture
The austere exterior is in contrast with the rich interior decoration.
28 PALAIS du COMTE de CESSOLE
Rue de la préfecture
A surprising gateway.
29 PLACE du PALAIS
The square was renovated "à l'italienne" in 1989, it is now a pedestrian area with ornamental fountains.
30 TOUR de l'HORLOGE
This 18th ecntury clock tower was built on the ruins of a former Franciscan monastery bell tower.
31 PALAIS de JUSTICE
This neoclassical style building has recovered its original facade due to a renovation programme of public buildings designed by the city planning service.
32 PALAIS HERAUD
Rue Alexandre Mari
Inside, a splendi Baroque staircase.
33 PALAIS CORVESI
Rue de la Terrasse
One of the most impressive staircases of old Nice with decorated arches and ceilings. The building is used as a city hall annexe since 1937.