La Vieille Ville

Nice is a large city whose population of 400,000 has carpeted the land with apartments and condominiums bounded only by the ocean and the surrounding hills. On the other side of the River Paillon is the old quarter of Nice, La Vieille Ville, full of character and ambiance. Narrow alleys wind through this district of cobbled streets shaded by towering buildings. The district is colored with flowerboxes and upward glimpses of sky are crisscrossed by banners of laundry. The flower market is very picturesque—a display of color all day and every day on the Cours Saleya, except on Mondays when a flea market of antiques and collectibles invades its space. A bountiful fish market is set out every morning (except Mondays) on the Place Saint François. From the Cours Saleya it is possible to climb the hill, known as the Château (by stairs, a lift, or by strolling up the Rue Ségurane), to some spectacular views of the Baie des Anges. “Château” refers to the château that last stood between the harbor and the old town some 300 years ago. The harbor with its colorful mix of fishing boats and neighboring yachts is fun to explore.