Begin at Place Masséna, Nice's grand central square, recognizable for its distinctive red façades, checkerboard paving, and contemporary public art installations. Continue to Cours Saleya, one of the city's most vibrant markets, where vendors sell flowers, produce, local foods, and regional specialties. The flower and food stalls are closed on Mondays while the space is taken over by a large antiques and flea market.

While exploring the market area, sample traditional Niçoise specialties such as:

• socca (crispy chickpea pancake)
• pan bagnat (sandwich inspired by Salade Niçoise)
• pissaladière (savory onion and anchovy tart)
• tourte de blettes (sweet-and-savory Swiss chard pastry)

Continue into Vieux Nice (Old Town), a maze of narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, cafés, and boutiques. Visit the Palais Lascaris, a lavish aristocratic residence known for its ornate interiors and historical musical instruments collection, and the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice, the city's Baroque cathedral.

Requirements for respectful/modest attire apply at churches, synagogues, and other religious sites. Visitors should avoid disrupting religious observances and remain mindful of posted customs.

Browse artisan shops throughout Vieux Nice for Provençal textiles, hand-painted ceramics, olive-wood crafts, local olive oils, and Riviera perfumes.

Optional add-on: Participate in a perfume workshop at Molinard Nice to create a personalized fragrance while learning about the perfume traditions of the French Riviera.

Walk part or all of the Promenade des Anglais, the iconic seaside boulevard stretching along the Bay of Angels. Relax on one of the city's pebble beaches and enjoy views across the Mediterranean Sea.

Optional add-on: Visit Hôtel Negresco, a celebrated example of Belle Époque architecture.

Explore Colline du Château, or Castle Hill, a park occupying the site of Nice's former citadel. Wander its pathways and viewpoints before enjoying sunset from one of the city's most spectacular panoramas overlooking the Old Town, Promenade des Anglais, Port Lympia, and the Mediterranean coastline.

Spend the evening at Port Lympia, the city's historic harbor. Enjoy waterfront dining and drinks while watching boats come and go beneath the illuminated hillsides. Sample classic Niçoise cuisine such as Salade Niçoise (salad of tuna, egg, tomato, green beans, and olives) and fresh Mediterranean seafood.

Visit Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, one of the largest Russian Orthodox cathedrals outside Russia. Its colorful onion domes and richly decorated interior reflect the city's historical popularity among Russian aristocrats and winter visitors.

Requirements for respectful/modest attire apply at churches, synagogues, and other religious sites. Visitors should avoid disrupting religious observances and remain mindful of posted customs.

Continue to the Musée national Marc Chagall, home to one of the world's largest collections of works by Chagall, including his celebrated Biblical Message series.

Visit the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the life and work of Henri Matisse, who spent much of his career on the French Riviera. The museum traces the evolution of his artistic style through paintings, drawings, sculptures, and personal artifacts.

Afterward, explore the Cimiez district, historically favored by aristocrats during the winter. Visit Monastère de Cimiez, where peaceful terraces, rose gardens, and olive groves provide panoramic views over Nice.

Optional add-on: Head to the Musée d'Archéologie de Nice / Cimiez to wander through open-air Roman ruins including a bath complex, streets, and an amphitheater.

Return to the city center for dinner and drinks around Place Masséna, where lively cafés, restaurants, and illuminated buildings create a vibrant evening atmosphere.

Optional add-on: Take an evening cruise departing from Port Lympia for views of the Riviera coastline from the water.