Experience Nice: From the Old Town to hidden gems and unforgettable sights

Nice not only impresses with its well-known sights, but also surprises with genuine insider tips that open up new perspectives off the beaten track. These special places and experiences invite you to discover the Côte d’Azur in unexpected, authentic ways – from cultural gems to sustainable nature projects.

• Fondation Maeght – An art paradise in the hills: Just 25 kilometres from Nice, in picturesque Saint-Paul-de-Vence, lies the Fondation Maeght, an absolute gem for art lovers. This private art museum, founded in 1964 by Marguerite and Aimé Maeght, is a total work of art that blends modern art with the Mediterranean landscape. Stroll through the sculpture garden, where works by Joan Miró, Alexander Calder and Alberto Giacometti gleam beneath the pine trees and in the sunlight. Tip: It’s best to allow around 1½ hours for your visit. A break at the charming Café F, surrounded by furniture designed by the artist Diego Giacometti, rounds off the experience in style.

• Casa des Madeleines – A sustainable paradise in the hinterland: Deep in the hinterland of Nice, nestled in the rolling hills of Saint-Jeannet, lies the Casa des Madeleines, a farm-school that lives in harmony with nature. On the edge of a woodland, bordered by a babbling brook, this sun-drenched land is sheltered by the surrounding natural environment. For over 20 years, work here has been carried out in synergy with the ecosystem, always respecting its life cycle and driven by a passion for permaculture. The organic vegetable garden takes centre stage, surrounded by natural beehives. Chickens contribute to the compost cycle, promoting soil regeneration and the balance of the ecosystem. La Casa des Madeleines is more than just a farm – it is a place of discovery and experience, where visitors can learn about the principles of permaculture in a truly inspiring way.

• Rue Droite – The creative heartbeat of the Old Town: Rue Droite in Vieux Nice is an alleyway often overlooked by tourists but which attracts artists and creative types. Here, small galleries, studios and hidden cafés line the street, exuding an authentic, unpolished atmosphere. Visit the tiny art shops where local artists display their work, or pop into a small bistro where locals chat over an espresso.

• Plage Mala – A hidden paradise near Cap d’Ail: Plage Mala is considered one of the most beautiful, yet least well-known, beaches on the Côte d’Azur. Nestled in a rocky cove near Cap d’Ail, surrounded by pine trees and turquoise waters, the beach offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling stretches of coastline near Nice or Monaco.