Old Town in Nice, or “Vieux Nice,” is the city’s historic heart, dating back to the Greek and Roman eras. Originally a Ligurian settlement called Nikaia (founded around 350 BC), the area evolved under Greek and later Roman influence, with its strategic Mediterranean location contributing to its growth and importance.
By the Middle Ages, Old Town had developed into a fortified city under the rule of the Counts of Provence and later the Duchy of Savoy. The region’s prime location attracted commerce and military interest, resulting in a blend of cultural and architectural influences from Italian, French, and Mediterranean styles.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Nice thrived as a trading port, with Old Town serving as a bustling center of markets, artisans, and local life. The Baroque architecture that still defines much of Old Town’s character, such as the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate and the Palais Lascaris, emerged during this period, embodying the elegance of the era.
Today, Vieux Nice is a vibrant neighborhood full of narrow cobbled streets, colorful facades, and daily markets. The Cours Saleya market and local shops carry on Old Town’s historic role as a gathering place, blending its ancient heritage with modern-day life and culture.
