From the Russian Cathedral to Nice’s Old Port

Why go

This walk suits a first visit that mixes distinctive buildings with the sea and the lanes of Old Nice. Start at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, then head toward the waterfront for a stretch of the Promenade des Anglais and a view of Le Negresco’s pink dome. Place Masséna leads naturally into the tighter streets around Place Rossetti and Nice Cathedral. The square is an easy pause; spend more time inside the cathedral if it is open. Continue through Place Garibaldi to the port. The stops are close enough to take at a relaxed pace, though the route still involves several kilometres on foot.

The route, stop by stop

World itinerary estimate: 200–335 min

1. 01

   Main stop · 30–45 min

   Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

   See a Russian Orthodox landmark in Nice, with a Moscow-inspired exterior and icons inside when the cathedral is open to visitors.

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2. Walk · 29 min · Estimated

   02

   Main stop · 30–35 min

   Promenade des Anglais

   Walk Nice’s palm-lined seafront and pause at the blue chairs for the broad curve of the Baie des Anges and waterfront architecture.

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3. Walk · 19 min · Estimated

   03

   Optional · 15–20 min

   Le Negresco

   Pause on the Promenade des Anglais for the pink dome and listed façade of this historic hotel; its public view is the main draw for a casual visitor.

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4. Walk · 19 min · Estimated

   04

   Main stop · 25–25 min

   Place Masséna

   Cross Nice’s central square for its red façades, black-and-white paving and Sun Fountain, then continue toward old town or the sea.

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5. Walk · 9 min · Estimated

   05

   Optional · 15–20 min

   Place Rossetti

   Enter this compact pedestrian square in Old Nice for ochre façades, café terraces and the cathedral rising above its central fountain.

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6. Walk · 2 min · Estimated

   06

   Main stop · 30–35 min

   Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate

   Step from Place Rossetti into Nice’s cathedral to compare its Baroque chapels with the busy old-town square and its café terraces outside.

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7. Walk · 10 min · Estimated

   07

   Main stop · 25–25 min

   Place Garibaldi

   See Nice’s Italianate side in a broad square of ochre arcades, centered on the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi and lined with civic history.

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8. Walk · 8 min · Estimated

   08

   Main stop · 30–40 min

   Port de Nice

   Walk the public quays of Port Lympia for traditional pointu boats, colored façades and a different waterfront from the Baie des Anges.

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