Nice or Russia? Visit Saint-Nicolas Cathedral

For many years, the imperial family of Russia used to come and spend some quality time on the Côte d'Azur, and in Nice in particular. So at 6 rue Longchamp, a Russian church was built so that the community could continue to live out its faith, thousands of miles from home.

In the mid-19th century, Tsar Alexander II's son, Tsarevich Nicholas, died in the former grounds of the Villa Bermond, the family residence. A few decades later, the construction of St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral was launched on the same site, an impressive tribute to say the least.

Inspired by the style of Moscow churches, the cathedral's decoration is typical of the Belle Époque. On the outside, the façade is topped by 14 bell towers and the famous bulbs typical of Russian churches, which are the symbols of Christ and the Evangelists. The orange terracotta, white limestone, blue majolica, marble and gilding stand out in the landscape of this residential area of Nice.

At 52 metres high, St Nicholas Cathedral remains one of the largest Orthodox buildings outside Russia. It is the pride of expatriates and the delight of visitors, several hundred thousand of whom visit the cathedral every year.

The interior of the Russian cathedral is decorated with numerous frescoes and woodwork with floral motifs. Like other buildings in the country, the interior is very well kept, but often very small! The icons are omnipresent, between the brightly coloured walls and the light shining through the stained-glass windows, in stark contrast to the Catholic cathedrals that are more common in France.

So don't just stand in the park and look at the amazing architecture, come and visit (with your shoulders covered) this place with an international history. Now listed as a historic monument, Saint-Nicolas Orthodox Cathedral, designed by Mikhaïl Préobrajenski, is a must for any successful visit to Nice!

Located in the residential district of Le Piol, the former grounds of the Villa Bermond are now a place of homage open to the public, and also house the chapel of Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich. Built on the exact site of the room he occupied in the previously demolished Bermond house, the memorial building is also decorated with gilding and icons.

Continue your journey around the world from Nice with a visit to D'ART BNET'S and discover the flavours of the Orient. This restaurant, run by four sisters, offers traditional Oriental dishes such as couscous, tajine and bricks, as well as a brunch inspired by the Orient! For a very affordable price, you can enjoy Berber crepes and msemen between two bites of scrambled eggs. A perfect culinary trip for leaving or returning from your getaway to Russia!

📍 Address: 6 Rue des Combattants en Afrique du Nord, 06000 Nice

⏰ O pening times: 10am - 3pm / 7pm - 10pm Tuesday to Friday / 10am - 10pm Saturday / 10am - 3pm Sunday

For a total immersion in Russian culture and to follow in the footsteps of the community that used to regularly set up camp here, there are a few places to visit in Nice.

At the Roi Alexandre restaurant, it's a culinary escapade a stone's throw from the Promenade des Anglais, offering pelmenis, olive salad and pirog à la carte.

📍 Address: 38 Rue de France, 06000 Nice

⏰ O pening times: 12pm - 3pm / 7pm - 10pm Tuesday to Sunday, except Saturday lunchtimes

For a little snack or something to make at home, the Gastronomie Russe supermarket offers a wide selection of groceries, drinks, fresh produce... with one thing in common: Russia!

📍 Address: 6 Boulevard Gambetta, 06000 Nice

⏰ O pening times: 10am - 10pm except Sunday

⏰ Opening times

Monday to Friday: 10 am to 6 pm

Saturday: 10am to 5pm

Sunday: from 12.00 to 14.00

Please note Access is closed during celebrations, generally between 12 noon and 2pm.

👛 Admission

Admission to the cathedral is free for all.

Guided tours are available for a fee by making an appointment at the following email address: visites.cathedrale.nice@gmail.com

🚌 How do I get there?

By tram: Alsace-Lorraine or Gare Thiers stop

By bus: Lines 8, 11 or 23 - Tzaréwitch or Thiers Gambetta stop

By car: if you're lucky, you'll be able to park in one of the free spaces nearby. If not, head for the Gare Nice Thiers car park.