Why do you absolutely have to go to Nice's Place Masséna?

Installed along the entire length of the tramway track that crosses the Place Masséna, seven perched statues stand out. At around ten metres high, the various parts of Conversations à Nice are a metaphor for the world today. The Catalan artist Jaume Plensa wanted to depict the seven continents and their peoples, who are now blending and harmonising in dialogue. When night falls, they light up, each in turn sweeping different colours as a symbol of exchange.

The Fountain of the Sun, installed in the southern semicircle of the square, is another representative work. Apollo, elevated at its centre by a piece of marble, is surrounded by five bronze statues of characters from Greco-Roman mythology. These figures represent the Earth, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Mercury. This artistic gem, designed by Alfred Janniot, is the flagship emblem of this square on the border of Vieux Nice.

Every year, the Nice Carnival takes place between Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais. It's a choice route that continues to showcase this lively part of the city, in the colours and atmosphere of this not-to-be-missed event.

Three days of festivities regularly kick off on the legendary black and white pavement, in the friendly, festive spirit that is so typical of the Côte d'Azur. Flower battles, float parades, animal marches and the election of the Comtes and Comtesses are all part of the event's reputation.

Statues represent the seven continents of the Place Masséna, but it's the diversity of the flora that represents them on the Promenade du Paillon. It's like a carpet of greenery that stretches all the way from the square to Vieux Nice, where it's a pleasure to stroll and live to the rhythm of nature.

Children's play areas, a water mirror and large expanses of greenery are all to be found along this green corridor, much appreciated by the people of Nice and tourists looking for a refreshing break.

In the Côte d'Azur sunshine and in front of these architectural marvels, the desire to sit on the terrace for a lunch break is inevitable. Facing the Fontaine du Soleil, on the ground floor of a building with Italian influences, the Attimi restaurant offers a menu in keeping with the theme. Traditional cuisine, with flavours from Italy; the perfect stop-off before continuing your visits towards the Promenade des Anglais or the hill of the Château.

📍 Address: 10 Place Masséna, 06000 Nice

⏰ O pening times: 12pm - 9pm every day

On the other side of the square, nestled in a small courtyard, is the restaurant La Maison de Marie. In an intimate setting, with attentive staff, guests can enjoy carefully prepared dishes in this almost confidential setting. An encounter between land and sea, amid the charm of Nice's architecture.

📍 Address: 5 Rue Masséna, 06000 Nice

⏰ O pening times: 12pm - 2.30pm / 7pm - 10.30pm every day

From Place Masséna, the Avenue Jean Médecin is home to countless clothing, beauty and leather goods shops, to suit every taste. The Galeries Lafayette, with its five floors overlooking Place Masséna, is a shopping trip that's also a cultural visit, with hundreds of brands to choose from. A shopper's paradise!

If you're on a budget, head for the Carré d'or; Rue paradis, Avenue de Verdun or Rue Masséna, where luxury boutiques share the pavements. Stop off at the luxurious Negresco, just a stone's throw from a host of top-of-the-range shops.

Spend the night at the 5* Negresco