Nice Private Walking Tour: Old Town to Belle Epoque

We'll start our journey into the past in the oldest part of Nice. On this ancient square with remnants of a 13th-century monastery, fishmongers now hawk their daily catch to locals.

Nice's Old Town is the vibrant heart of the city. The narrow, shady streets are endlessly fascinating with baroque churches, trendy bars, cozy squares and a jumble of pastel houses. Prepare to be enchanted as we wander the streets noticing the unique details and hidden gems that illuminate Nice's tangled history.

Stalls selling flowers, produce, olives, spices, cheese and soap make the Cours Saleya a feast for the senses. On Monday we'll peruse the antiques market. With its colorful awnings and historic buildings, this bustling square is the heart of old Nice.

Nice's iconic seaside stroll is dotted with striking public art and architecture. Everyone from royalty to celebrities to rock stars filled the stately hotels lining the Promenade. If those walls could talk they would whisper a story of France's most famous murder mystery of the 20th century that took place here.

The gardens of the neo-classical Villa Massena have been recognized as one of the more remarkable in France. Winding paths, groves, palm trees and tropical plants create a luxuriant haven of peace around the Villa that's now a historical museum.

The prestigious Carré d'Or neighborhood is at the heart of Unesco Nice, the part of the city designated a World Heritage Site. The tranquil tree-lined streets are lined with stunning buildings dating from the Belle Epoque and Art Deco periods. Prepare to be wowed by architectural splendor as I point out the elaborate facades of landmark buildings and explain their importance to the Nice story. We'll also discover the churches built by the English, American and Russian communities that settled here.

Here's where classical and modern Nice meet. The Italianate ochre arcades on the northern side are balanced by the Fontaine de Soleil on the southern side. The statue of Apollo in the center was once controversial but is now much beloved. In the middle lies the towering Plensa sculptures that are brilliantly illuminated at night.