Cathedrale Sainte Reparate

Nice's cathedral is one of the city's architectural gems, honouring its patron saint.

TravelCurious Tip

Don’t miss a visit to Fenocchio Glacier in Place Rosetti, which serves the very best ice cream in town.

The breath of angels

Built in the Old Town between 1650 and 1699, Nice Cathedral - or Basilique-Cathédrale Sainte-Marie et Sainte-Réparate de Nice - is the Baroque centrepiece to religious life in the city.

The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Réparate, patron saint to the city and diocese of Nice, who was martyred in Caesarea, Palestine, in the 3rd century. Legend has it that her body was placed in a boat and blown by angels’ breath to Nice, giving the Baie des Anges its name.


New light

While Sainte Réparate looks modest from the outside, the Baroque interior is impressive, colourful and filled with light. Eight years of restoration were completed in 2015, leaving things brighter than ever.

Its 39 metre cupola features Genoese-style varnished tiles, and beautiful stained-glass windows added in 1900. The ten chapels feature a number of paintings and sculptures including an 18th-century polychrome pietà and work by Raimondi, a famous niçois sculptor; until the end of the 17th century, there was a guild responsible for the maintenance of each separate chapel. The cathedral is set in the busy square of Place Rosetti - come here to cool down and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the bustle.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Nice
Le Cours Saleya
A busy and beautiful open-air market in the heart of Nice’s Old Town.
Place Rossetti
Located in the heart of the Old Town, this lovely square is full of restaurants and cafes and is home to Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate.
Palace of the Kings of Sardinia
Also known as the Palace of the Prefecture, is the former Royal Palace of Nice which used to be the residence of the kings of Sardinia.
Palais de Justice
Courthouse located in the Nice Old Town.
Chapelle de la Miséricorde
Chapelle de la Miséricorde is a beautiful Baroque church inside and out, dating from the mid-18th century.
Place du Palais de Justice
At the heart of Vieux Nice, Place du Palais de Justice is a wonderful display of the city's Neoclassical heritage.

Related Tours

Welcome to Nice: Private Half-Day Highlights Walking Tour
Discover Nice’s Old Town, by wandering the many colourful lanes and marketplaces accompanied by your expert local guide and see some of the most famous sights in Nice while also getting to explore some of the city's lesser-known gems.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Begin your tour near Place Masséna, where you will admire the remarkable Fontaine du Soleil built in the early 20th century;
  • See Neuf Lignes Obliques, a sculpture located on the Promenade du Paillon by the artist Bernar Venet;
  • Discover the replica of the Statue of Liberty on the Quai des États-Unis, a gift from the United States in honour of the city's close ties with America;
  • Walk by the Opéra de Nice,  one of the city's most important cultural institutions;
  • Explore the Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, a vibrant market filled with colourful stalls offering fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs;
  • See the Palais de Justice (Courthouse Square), a 19th-century imposing building with a stunning fountain in the front, home to a  market where you can find from books to antiques every Saturday;
  • Walk to Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate), a beautiful 17th-century Baroque church inspired by the churches in Rome;
  • Discover Place Rossetti, in the heart of the charming Old Town, a bustling square and a great spot to grab a coffee or a bite to eat;
  • Climb to Castle Hill, a stunning park perched high above the city where you'll find the Bellanda Tower, a historic watchtower that offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
  • End your tour by snapping a photo at the #ILoveNICE sign to make memories of your time in the beautiful city of Nice.

Step into one of the most iconic and idyllic cities on the French Riviera with a private guide to show you the best of the city. On your tour, you will explore the elegant square Masséna, see the many quaint boutique stores, the Opera de Nice, and the Palace Square, home to the stunning Palace of Justice. 

On the colourful Saleya Square, you will have time to enjoy the famous flower market stalls and some of the many local delicacies on offer when the market is operating (mornings, most days of the year).

The Old Town has some great eateries, old-fashioned bakeries, classic Italian ice-cream parlours and chocolate stores, and your guide will happily recommend several which you can pop into or return to after your tour. You will have time to try it all as well as to take wonderful photos of old Italian Nice. 

You will also have the pleasure of walking along the Promenade des Anglais to view the many historic highlights this area boasts, including the magnificent Hôtel Negresco and Opera de Nice.  

You will also have the pleasure of visiting Nice’s Castle Hill, which was the original site of the trading town founded by the Greeks 2,500 years ago. Not only will you visit Bellanda Tower and the sweeping waterfalls which cascade down to the sea, but also the magnificent viewpoints over the Bay of Angels and Old Town.  

After descending the hill, your guide will take you to the #ILoveNICE sign to take a memorable photo!
The Best of Nice Live Virtual Tour
Explore Nice, a 2600 years old city that became the must-go holiday spot for Royalty and celebrities from all over the world and the second home for people in search of "The French way of life". With your professional tour guide, you will virtually wander the many colourful lanes,  tall pastel buildings and marketplaces.

On this live virtual tour, you will:
  • See the Elegant Massena Square (main square),  where you can find many quaint boutique stores,
  • Explore the Old town, an Italian-influenced district that offers a distinctively Mediterranean flavour,
  • Discover Nice Town hall, an 18th-century historical building,
  • Admire the exterior of the Opera, one of the most spectacular buildings in the city, 
  • See the colourful Saleya square with famous flower market stalls and some of the many local delicacies on offer,
  • See Cathedrale Sainte Reparate,  one of the city's architectural gems, honouring its patron saint,
  • Walk the Promenade des Anglais, the waterfront to view the many historic highlights this area boasts,
  • See the Monument for WWI inaugurated in 1928
  • See The Port which is the base for cruises, excursions and leisure activities.
Private Full Day Tour of Nice
Discover Nice on a full-day tour, with a half-day spent wandering Old Town and the afternoon spent in the comfort of a private vehicle, exploring other city highlights less easily reached by foot. 

On your private full-day tour, you will:

  • Spend the morning traversing Old Town on foot with your private guide. 
  • Explore the Italian-influenced city, with its distinctive Mediterranean flavour, and the mixing flavours of fresh produce at the daily local market.
  • Stroll the city’s highlights, including Bellanda Tower, Place Rossetti, and Opera de Nice.
  • Climb Castle Hill for the best views over the city, with views of the pastel-painted city, striped umbrellas, and mega-yachts in the neighbouring harbour. 
  • Pop back into the city centre, where you will enjoy lunch at your leisure. Your guide will be happy to recommend locations. (Price of lunch not included in the tour).
  • After lunch, hop into a private vehicle with your guide to see more of the city’s highlights, including Le Negresco, the Garden of Arenas Cimiez, Mont Boron, and the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum.
  • After your tour, your guide will happily take you back to your hotel in Nice. 

Step into one of the most iconic and idyllic cities in the French Riviera with a private guide to show you the best of the city. On your tour, you will explore the elegant square Masséna, see the many quaint boutique stores, the Opera de Nice, and the Palace Square, home to the stunning Palace of Justice. On the colourful Saleya Square, you will have time to enjoy the famous flower market stalls and some of the many local delicacies on offer when the market is operating (mornings, most days of the year).
The Old Town has some great eateries, old-fashioned bakeries, classic Italian ice-cream parlours and chocolate stores, and your guide will happily recommend several which you can pop into or return to after your tour. You will have time to try it all as well as to take wonderful photos of old Italian Nice. 

Then visit Nice’s Castle Hill, which was the original site of the trading town founded by the Greeks 2,500 years ago. Not only will you visit Bellanda Tower and the sweeping waterfalls which cascade down to the sea, but also the magnificent viewpoints over the Bay of Angels and Old Town. After descending the hill, your guide will take you into the city centre or back into Old Town to enjoy an hour’s respite for lunch. 

In the afternoon, hop in the car to cruise through several more of the city’s highlights, including Promenade des Anglais, a favourite walk-way of the European nobility of the last century and home to the magnificent Hôtel Negresco, the art deco Palais de la Méditerranée, and Le Opera de Nice. Then ascend Mont Boron for spectacular views over the mountainous and seafront landscape. Visit the Garden of Arenas Cimiez, ancient Roman ruins, which sit atop one of the hillsides of the area. After your tour ends, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or in the city centre, which you can discuss with your guide on the day of the tour. 
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