Plan carefully what you want to see and when: opening nights tend to be pricey, while other tickets can be a snip.
The Opéra de Nice was built in 1885, on the site of a theatre that had stood on the site for over a century: a gas explosion during the opening night of Lucia de Lammermoor in 1881 caused a huge fire, destroying the whole previous building and causing the deaths of three singers.
The new theatre was designed by François Aune, a student of Gustave Eiffel, and opened with a performance of Verdi’s Aida on 7 February 1885.
The interior is a cosmopolitan mix of Niçois tradition and Francophilia with Italianate style, including a ceiling fresco depicting the Chariot of the Sun and sculptures of the Muses (music, tragedy, comedy and dance). There is also a magnificent 600-bulb chandelier.
The Opéra was declared a historical monument in 1993. The stage and orchestra pit have both been modernised since its construction, but many original features have been carefully preserved or restored; today it still seats 1,093 spectators for a varied programme of operas, ballets and classical concerts, and is the home of the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra. Don’t miss a show if you’re in town!
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:
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!
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:
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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