Quaint pedestrian lanes wind through the Centre Ville-Gare area of Nice, where many of the city’s historic attractions lie. High-end stores in baroque buildings and majestic squares decorate this central hub, which is near the sandy beach. Visit Nice’s Centre Ville-Gare and make your way through the various quartiers (districts) of this eclectic area.

Rising high from the center of the city is the Notre-Dame de Nice, which dates back to the 1860s. Its façade has a neo-gothic design with gold-leaf linings around its rose window, pediment and square towers. Enter to see the marvelous 19th-century stained-glass windows and return at night when the basilica is illuminated.

Continue learning about Nice’s religious traditions with a trip to the Synagogue de Nice, which was built in 1885. Admire the Byzantine design of the stone frontage and follow the biblical tales on the modern stained-glass windows inside. Across the street lies the St. Nicholas and St. Alexandra Church, one of the city’s three Russian Orthodox churches.

Centre Ville-Gare also offers plenty of options for entertainment, with live shows at the historic Théâtre de la Cité, as well as film showings at the Cinéma des Variétés and the Pathé Masséna. Go on a guided tour of the Opéra de Nice during the day and then enjoy a sophisticated evening of ballet, opera or musical performances.

Relax in one of the open spaces, such as the Jardin Albert, the Opera Beach or the Place Masséna. The latter has an iconic checkered floor and the grand Fontaine du Soleil.

The Centre Ville-Gare is a zone centered around the Gare de Nice Ville railway station in the heart of the city. Travel on the T1 line of the tramway south from the Libération Station to reach the Thiers Station and the Masséna Station at the end of the line.

While in the Centre Ville-Gare, make sure to visit surrounding areas such as Old Nice, Riquier and the Parc du Mont Boron.